I have a Nex 7 that I attached to a Sirui Ballhead attached to a Sirui Tripod. I have purchased Jim Buchanan's Nex 7 grip which really improves the handheld experience.
Coming from a 5D, I have been a little frustrated in trying to move my camera around when it is on the ballhead attached to the tripod. I have large hands and I inadvertently hit one button or another when I am trying to orient the camera to take a shot.
Short of buying another ballhead with a grip, is there an attachment of some kind that I can integrate so I can grab a hold it and move the camera around without having to grab the camera body?
I've not seen anything like you are describing, but I have never had that problem, I grab the camera how I normally hold it in my right hand, I have the pano type ball head so I can rotate the ball head controls to where I want them, which is typically on the left for my left hand to access it easily.
Another method I've used when shooting at a low angle with the screen out, is to grab the body by the top and bottom on the right side(Tri-Navi & battery).
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the information guys. I have used the wheel lock before. I guess I just find shooting with Nex 7 awkward compared to the 5D. Really the inability to use the remote and bracket shots makes me fumble around too much in addition to manual focus lenses. I just haven't found it very comfortable and that is why I was trying to find a way to manipulate the camera without touching the body.
Don't get me wrong, I love the camera and the images it can produced, coupled with the light weight "ready to hit the John Muir Trail" appeal.
Open to any ideas. I guess I just need to spend more time with it and get really comfortable. I would think 6 months would be enough. Maybe I need to sleep with it??
There is no solution for a non-gripped ball head that will be as comfortable at a DSLR grip. I picked up a sub-$100 Vanguard pistol-grip head for the 7 and, while overall it's still not as comfortable, I am very pleased with it. The heaviest lens I've put on it is the Nikon AIS 200/2, but I couldn't get it to slip. I find it more comfortable to use than the joystick or side grip models with equal or better build quality. I also like the size and placement of the tension control knob. It looks like a garden hose attachment, but it works very well.
That said, if you just want someone to tell you it's okay to give it up, it is. I can't remember who said it, but as goes the quote, "When you start comparing your mistress unfavorably to your wife, then you have reached the end of the affair."
