Best tripod head?

Tomash wrote in post #11719716
That was my reasoning. I could spend $200 or $300 on a tripod, but if it isn't going to be perfectly stable, then it's a waste of $200-300 - after all a tripod has but one purpose.

But it's one pretty fricken important one.

Gizmo1137 wrote in post #11719668
You might look at Really Right Stuff.

If a person is looking for a Camry why point him towards a Lamborghini?

Tomash wrote in post #11719520
Going by your gear list in your sig, the Q3 would seem sufficient.

Well, I have dreams of one day rocking a 70-200 of either size, and that's where the uncertainty comes in.

LostInInaka wrote in post #11719972
Q3 works amazingly well with my heaviest stuff (a gripped and plated 7d with a 70-200 is) somlooking at your gear it should be just fine!

The f/2.8 in your sig? Which of your tripods are you comfortable using the combo with?

tvphotog wrote in post #11719704
And think of it this way...you bought a Porsche of a camera. Don't fill it with low octane regular.

You want exceptional stability from a tripod and head...otherwise, why buy either? You also want long life from them. Don't throw away money on a cheap one, only to have to buy a good one later.

+1. Too many photographers have bought cheap only to find it does not work well, not stable enough etc. then end up buying what they should have bought in the first place. Save yourself the extra expense and aggravation.

Kirk makes really good stuff but I prefer my Markins.

We were lucky, on our second attempt at tripods and ballheads we were able to do RRS over Gitzo. The wife got VERY tired of carrying cold heavy aluminum. She is happy with her new set. And when Mama is happy....

lbcyalater wrote in post #11719089
My lord...I love photography but there is just know way I can justify spending $200 and up on the HEAD of a tripod.

So what's holding your valuable camera on the tripod?

Seriously, once you break down and get a good one, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

Indecent Exposure wrote in post #11720115
If a person is looking for a Camry why point him towards a Lamborghini?

Cuz I was in your boat once, not thinking I was able to buy an excellent tripod/head and was convinced to save the extra dough, bite the bullet. Glad I did it has made all the difference in longevity, ease of use and a very solid platform.

In a world full of compromise, some men dont.

You get what you pay for when buying stability of photography equipment. Sub-standard events lead to more sub-standard events.

Save a little more and regret nothing.

If you really spend time researching photographic equipment, a few things begin to stand out. One of them is tripod recommendations. Everywhere you look, the advice that's there is one: trying to save money on a tripod ends up costing more, in more way than just financial.