Well, after five months of waiting my RRS ballhead has finally arrived. When I was considering upgrading my current Gitzo 1276M I spent quite a bit of time searching the collective wisdom of this and other boards and had determined that a Arca Swiss, Kirk or a Markins would be the ticket. I then stumbled upon the RRS ad in their webpage. Based soley upon the reputation of RRS and knowing that they would have to at least equal (if not surpass) the B-1 and BH-1 in quality and performance. I placed my order for one with the quick release lever and then sat back and waited.
It would appear that the wait was worth it. The fit, finish and action of this ballhead is exceptionally smooth.... silky smooth. Everything from the knurling of the knobs to the tensioning and release of the ballhead is fantastic. I haven't done any shooting yet with it but mounted up the 10D and 180 Macro to play around with. With a price tag of $455 your expectations can be pretty high. I don't think I will be disappointed in the coming days as I get to use it.
Since RRS only has the one view of it on their site here is a few more.
Wow. So you got in on their first shippment - I've been watching the website for a while, eyeing that ballhead. I use their lever clamps and plates, and I don't doubt at all that they are the ones who have finally created an upgrade to the Arca Swiss B-1.
I have been waiting on this to hit the streets. Thanks for the pics. It really looks like a quality piece of equipment. I have a B-1 and will seriously look at this one to replace it. The B-1 will have to reside on my window mount pod.
psimison wrote:
Got mine today. I have a Gitzo, Acratech, Arca Swiss B2, Wimberly, Wimberly Sidkick, and Mongoose 262. I think I'll stop now. Overkill.
Ya, but which one is best? You're the guy to review them all - get to work!
1. How strong and smooth is the panning compared to the B1? I do pans with a lot of weight (1Dx+24-70/2.8) way off axis on a B200 rail. Some heads pan too roughly in this case.
2. Is the RRS head available with a regular knob instead of the crummy quick release flipper?
3. Is the head aspheric and does the tension remain about the same when the head is somewhat tilted?
EB-1 wrote 2. Is the RRS head available with a regular knob instead of the crummy quick release flipper?
Yes it is, according to there web site.....but have you actually tried the so called "crummy quick release flipper" from RRS? In my opinion..it rocks. Way faster than the "regular knob" and just as secure or more so than the "regular knob". Plus it self adjusts for both varations in plates and wear over time. It was the first thing I added to my arca swiss B1. I ditched the "regular knob" completely. Expensive option, but worth every penny.
Good looking Ballhead, by the way. I am going to have to give it a try myself. Any idea when they will be caught up enough to fill a new order? Web site says still not available for order.
1. I have never used a B-1 so I can't make the comparision. The panning action was very smooth with the light weight of the 10D and 180 Macro.
2. Yes, it is available with the screw knob. Cheaper than the lever style as well.
3. Can't tell for sure if the head is aspheric. It does have slightly different tension feel depending on which direction you are trying to move the head in. I would guess this is caused by the direction of rotation relative to the bearing(s).
* Ergonomic design gives superior handling and unsurpassed reliability.
* Lowest profile in its class.
* Large main locking knob incorporates stainless steel ballbearings for a lifetime of silky smooth control.
* Dual drop-notches allow maximum flexibility for positioning the camera.
* Micrometer tension adjustment is repeatable and absolutely reliable.
* Precision panning base is finely laser-engraved at 2.5 degrees intervals and features our unique drum & brake design for effortless locking.
* All components are of the finest Really Right Stuff quality, machined from solid aircraft aluminum or stainless steel for maximum durability and minimum weight.
* Available with 3 quick-release clamp styles.
Due to the tremendous positive response to our announcement of a Really Right ballhead, orders placed after April 2004 may not be able to ship until August. We apologize for the inconvenience that this may cause our customers, but we are proceeding cautiously with the production of this new product. We feel certain that our customers will appreciate the thoughtful design changes that we've integrated along the way, even though those changes have pushed back the delivery date.
Comes packed in its own OP/TECH neoprene protective draw-string pouch. Use the pouch to cover and protect the ballhead when mounted to the tripod, for carrying the ballhead in your carry-on luggage when traveling, or when the ballhead & tripod are strapped to a photo backpack.
Use this great neoprene draw-string pouch to protect your head. Works great with any moderately sized ballhead.
BH-55 without clamp: $355
BH-55 with screw-knob B2-Pro clamp: $415
BH-55 with lever-release B2-Pro LR clamp: $455
BH-55 with PCL-1 panning clamp: $575
Tony Niemann wrote:
Yes it is, according to there web site.....but have you actually tried the so called "crummy quick release flipper" from RRS? In my opinion..it rocks.
Anthony
Of course I have! Unfortunately the RRS flip lever is not strong enough to withstand an impact to the ground when the tripod falls over. Mine was somewhat tweaked, but still serviceable the second day into a trip. Not fun. Meanwhile the Kirk knurled knob on my old B1 is battle-scarred but rock solid. Another think I don't like about the RRS flip style is that it catches on underbrush. Mine never flipped open but it is a source of concern.
I mentioned this in another thread but I think it is worth repeating here. Two of the things I really like about RRS's newest clamp design (see ball head pics) is that it has a bubble level and it has little channels in the base of the clamp to allow the ends of Wimberley-style lens plates (with stop screws on the bottom) to slide well into the clamp but still be safe from slipping out. RRS has adopted this same double-dovetail, stop screw design on some of their own plates.
Also, it used to be that only the RRS lever clamp could be fitted to a Arca-Swiss ball head. With the latest clamp design, both the lever clamp and the screw clamp will work with the Arca-Swiss.
I use the B2 with a 410 Gitzo when wight is not a problem. General Photog. & Studio work.
I use the RRS with a 1325 for a lighter combo - field work
I use the Wimberly (full) for my 500 mm and for a window mount with long lenses
I use the sidkick when I have the standard B2, Acratech, and RRs and need a gimbal type mount- I carry it along. Be careful not to release the sidekick before the lensmount. You could drop the unit.
I use the Acratech with a Gitzo 1128LVL for light carry
I use the Mongoose with a 400DO as the Wimberly is a mismatch for the 400.
All are good heads.
I don't use my Gitzo 1375 any more.
I use a Gitzo 1321 as a leveler if weight is no problem.
B2 Arca Swiss is the smoothest but it is 3.6 pounds.
3. Is the head aspheric and does the tension remain about the same when the head is somewhat tilted?
Thanks,
EB
If you click on the link provided in the above post, and click on the zoom button below the illustration, "7 - 55mm Spherical Ball" is shown as one of the features. That means I am considering the head, since I just don't like the variable quality of the out of round style.
psimison wrote:
I use the B2 with a 410 Gitzo when wight is not a problem. General Photog. & Studio work.
I use the RRS with a 1325 for a lighter combo - field work
I use the Wimberly (full) for my 500 mm and for a window mount with long lenses
I use the sidkick when I have the standard B2, Acratech, and RRs and need a gimbal type mount- I carry it along. Be careful not to release the sidekick before the lensmount. You could drop the unit.
I use the Acratech with a Gitzo 1128LVL for light carry
I use the Mongoose with a 400DO as the Wimberly is a mismatch for the 400.
All are good heads.
I don't use my Gitzo 1375 any more.
I use a Gitzo 1321 as a leveler if weight is no problem.
B2 Arca Swiss is the smoothest but it is 3.6 pounds....Show more →
Are you a collector or a shooter
holy mackerel that is a ton 'o heads and legs batman
What tripod is the head mounted on in your pictures? I was considering getting the RRS head, but I'm worried that it's too large (and heavy) for my Gitzo 1227. Is the base of the BH-55 about the same size of an Arca B-1 (which hangs over the 1227 column plate)?
