Why aren't there more lower cost arca swiss ballheads?

I bought a manfrotto and I guess in doing so I "bought into" the RC2 release system. I am considering making the jump to Arca Swiss but it seems like the ballheads are in a whole league of their own price-wise (markins, etc).

This doesn't make much sense to me. I'm looking for the same caliber ballhead as a 488rc2, just with a different top. I guess I could switch the adapter plate on top of my manfrotto ballhead but even then it seems expensive (around $80 on BH plus the chance I mess up my ballhead). Like these[URL]

Would these work with the 488rc2?
[URL][URL]http://www.b​hphotovideo.com/c/prod​uct/327819-REG/Acratech_1142_Quic​k_Release_Clamp_with.h​tml
[URL][URL]http://www.b​hphotovideo.com/c/prod​uct/342301-REG/Arca_Swiss_802007_​Quick_Release_with_Fli​p_lock.html

Adorama's Flashpoint QR Clamp

Adorama's Flashpoint F3 Ballhead

Both are A-S compatible. You can easily upgrade a Manfrotto 488RC2 with the Flashpoint clamp. I upgraded mine with the RRS Lever clamp, but I've added the Flashpoint clamp to other Manfrotto heads.

Wait for a used Markins or Photoclam to come up. Photoclam new is not that much more than a Manfrotto 496. Especially when you factor in the extra mount purchase.

merlin2375 wrote in post #10792315
I am considering making the jump to Arca Swiss but it seems like the ballheads are in a whole league of their own price-wise (markins, etc).

This doesn't make much sense to me. I'm looking for the same caliber ballhead as a 488rc2, just with a different top.

It's not just "a different top", the Arca Swiss is a piece of engineering art. It has many features that are really well designed, the aspherical ball for example. It also takes a huge load and the way is secures the ball when you just turn the knob slightly is amazing, even with huge lenses. I havn't used Manfrotto much, but I have used expensive Gitzo ballheads and they are really, really bad compared to the Arca-Swiss. I think you really have to try it to understand.

victor,

While true, it does not explain why a company like Manfrotto continue to design and manufacture their own second rate QR devices when A-S have already got the answer. Yes, some manufacturers are realising that they can gain an advantage by offering it/them, but not enough.

I'm also surprised that Canon does not offer tripod ring mounts with A-S plates moulded in, the standard bolt-on plates just look amateur.

viktorsundberg wrote in post #10798217
It's not just "a different top", the Arca Swiss is a piece of engineering art. It has many features that are really well designed, the aspherical ball for example. It also takes a huge load and the way is secures the ball when you just turn the knob slightly is amazing, even with huge lenses. I havn't used Manfrotto much, but I have used expensive Gitzo ballheads and they are really, really bad compared to the Arca-Swiss. I think you really have to try it to understand.

I have no doubt some of the ballheads that you AS are much better than Manfrotto. They are considerably more expensive so they better be. When I say different top, I am simply referring to literally the adapter and related quick release system, not the ballhead design, or anything else.

Lowner wrote in post #10798320
victor,

While true, it does not explain why a company like Manfrotto continue to design and manufacture their own second rate QR devices when A-S have already got the answer. Yes, some manufacturers are realising that they can gain an advantage by offering it/them, but not enough.

I'm also surprised that Canon does not offer tripod ring mounts with A-S plates moulded in, the standard bolt-on plates just look amateur.

I recently learned there is nothing formally spec'd out as AS. AS was invented but there are no known specifications, that's probably why Canon has stayed away.