choosing the right ballhead?

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Archive 2006 · choosing the right ballhead?

timbedsted1234
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p.1 #1 · choosing the right ballhead?

Hello,

I am looking into buying a tripod and a ball head. I would like to get it right the first time

The tripod will be a Gitzo.

I am more in doubt when it comes to the ball heads. Do any of you guys have experience with the Kirk Enterprises BH-1 or the RRS BH-40?

Additionally can I use a RRS quick release plate with a Kirk ball and vice versa?

Thanks,
TIm

Mar 15, 2006 at 06:36 PM

gogopix
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p.1 #2 · choosing the right ballhead?

i use a Gitzo 12xx and 15xx On small I have acratech universal ball, nice but not good for heavyl enses.I use RRS BIG ball (55?) for bigger lenses like Leica 400mm and it works great

bigger balls better.

I think all clamps are compatible to arcatech standard, but have different features.Let a stop so you don't drop a lens on your foot. Keeps lens from sliding out.

Hope this helps.

Victor

Mar 15, 2006 at 06:58 PM

Mike K
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p.1 #3 · choosing the right ballhead?

timbedsted1234 wrote:
Do any of you guys have experience with the Kirk Enterprises BH-1 or the RRS BH-40?
Additionally can I use a RRS quick release plate with a Kirk ball and vice versa?

The BH-1 and RRS BH 40 are fine units. The BH 55 is a bigger ball than the 40 and can hold more weight securely (larger lenses and heavier cameras). However the movement of the Kirk balls are quite smooth. The main advantage of the RRS 55 and 40 heads over the Kirk line is that the panning brake is much smoother and locks more securely. The RRS units use a drum brake system for the pan lock, while the Kirks are simply a set screw in a bearing, similar to most heads.

Yes you can use RRS plates with Kirk clamps and vice versa. I would strongly urge you to consider the RRS lever clamp. Along with a camera L bracket it works wonders on very rapidly switching landscape to portrait while maintaining identical compositions. Its a joy to use and provides both tactile and visual confirmation that your QR plate is very secure. I once had a camera fall out of an Acratech clamp because the plate jammed at an angle. I'm enthusiastic about this lever clamp product. there are a few products that the lever clamp is not 100% compatible with due to small differences in bevel angle of the plates. Wimberley and RRS plates work perfectly.
Mike K

Mar 15, 2006 at 08:22 PM

Geert Koning
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p.1 #4 · choosing the right ballhead?

You might consider the Markins M10 or M20 I like them very much.

Mar 16, 2006 at 08:31 AM

HerbChong
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p.1 #5 · choosing the right ballhead?

i have found that genuine Arca Swiss plates are not compatible with the RRS lever clamps. they are slightly narrower.

Herb....

Mar 16, 2006 at 04:16 PM

casuaris
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p.1 #6 · choosing the right ballhead?

I just got in my Arca Swiss B1G ballhead for use with my heavy 400mm f/2.8 APO.
The B1G is twice as big as the common types. So far the best I got in my hand.
A keeper for sure.

Keep in mind, the bigger the ball, the stronger the connection.
And the Arca brand assures smooth operation.

Mar 16, 2006 at 09:32 PM

TJ Asher
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p.1 #7 · choosing the right ballhead?

This thread on the gear forum may be of interest...

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/316072

This is an area where I have been making some study myself as I intend to move to a ballhead this year sometime. This is what I have observed...

I have looked at the RRSBH55 and the manfrotto that is mentioned in that thread.

Depending on which Gitzo tripod you are looking at, you may have issues when you try to move the ballhead 90 degrees (portrait) into the slot. Several Gitzos have really wide tops and the ballheads are rather short so you cannot move the camera 90 degrees.

I also think that the RRS is not really condusive to shooting at 90 degrees because of the arrangement of the controls to the slots. It also seems to have a fairly short 'neck' on the post to which the camera is attached. For the RRS, it seems to me that L brackets are almost a necessity. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it is expensive. It is the route I am leaning towards currently.

Oh, that lever clamp from RRS is *really* slick. I like it a lot.

Mar 16, 2006 at 11:52 PM


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