I'm looking for a decent ballhead that just has a flat base with a 1/4"-20 screw on the top that I can screw anything onto. I've got one with a quick release plate but I'm thinking about buying a travel tripod and don't want to worry about keeping a plate on the bottom of my camera. It would usually just have a Nikon D700 and 24-70 on it. Any suggestions?
I just got a Manfrotto 732cy carbon fiber set of legs and put an old Giotto's ball head on it that I had laying around. I like the combination and the legs are very light. They don't go real high, but I was going for something very light since I have plenty of sturdy ones that go up high if I need them. Re: ballheads, it really depends on the price range you are looking for.
the thing I'd be concerned about is keeping the camera/lens perpendicular while screwing it down on the 1/4". You certainly dont want to strip the D700 socket.
Jul 17, 2012 at 02:51 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
howardm4 wrote:
the thing I'd be concerned about is keeping the camera/lens perpendicular while screwing it down on the 1/4". You certainly dont want to strip the D700 socket.
Agree, I think it's a big mistake if not using clamps and plates.
eSchwab wrote:
I'm looking for a decent ballhead that just has a flat base with a 1/4"-20 screw on the top that I can screw anything onto. I've got one with a quick release plate but I'm thinking about buying a travel tripod and don't want to worry about keeping a plate on the bottom of my camera. It would usually just have a Nikon D700 and 24-70 on it. Any suggestions?
You should use a dedicated camera or lens plate (preferably Arca compatible). It's is simple to remove the plate in ten seconds if necessary. An L bracket is desirable for vertuicals and practically necessary when a ball head is used on a tripod without center column.
I agree too, it is a big mistake not using clamps and plates.
Please remove or hold your camera equipment and make sure the security of camera equipment every time when you move the tripod or transfer the ballhead.
eSchwab wrote:
=) Thank you. I looked and only found super flimsy ones or a couple that were in the $300-$400 range. Way more than I want to pay for a travel setup.
You could go with one of the Leica heads, which are sturdy but very compact. In an even smaller size, you could put a 1/4-20 platform on a RRS BH-25 or BH-30, which will keep the price down.
Something to consider: Though a D700 + 24-70 isn't especially demanding in focal length, it is in weight. A heavy lens without a tripod collar will be more cumbersome to use than an even heavier lens that can be properly balanced. Because of this, it's really helpful to have a larger ball with more gripping surface.
To keep costs down, you might consider something from Photoclam, which gets good reviews around here.
