I currently have the Bogen 3001D tripod. I'm using the 3265 grip joystick head and I need something more secure in order to hold my longer lenses more stable. Does anyone know a good ball head that I can use on my tripod? Thank you!
I just purchased a Kirk BH-3 ballhead awhile back and love it. If you do a searchon google, you'll only find good reviews of it and it's bigger brother the BH-1. Here's a link to Kirks website:
If you are interested I have a Kirk BH-3 ballhead that I just purchased from Kirk (received on 3/19/2004). I am about to send it back because I realized that I don't really need it. If you want to save waiting for it two weeks I would be happy to sell it to you. Unfortunately, as I can get a full refund from Kirk I really can't sell it for less than I paid for it (239.95). Let me know if you are interested.
You can also try to get the new Bogen joystick, the 322RC2, its supposed to be rated for 11 pounds and it has lower center of gravity when used horizontally
I have just got the Kirk BH-3 too, it's a marvellous work of engineering! No more slippage when the main knob is tightened. It may be expensive in the short run, but the cost will even itself out in the long run. It's slightly cheaper than the Acratech too and comes with a universal plate (which the Acratech doesn't), so cost-wise you'll be saving around $50 there.
Hands-down, period, finished business, no question about it, the Arca Swiss B1 is the best-of-breed. It's head and shoulders above all others. The Novoflex is a beastie and is pretty sweet as well, but very "odd" (if not the coolest head on the planet) and a little tough to use, especially when flopping into portrait with a camera mounted.
I started with the Kirk BH-1, but once I tried the AS B1 I was hooked and dumped the Kirk, even though it's a very nice head -- just don't try the AS after you get one
I also had a BH-3, which I bought after I got the Acratech Ultimate to check it out. Immediately I preferred the Acratech and ditched the BH-3 (which is also a good head).
However, if you want to buy your LAST ballhead -- EVER -- spend the few extra bucks on the Arca-Swiss B1 "Monoball."
