Tell me about Tripod Ball Heads

[mom2rtk]

I have the Luxi L tripod and was thinking of maybe adding a ball head. I'm pretty stupid about tripods in general, but from what I've read, a ball head sounds like easier to use than the panhead it came with.

What can I consider without breaking the bank?

Thanks!

 

[jeffb]

I have the Luxi L tripod and was thinking of maybe adding a ball head. I'm pretty stupid about tripods in general, but from what I've read, a ball head sounds like easier to use than the panhead it came with.

What can I consider without breaking the bank?

Thanks!

I have the Markins M10 which I like alot. I have also heard good things about the Really Right Stuff ball heads as well.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have the Markins M10 which I like alot. I have also heard good things about the Really Right Stuff ball heads as well.

Thanks for the reply! I'll check it out.

Can anyone tell me a bit about the features and benefits I would be looking for?

 

[disneyboy2003]

Can anyone tell me a bit about the features and benefits I would be looking for?

Here's a link to Really Right Stuff's Web page entitled "Why a Ballhead?": http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html. It should give you information on what to look for in a ballhead.

I, personally, have the Really Right Stuff BH-40 ballhead, which is their mid-size ballhead. I really like it.


It's my 400th post! Yay!

 

[mom2rtk]

Here's a link to Really Right Stuff's Web page entitled "Why a Ballhead?": http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html. It should give you information on what to look for in a ballhead.

I, personally, have the Really Right Stuff BH-40 ballhead, which is their mid-size ballhead. I really like it.


It's my 400th post! Yay!

Many thanks as always Disneyboy! That sounds like just the perfect reading for tonight!

 

[YesDear]

One word of warning on RRS... Once you use it you will get hooked. I have the small head attached to my travel tripod. My main one has an older Arca Swiss head. I was a fore runner to the RRS heads and plate system. I really like the RRS Lplate. I have had several near misses with the Manfrotto system.

My only comment is that many on this board will tell you their own story of a cheaper ballhead that slips or fails. Do not waste money on a cheaper head.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks YesDear!

What you say makes complete sense. I can see that it would probably be better to keep the 3-way in place than to get a sub-par ball head.

Are there any particular model numbers anyone would recommend?

 

[C&B Young]

I have the Luxi L tripod and was thinking of maybe adding a ball head. I'm pretty stupid about tripods in general, but from what I've read, a ball head sounds like easier to use than the panhead it came with.

What can I consider without breaking the bank?

Thanks!

I've got a similar tripod (Ultra Maxi F) and I got a Manfrotto 486RC2 to put on it. It's actually not a "genuine" Manfrotto but this one from ebay. I was primarily looking for a decent ballhead that didn't break the bank or add too much weight to the tripod, and this one meets both criteria, I'm quite happy with it.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Some things I think are relevant when picking a ballhead:

1. Load capacity. Can it hold your largest camera and lens combination steady?
2. Clamp system. Does it support arca-swiss style plates for holding your camera?
3. Creep. When you position your camera and tighten it down, how much does it shift while you tighten?
4. Durability and Cleanability. How well will it hold up to your use?
5. Weight.
6. Level. Does the top clamp have a level on it?

I use two ballheads regularly and like both of them. When weight is a consideration or when I'm in harsh environments, I use an Acratech Ultimate Ballhead. It's very light. It's also a completely open design, so it is less likely to jam up if stuff gets in it. The design is a little odd, but it works well.

My other ballhead is an RRS BH-55. It's on the heavy and bulky side, but it is a great head. The tension adjust works well. It clamps with virtually no creep regardless of what lens I'm using. It also works well with a Wimberly Sidekick when using a larger lens.

I think both are overkill for most people. The Acratech is great if you really want to keep the weight down and still have good capacity. For most people in most circumstances, I would suggest something cheaper. The RRS stuff is great, but I'd suggest spending your money elsewhere unless you've really plan to use your tripod a lot and don't mind spending two or three times as much as a decent head for some small improvements.