Arca Swiss or BH-1

What do you think? I shoot the 1ds III and I'm considering purchasing the 500mm F4, which head do you think would be best for all this? I plan on picking up a gimbal head in the future, but this will have to do for now.

I would recommend the Custom Brackets CB Gimbal. But for now, both heads you suggested have enough load capacity for this lens.

The Arca Swiss is known to be more susceptible to rust inside when soaked in bad weather, however I prefer their aspherical ball design that will increase the tension when your ball is tilted to compensate for the CG shift.

Both heads are great, and I would add to your short list the RRS one too.

For that lens alone, or for other lenses as well? For the 500 f/4, I think I'd consider the RRS MH1. It's sturdy enough to handle the 500 and you won't need to worry about keeping the head from flopping sideways when you loosen it; you can rotate the lens in the tripod mounting ring to change orientation. Then maybe get a less-beefy ball head for use with your other gear.

rangerhill wrote in post #11742289
What do you think? I shoot the 1ds III and I'm considering purchasing the 500mm F4, which head do you think would be best for all this?

Well they both have 54mm ball diameters but the Arca-Swiss has an asymmetric ball, FWIW a much higher load capacity, and better friction control design so I'd go for the Arca-Swiss.