CHEAP tripod heads that take acra plates?

A buddy of mine and I were talking about how annoying it is to get caught out w/o a camera and or tripod at times. I "always" have a camera with me, but I do often leave the legs behind. But he got me thinking... I have an old pair of heavy bogen legs I don't use anymore just laying around. I do not have a head for them. But I'd love to get a very inexpensive head that takes acra style plates. I don't always have my L-bracket on the 5Dii, so ideally this would also come with one bottom of the camera only style plate....

So, <$100 (less hopefully) ballheads with acra clamps?

amvona has this for $77:
http://www.amvona.com …ew=1&product_id​=3070#buzz

what other options am I missing?

Why not just get an Arca-style adapter and replace the adapter on any other head you may have around? A number of people have done this with Manfrotto 488 heads.

Jon wrote in post #7562454
Why not just get an Arca-style adapter.

link?
or do you mean a new clamp on an old head?

Jon wrote in post #7562454
any other head you may have around?

I don't have any other heads though...

How cheap is cheap? I think Markins makes from pretty fine heads for the price. What about the Q3?

Sean wrote in post #7562510
How cheap is cheap?

jacobsen1 wrote in post #7562426
So, <$100 (less hopefully) ballheads with acra clamps?

I might look into these 2 benros:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Quick.html#spec​ifications
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Quick.html#spec​ifications
but they're $150 and $175 which is getting a bit much for a spare....

amnova also has 2 bigger ones for slightly more:
$99: http://www.amvona.com …ge&view=1&produ​ct_id=3075
$119: http://www.amvona.com …ge&view=1&produ​ct_id=3064

Jon wrote in post #7562454
Why not just get an Arca-style adapter and replace the adapter on any other head you may have around? A number of people have done this with Manfrotto 488 heads.

This is what I was going to suggest as well.

I've been using the Flashpoint F-3 for a couple of months now and not much to complain about for the price. They are sold by Adorama.

You could get a Giottos head for less than 100 then an "Arca" standard replacement for the quick release.

Giottos Arca quick release ($60 plus arca type plate)
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ick_Release_Ass​embly.html

Giottos MH1002 Ballhead. ($59)
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ssional_Compact​_Ball.html

I just got a Flashpoint F-1 ball head and I am pleased at how well it works ... and I am comparing it to a much bigger and more expensive Giottos MH-3300. It is finished well, appears to be well built, and is ARCA compatible. I am using it with Gottos Arca compatible plates with no problem, although it comes with a plate of its own. Even in portrait orientation, It holds my 50D with 70-300 with no creep after I set it. It's also very light (less than a pound). I recommend it at about $50 US at Adorama.

Maxdave

timeasterday wrote in post #7564788
I've been using the Flashpoint F-3 for a couple of months now and not much to complain about for the price. They are sold by Adorama.

Maxdave wrote in post #7567650
I just got a Flashpoint F-1 ball head and I am pleased at how well it works ...

although it comes with a plate of its own.

any idea of the F-3 has it's own plate? There's on in the pic, but I can't see if it says for sure on their description:
http://www.adorama.com​/FPTH3.html

thanks for the suggestion though guys, I didn't know of them and that's looking pretty good.

The F-3 comes with its own QR plate. A bit larger than the F-1 (which I also have).

One of the reviews on the F-3 page (second page of reviews) mentions the plate. I suspect it does have one included.

Maxdave

Yeah, I've got one of those Amvona heads and if I was to say they suck that would be putting it nicely. Stupid thing would constantly creep on me.

BTW, Kirk, Markins, and Wimberley plates won't work on it. Their version of the safety catch prevents them from mounting.

^ I use RRS plates w/o any safety pins, so I should be OK with any of the 3 right?
the flashpoint is in the lead though.

not sure if benro has any improvement on their ballhead design yet. Have you look at photo clam line up yet? I have the 74N and love it.

http://reallybigcamera​s.com …/Photo%20Clam%2​0Table.htm