Ballheads... Which one would you buy?

Ok, so I'm looking for a new ballhead. If money really wasn't an object, which would you buy? As a few suggestions come in I might setup a poll but for now I don't have anything to go on.

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For what?

SoundsGood wrote in post #6922889
For what?

What do you mean for what? What do I shoot? I normally shoot nature landscapes.

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I have a Markins M10, and I can certainly recommend it. I don't think you can go wrong with a Kirk or RRS ballhead either.

beachbum2277 wrote in post #6922928
What do you mean for what? What do I shoot? I normally shoot nature landscapes.

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What type mount are you wanting a BH for ? One of the most popular BHs' is the Manfrotti 488RC2 and the 486RC2 . The 488RC2 is a panning head with knob control and the 486RC2 has a different panning head . Both are great for consumer uses but depends which you need for your main purposes . I have the 488RC2 on a Monopod 681B which i use at the moment . Works perfect for my use . I move around alot . There is alot of other popular BHs' but i think you will find the most reviews here on the 488RC2 .

This one:
https://www.isarfoto.c​om …1,ps:az/en/0/Pr​odukt.html

Topped with:

http://www.kirkphoto.c​om/QRC3.jpg

Here is why.
http://www.naturfotogr​af.com/burzynski.html

A little comparison.
http://www.websiteopti​mization.com/speed/twe​ak/ballhead/

BH-55LR and one of their L plates.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …items.asp?kc=BH​-55-LR&eq=

I'd get a Markins. M10 or M20 depending on tripod used. Or an Arca Z1.

If you're looking at the Burzynsky: Gitzo now has something very similar: The Systematic Head:

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beachbum2277 wrote in post #6922857
Ok, so I'm looking for a new ballhead. If money really wasn't an object, which would you buy? As a few suggestions come in I might setup a poll but for now I don't have anything to go on.

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Depends on the tripod model and what you plan on supporting...your initial question is too ambiguous, but I'll give it a 'general' stab:

If its a Gitzo 2-series, I'd go with a Markins M-10 with the mating tripod base, TB-20. Excellent ballhead, no drift or slop, only two control knobs: main locking knob with integral drag control, and a second panning lock knob. The Gitzo 2-series is also lens rated...by that, I mean that Gitzo recommends it for use with lenses up to 300mm. I use my 2-series and Markins with a 5D and either 70-200/2.8 or 100-400L without any problems. I went with Markins for this reason, as well as the fact that its a bit taller than the RRS BH-40. Since I don't use a center column, the added height of the M-10 (combined with the tripod base), makes life easier.

If its a Gitzo 3-series, then the Markins M-20 with the appropriate tripod base. If you shoot long lenses such as 400mm, etc, then the Gitzo 3-series would fit the bill (but you'd probably need a good Wimberley head).

Same one I have now, BH-55, its a great ballhead...Jeff

If I had the funds I'd replace my converted Manfrotto 488 with an RRS BH-55...

jmik26 wrote in post #6926715
Same one I have now, BH-55, its a great ballhead...Jeff

ditto...

René Damkot wrote in post #6926045
I'd get a Markins. M10 or M20 depending on tripod used. Or an Arca Z1.

If you're looking at the Burzynsky: Gitzo now has something very similar: The Systematic Head:

Having used the Burzinski I love it. Loosening one of the two knobs allows the ball to move, but not flop. It is the most rock solid ball head I have ever had experience with. The one downside is it only angles to 45 degrees so brackes are a must if you want to shoot in portrait mode. That or long glass with a tripod ring.

In looking at the Gitzo version, I am not sure that it is as solid nor would I trust their ring design with out a good testing.

Hey guys, thanks for all the suggestions. Sorry for being a little vague with my initial post. First off, I use one of the Adorama Flashpoint tripods. The most weight I normally put on it is the 5D, grip and a 100-400. Right now I'm using the Adorama Flashpoint head which isn't too bad. I guess I was just looking for a more fluid ballhead.

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So, now knowing what I use and what I use it for, does that change your suggestions?

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