MCAsan, no doubt it's a great ballhead, All of the choices in the OP (with the exception of Benro are top choices and no matter which way I go I'm hoping it lasts a very long time. The issue is balancing price and weight into the equation.
Peter, awesome feedback and information, thanks. Exactly the type I was hoping to get. So, if I hear you correctly you're thinking the Q3 is perfect based on my current equipment, but maybe a little light duty in the future should I end up with a 100-400 or other monster. Even with a tripod mount? BTW, want to sell me one of your Q3's?
I converted the link Peter supplied to english so I could better understand it and figured maybe some of you would benefit too. Here's what it says (not 100%, but pretty close). Sorry, but it's a bit long.
Arca Swiss Z1 Ball Mono
Sooner or later one of the Arca Swiss name comes along, at least when one is dealing more intensively with the purchase of a high quality ball head. Originally in Switzerland and now based in France Company (ARCA = all round camera) has - made worldwide by the previous ball Monoball B1 a name - in addition to large format cameras. Reason is the high manufacturing precision, and especially the high holding strength, which is estimated at up to 55 KG for the presented and current Monoball Z1.
We have tested the Monoball Z1 without Schnellwechsehalterung, he can also buy a version including support. It is equipped with a scenic drive and a separate lever Fixer. The latter allows a high compressive force is placed on Hauptfeststellrad bit tight and made of plastic. The rubberized Hauptfeststellrad with integrated Friktionsrädchen runs smooth as silk and makes no great effort of finding a high ball. The high strength duralumin CNC-machined head has an aspheric (not quite round) ball. The latter starts therefore from lateral tilting of the attached equipment, does, however, only at lower coating weights of significantly reducing. After all, a nice feature that can increase the fun on the head.
The lock button after wobbling in our sample about 0.5 mm, ie he still has a minimal game that fails, however, much lower than about the Markins Q-3. Measurement technology used produces very good results as expected: it sags after locking at least in the weight class up to about 3 KG practically off and has a peak at the shock damping. 55 kg, however, at least in lean not realistic, we estimate it to 8 more KG holding ability.
600 gr (without quick-change holder) and a cost of 280 €, it is certainly a head for hochambitonierte photographers. A slightly lighter and more compact version of the head we would have preferred for the carefree outdoor use. Small weaknesses such as lack of panoramic scaling or something closely placed panorama locking lever would be better, take the head but nothing of its legendary reputation.
Arca Swiss Mono Ball P0 (SlideFix)
Arca-Swiss proclaimed with his still quite fresh, innovative design of the mono-P0-Ball series its leading position among ball manufacturers. The underlying idea is appealing, in fact, as was a conventional locking lever dispensed with and instead provided by a corrugated metal ring, the clamping function. Internal fix three Spannemelemente the ball. In practice, this principle works properly. Advantage: the photographer to blind even in non-horizontal positions, the realization, while classic lever switch like the position and do require you to grip.
The unusual design is based - like the Novoflex Magic Ball - and Others on the reversal of classical ball heads. The ball is not replaced by the base but was realized as a support platform. In principle, the integrated view on top is ideal for real-horizontal panoramic applications as are pivoting through a tapered base of stand no longer an issue. If the head is aligned horizontally with the integrated water balance should be subject to 360-degree pans always remain in the horizontal.
On our specimen, the water level is not exactly embedded, so that a complete rotation, unfortunately, still produces and left. Small disadvantage of the panorama plate mounting, the necessary two-hand operation, for example if pivoted to portrait format and the alignment to be adjusted vertically. Then it is not enough, the ball - to swing in itself, but the panoramic plate must be solved addition and fixed again - as in traditional ball heads.
Haptic the Festellring is all right, he does not wobble in the version edited to be of valued, can be somewhat displaced in the height of what the good impression, however, is not detrimental. The proverbial butter smooth ride quality locking lever but can not quite convey tactile and drive for frequent use due to the metal ribbing the formation of calluses.
The Mono Ball P0 is therefore without friction adjustment, which is problematic because of the aspherical ball shape at higher weight restrictions, however: the slightly oval shape starts off-center positions discreetly on with increasing resistance. Advantage: We need to worry about any major friction adjustment (which is often a little more satisfactory compromise between stiffness and adaptation to the individual weight aversion to hard / breaking).
The holding abilities are in the moderate weight of 350 gr really useful: 2.8 KG-bearing weight of the P0 slumped after only 1 mm. However, about 6 KG place in the slope dar. we determined upper limit that regard, one should consider the manufacturer's instructions of 20 KG somewhat different.
The SlideFix quick-change mounting clamps from a classical standard Arca unfortunately different quick-change plate, a reliable (especially for around 45 € to acquire up), although the clamping distance is very short. can put on and remove sometimes be slightly notchy, but basically works fine.
to describe the overall impression of around 285 € expensive Arca-P0 is a high-noble, who is a friend of his mechanics, is at the very high-quality execution have joy. Because the disadvantages mentioned small change in the handling (a little hard locking ring, if not completely accurate panoramic bubble) only slightly. Pity, however, that the very expensive camera plates hit book, if for example would equip several objectives with tripod clamps in addition.
FLM Center Ball 38 FT
With 465 grams of the FLM Center Ball 38 FT is located in one weight class, is it even for relatively carefree outdoor use. It has some features that are unique and patented. This includes a tilt function that holds the head in the tilt plane and to prevent a lateral pivoting. In this respect, it combines classic features with a ball tilt head design. They offer a compelling all wanted us to this interesting idea in itself, because the tilt plane is only at a low coating weight and actually fixed.
Better we liked a similarly unique feature that was implemented by means of separate PRS buttons. It makes audible in panoramic shots by steel spring and screening clicking sounds. The photographer needs therefore Panoramic only the clicking sounds to count and can swivel almost blindly to the next section. The PRS-button should help facilitate the unscrewing from the tripod, as he pushed through the panorama plate firmly fixed. In practice, we could not understand the latter so completely prefer to have it used to also present a panoramic set screw.
Addendum: brings the Panoplatte in 0-position, then can the PRS-button use as intended and locks. This then facilitates turning the tripod.
FLM also sells a quick-change unit to upgrade the head afterwards. When you remove this, however, extremely practical add-on, then allows the camera support plate of the head, unscrew and reposition the connecting bolts of 1 / 4 to 3/8-inch. It demonstrates that - in conjunction with the specified load of up to 25 KG - that he will be designed for heavy equipment such as medium format cameras.
In our test, the head could not, however, during the critical lean meet these demands and have slumped in our second test configuration with the EOS 40D + Canon 70-200mm f2.8 + flash (2.8 kg) completely. For about 2.3 KG but he has the bearing weight without sagging stronger. The damping of vibrations it is possible only with below-average 20 lines.
For around 270 € the buyer receives a fully equipped head, convinced of manufacturing technology in a continuous metal structure with low noise and fat-free running ball. The number buttons are also labeled exemplary and facilitate the operation. The latter, however, because of the wealth of controls is not particularly intuitive. By holding the skills we had expected more.
2. Addendum: If the manufacturer has written to us and a night prayers in that it allows relatively low holding capacity was unable to understand (we were served a test pattern, in which 5 KG sustainability are evident, but not - as tested by us - in an inclined position of the ball and without recognized camera equipment). We repeated the test run and then with 2.8 KG at an angle. This weight we were able to retest after several attempts to fix actually only relatively strongly tightened lock screw in addition to the very tightly drawn friction screw. have tested However, as we all ball heads of comparison (some heads have no friction) without friction, the test results are still valid: without friction but with the screw tightened the FLM bagged the test weight of 2.8 kg (EOS 40D + Speedlite 580 + Canon EF 70-200/2, 8 L USM) completely.
Kirk BH 3
The Kirk BH-3, we have imported from the United States for 303 dollars. Plus import duty (3.7%) and import VAT (19%) so it costs the equivalent of around 240 €. Because of the rapid transit option used the settlement was welcome after 4 days and fast delivery time, we were able to test out it already.
The machined from 6061-Alumnium head conveys to immediately - and for the price range as expected - a very high quality impression. The locking wheel are also completely made of metal and secured to prevent accidental linking. A rubber instead of metal corrugation would give an even more comfortable grip.
By Hauptfeststellrad can fix the fat-free and silent running ball safely. The lock button does not work quite as smooth as cream such as in the Benro J or the Arca Swiss Mono Ball attacks, but without a game and after just over a quarter turn, the ball sits rock solid.
The head is delivered (attachable PZ3-universal, with Allen key) with a quick-change holder and say, offered a quick-release plate. As with the Benro heads the J-series, the plate can be used by all sides in the bracket and is also arcakompatibel. The change provides additional support another level, however, are covered by the regularly scheduled camera is. You can align the head, but before putting already horizontally and as such this feature use of horizontal panoramic shots.
The separately fixable panorama plate is provided with a scale and is solid and no play. Technically, measurement of the 550 gr serious head was a very low Nachsacktoleranz completely convincing, however, dampens vibrations with 60 lines only slightly. Gratifying that the manufacturer specifies a realistic and comprehensible by us support maximum weight exceeding 7.5 kg.
Manfrotto 468 MG RC4
468 potters in a so-called hydrostatic - Manfrotto patent pending - principle, is produced in the liquid by extremely high parking compound. The advantages lie not only in the ability to maintain very high coating weights but also in a short Feststellweg. Right here believe the 468, because after about half a rotation of the large and comfortable rubberized locking screw, the ball sits rock solid. Added an intelligent embedded in metal running friction screw, the tactile feedback and are convinced by scanning steps.
Not only coarse Moto Rikern also meets the large capacity hard screw for the lower scaled panorama plate. Insofar as the Manfrotto 468 is not only well equipped (including two dragonflies in the version presented here provide RC4) but also by the fixation levers running excellent.
The high holding capacity confirms our plummet: only 1mm sagging at 2.8 kg load, and 7 mm when using the 4 kg heavy equipment to the Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM are in the frontline of the test field located. The manufacturer's specifications for maximum weight of 16 kg are quite moderate, could in practice is beyond the clearly marked (or at least could be produced in massive pressure of about one ton in a tilted position to pose a significant slump).
Manfrotto-pleasing and not necessarily typical of the implementation of quick-change holder (RC-4 version) is because the large, round heavy 90gr included quick release hooks itself without Nachzuwackeln in the secured holder. Another highlight is the high damping capacity, as the shocks by mirror slap moderates and facilitates high-resolution image results.
Therefore without error and blame? The enthusiasm obscures the greased and not quite odorless, Teflon-coated ball a bit. The head is despite greasing not without scratching sounds. Who has kept high quality ball heads once in the hand is the Manfrotto 468 also a certain coarseness as award because of the cast-iron Panoplatte can. In addition, the neck is slightly tapered so that - without using the two holes - the adjustment is somewhat concentrated. The bottom line is talk but in particular the excellent performance and feel of the main set screw for the 250 and 690gr € expensive but not very light head.
Markins Q3
285 € is the Markins Q3 priced at the upper limit of the test field. But the buyer receives a large extent completely equipped head, which is made of high strength duralumin and weighs only 385 grams. He is basically the Benro J-series or the Arca-Swiss Mono Ball Z and has similar Hauptfeststellrad in a small Friktionsrädchen. This structure is particularly subtle and promotes quick and intuitive operation.
The integrated quick release bracket is the Arca-Swiss compatible standard, (included in the purchase price is not a disk) so that can be associated to the standard quick release use across manufacturers. Here too, the Markins Q3 allows the camera set up on all sides. In the quick-change mount a small spirit level is integrated to the head when not in the camera is horizontally aligned.
The values provided with degree panoramic level can be separately via a clamp screw. In that regard, are the essential features for the Markins head realized. The main lock button is the oft-quoted and pleasant "buttery smooth" running full justice, but has a surprising amount of play. I.e. wiggled the button, as amended, relatively conspicuous 2-3mm.
When testing the Nachsacktendenz is on a very low level and vibrations are damped with 300 lines very well. Given the low weight and compact dimensions, the head of a real recommendation for the photo tour, even using heavy telephoto lenses (up to about 8 kg in slope). Were it not for the little faux pas with the nachwackelnden locking button, then it could have been more clear favorite of the test field as the best compromise between quality low weight, functionality, or retaining and damping capabilities.
Novoflex Magic Ball MB 50
He is the Design Award Winner 1998 for excellent Novoflex MB 50 structurally also featured mini-version is almost identical. However, he weighs 610 grams and costs almost twice as well as a few euros more (price about 230 €). He also has a decent integrated Friktionshebel support for individual weight adjustment. In the hands of the made of an aluminum-magnesium alloy, MB 50 is solid and gives a very high quality impression.
Instead of a quick-change system is offered a large thumb screw, which in practice proves also quite fast. However, the holding capacity at higher coating weight are limited, since you can unscrewing by hand and the camera can not always achieve the required strength. The principle of spherical head with drip tray and is embedded ball is on the Magic Ball turned on its head and a large, metallic bow deck includes the ball from above. The locking lever is also made of metal with a brushed surface and is fed and grippy in the hand - a four-part rotation and the head is fixed.
Due to the projecting lower edges of the metal bracket, the vertical tilt capabilities limited to 45 degrees. The user must therefore if necessary - as when in landscape orientation should be perpendicular to the sky or photographed deep in the bottom area - keeps the camera on the thumbscrew and turn 90 degrees. This works relatively quickly, but requires only two steps. Elegant would be an integrated panorama plate was.
Technically, the measured values satisfy the reluctance of low coating weight of 1.3 KG - set to be the more, the more likely is a sagging of the head to accept. The support weight limit on a slope is about 4.5 kg. Dampens vibrations of the Magic Ball with 200 lines quite well.
RRS BH-55 LR
The U.S. producer Really Right Stuff (RRS) for tripod accessories has earned an excellent reputation with rock-solid ball heads. The newly included in our test field RRS BH-55 LR bursts because of its high weight of 900gr 660gr actually our test specification. However, we have included it due to some demands.
Around 455 U.S. dollars due to the presented BH-55 LR with Arca-compatible quick release system including quick-release lever. Plus shipping and import duties (tariff 3.7% and 19% VAT) will be due at about 420 euros for the acquisition. He is not only in weight but also on the purchase price from the top position of the test.
Striking is the very handy, large locking screw, even with the gentle turning the ball locked in place and also at a higher coating weight reliably holds the equipment. Offered two additional screws: a scaled friction and the approval for the panorama plate. The quick-release lever (in one of the LR version) enables a very fast operation and arrested a quick release plate safely without nachzuruckeln. To overcome the force keeps the clamping and releasing limited, so that usually a little heavier tripod does not have to hold in addition.
The fluted metal locking screws had done a good gum that is not only skin friendly but would also be comfortable in cool weather. Small criticism also deserves a little too far recessed friction screw. If they screwed far, it can be solved nurnoch difficult due to low grip surface.
Not quite the best placement is the friction and pan lock screws, as they are secondary to the central locking screw and claim a two-handed operation. A complete repositioning is on an attached equipment thus somewhat more difficult. Advantageous, however, the two-time recess, the reluctance or portrait positions contrary comes as the Panoplatte or only a piece of it must be rotated. For panoramic images, the base can have a leveling plate ($ 45) upgrade to perform in addition to the alignment of the quick release plate horizontally oriented pans.
The results for the holding abilities speak for themselves. A relevant sagging is practically not detectable. At our highest pressure weight (3.9 kg) are located on the 4 mm absolute highest level and being undercut by nurnoch Triopo B3 minimal.
In extreme inclination we trust the BH-55 8KG about sustainability, to more normal positions specified by the manufacturer 25 KG is likely to be true. The damping capacity of 380 lines are also the highest level and go with the Arca-Manfrotto 468 Mono Ball Z 1 and the same.
Currently, the BH-55 from his performance in the top of the test field. For corporate applications, a great head for outdoor deployments due to the weight certainly suitable only for very short distances or sports photographers.
Many thanks to Werner Pflaum for providing copy of the test!
RRS BH-40 LR
The smaller brother weighs 480gr with about half of the above presented BH 55 and is thus better suited for mobile use. About 340 € to be (EUST 375 U.S. dollars plus a shipping fee + 19% + 3.7% duty) will be due on the purchase of high-quality head. Until the arrival of the shipment, we had a full, long month waiting *, after all, could reasonably be via tracking stations will track the shipment.
Moderately facilities offered by the BH-40-like features such as the big brother: Panorama Drive, two recesses, separate friction, and instead of the massive parking wheel for a big screw. Due to the compact size, this large metal locking screw is the reluctance in the way sometimes, but can be teilentkoppeln. Similarly, it is pushed to the scaled friction and the panorama locking screw. Although they can be easily operate freely, but to get there regularly simultaneously with two fingers in contact.
The version presented here with clamping function on the quick attitude works cleanly with some Arca quick release plates (eg Benro) because of the low tolerance of the terminal pathway, however, have some other arca-compatible disks problems (eg slip Triopo plates simply). The manufacturers offer special - not included - sheets for the LR version of the head (see manufacturer's information).
The workmanship of the BH-40 is expected, at a high level, the head is solid in the hand and all components are made of metal. The locking screw has a large comfortable grip surface, but it lacks some of the buttery soft tread, you have rather the feeling with a simple screw terminal to handle.
As the maximum loading weight are the manufacturers at 9 KG, we would begin the ceiling, at least in critical slopes around 6.5 KG. The smaller edition for Nachsacktoleranz weight at the BH 40 low: about 2 mm at 2.8 KG (70-200/2, 8 + Compact Flash + camera) are described as good. Technically, the damping head makes no openings.
Overall, the purchaser acquires a rock solid head, however - as a smaller brother of the BH-55 - will be just under 500g yet factored as a weight factor on the road and received due to its very tight controls placed some comfort compromise.
* Commentary by W. Pflaum by email:
"Ui, ie 1 month, what with me never lasted. One time I waited 3 weeks with a big order, but because I knew in advance that an item was not immediately available. I usually did so after about 3-6 days in all hands - most of them it was the duty laid most of the time Usually it was passed on the day of the order or in San Luis Obispo to the UPS driver -.. according to tracking However, I have never ordered by USPS (ie ordinary mail). "
Traumflieger comment
A central thrust of our report was the search for a head that is holding at high skills and good equipment due to its light weight and compact design for outdoor use - that is the easy photo trip - is suitable. We found the Markins Q3 and the Arca Monoball P0, which meet these criteria. The buyer will be asked, however, properly to checkout, plus quick release plate for over 300 € required.
Also excellent in its holding ability and at similar price level of the Arca Swiss Z1 single ball is located. Because of its aspheric ball or even an idea the buttery soft run of the locking button, it acts on us a little idea of noble than the Markins. One acquires the Arca Monoball in a version with quick-change system, it weighs about 670 grams, this weight, we think the photo trip, at least for borderline then when every gram counts. In the studio he used to beat but barely. The same is true for the more serious RRS BH-55, the production technology is without question on the excellent level of Monoball Z1, a little better holding abilities but is also more expensive.
Of the maximum holding capacity, and the pleasant feel of the main set screw provides the Manfrotto 468 MG the greatest comfort of the test field RC4, but also on the road you have to live with a fairly high weight. Overall, however, it offers the best performance throughout the test area and is priced comparatively attractive.
The Kirk BH3 is flawless, aside from little things like the rather low damping of vibrations and the usual in this price range but not present in the integration of the friction screw locking lever. The buyer will receive for 240 € a head including quick release plate, which is also recommended for high weight requirements - like the whole Kirk also act a little cold.
With many special features are highlights of the FLM Center Ball Head 38 FT. Those who travel with more equipment and is looking for a light refined head with many features, can be happy with it. A little training time is necessary because of the many set screws for a fleet operation on site, however.
The Novoflex Magic Ball is 50 MB not least thanks to its unusual design and its high production qualities to become a stalwart among ambitious photographers. Even professionals such as Michael Martin you see in the desert with his head to operate successfully. However, the buyer is certain compromises in user-friendliness by the lack of such a panoramic plane or restricted Neigfähigkeiten.
