This could be a stupid question but this is my first time using a ballhead and I tried to research before asking but couldn't find much information.
I followed the advice of most experienced photographers to save up for a good tripod and I did and finally got the Gitzo 1325 from B&S for a great price and couldn't be happier with everything about it. Now I also got a Manfrotto 496RC2 ballhead since it's affordable and got favorable reviews. The problem is when I install it on the base of the Gitzo the locking knob of the ballhead does not fully rotate cause it's obstructed by the base. The ballhead also looks silly since it's a lot smaller than the tripod's base.
Edit: The other problem is when I install the head on the base the only way I can release the head is to use a wrench to twist the bolt underneath the base. The head just twists without any effect. Is this the normal way of releasing the head?
Do I need another part that goes between the head and the base or should I just get a head compatible with the tripod? Do you have suggestions for a ballhead within a similar price range?
The locking lever/knob can be repositioned by pulling it out, as it's spring-loaded. That still may be inconvenient, however, depending on how much rotation of the knob is required during actual use. Generally a larger ballhead is matched with the 3-series Gitzo's, but in this case it's also just a question of the two basic designs being ergonomically different. What's the heaviest gear you'll need to support?
FWIW, a budget solution for a nice ballhead might be a PhotoClam PC40:
If you bought 496 new, I'd return it. Personally, I hate pretty much everything about the Manfrotto ball heads. Their handling sucks, their plate sucks, they don't have a usable L-bracket and their stability is questionable.
If you're going inexpensive, the entry Sirui or Sunwayfoto ball heads are very nice. Generally I think the Sunwayfoto heads are better made. I got an XB-44 (which is their premium head that competes with the RRS BH-40) to review, and I like it better than my BH-40.
But seriously - save up a few more bucks and get a decent Arca-Swiss-based head. You won't regret it.
Thanks for the advice M635! I am sorry I didn't post pictures simply because I sold the ball head Now I am saving for a Markins or RRS... I particularly likes the Markins Q10, do you think it will pair well with the G1325 MKII?
Check with Lars Johnson. His knowledge of Gitzo tripods is encyclopedic. Lars has probably forgotten more than old man Gitzo ever knew about his tripods.
