(looking for a) New Ball Head . . .

I thought about having Bob build me a head, but in the meantime, I bought one of these used from one of the forum members. It is a beautiful thing. This is going to make a good companion for the Wimberly.

Thanks so much for the tips, links, and stickies. Buying is at least half the fun . . . and at the end one gets to 'choose.' I want a Gwen Stefani 'Rock Steady' ball head, lol.

This is a lot like a NASA moon shot of old. Rounding up all the proper gear to make the 'perfect' shot.

Thanks.

belmondo wrote:
I thought about having Bob build me a head, but in the meantime, I bought one of these used from one of the forum members. It is a beautiful thing. This is going to make a good companion for the Wimberly.

so what setup do you use for your train shots?
the wimberly? if so it is needed or overkill?

Monty

Markins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sure like my Kirk BH-3 and I use it with a 10D, battery grip and the 100-400 all the time. It is "rock solid" and stays where I put it, for about $240 pluse Arca style plates. Having said that, I hear a lot of good things about the Acratech and I might get one for the Gitzo 1228CF that I have on my "wish" list when I can save up enough. The Acratech is reported to be as stable as the Kirk, but is lighter. Hope this helps.

In my opinion, the Wimberly is nearly essential on very large lenses. Its main asset is the ability to balance the camera/lens. If properly setup, you can allow the lens to 'hang' in just about any attitude without having to tighten the friction knob.

Since the vast majority of trains I photograph are moving, having the ability to pan and change attitude easily is pretty important.

BTW, I'm now changing over to Arca/Swiss compatible heads on everything. I don't believe it's any better than the Manfrotto/Bogen quick release systems, but I want complete interchangeability among all my equipment.

thank you belmondo. i think i have mentioned before that i grew up around trains. so i will prolly give them a go in time.
now these wimberly products...are they common at camera shops? as i would like to see and play with one. all i have seen around me so far is bogen, some gitzo, velbon (sp).
i had decided on bogen 3021BPRO legs but not on a head yet. but since i am still confused and such i am far from set in stone on legs and head.

what is considered a large lens? 400, 500, 1-400, 70-200 IS
as i am pretty sure i will end up with one of the latter 2, but not sure if i can justify the 4 or 5 though it would be nice.

as for interchangebility...ca​n ou explain this a bit more please?

i see that bodies have a socket with 1/4-20 threads for tripod use.
is there another thread used by some makers?
can i put a gitzo head on bogen legs?

thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Monty

The lenses that are large enough to absolutely "require" a gimble head are the 500mm primes and larger,. but lenses like the 300mm f/2.8 or 200mm f/1.8 will certainly benifit as well.

What a Gimble mount gives you that NO other head will give you no matter what the size lens is though,. is the speed and fluidity of motion that otherwise is only availble when hand held. So some people will use much lightere,. hand holdable lenses with a gimble,. as it will take the weight, let you move fast and yet still offer tripod stability and reduce camera shake dramatically over hand held.

Nothing let's you move that fast with as much stability.

All heads and tripods will work together.

I use quick release mounting plates whevever possible. I never screw the tripod directly into a camera or lens. I want to be able to use any tripod with any lens/camera. At present, I have the Arca/Swiss system on the Wimberly mount and one other tripod with an Acratech ball head. I also have the Bogen/Manfrotto heads on another tripod and my monopod. I am currently replacing all the Bogen/Manfrotto heads with Arca/Swiss compatible units.

Just about every camera/lens uses 1/4"-20 threads. Most heads mount to the tripod with 3/8"-16 threads. You can't usually screw a camera directly onto a set of legs without an adapter or some kind of head.

As long as they both have the above-mentioned 3/8"-16 thread. Otherwise, an adapter will be required.

I was hoping this thread would get down to brass tacks . . .

and i thank you for the responses.

not that it makes my decision any easier, but at least i can make an informed one now.
until i can think of more questions to ask.

Monty

The information in this thread is very helpful. This is a perfect example why I hang around here so much!

Thanks for the advice everyone! I just took the plunge today and ordered an Acratech ball head. It seems like kind of an overkill for my Drebel, but I guess in a few years I will have a better camera and then at least I won't need to get a new ball head to match it.

You're goint to love it. The overall look, feel, and quality are impressive.

Rokkorfan: Can you tell me where you bought the Markins? I have read a lot of good things about the Markins M10. It's not widely available outside of South Korea, is it?