For the record, I also tried a friend's BH-40 before buying a Markins Q3 a couple of years ago. I also sold the Markins when I bought the p0. The reason for this switch was because I shoot a lot of panoramas. Otherwise I would've just kept the Q3.
The one bummer about the p0 for panoramas is that the laser markings are not marked with degree increments. Other than that, it's great.
I have the p0 and I put a RRS B2 LRII quick release lever clamp on it. I shoot in some really harsh conditions and the p0 has held up great. I like it because the head sits on top of the ball so dirt and mud doesn't fall into the ball mechanism. It also has a built in pano mechanism so you don't have to add that. If you go this route, pm me and I will explain how to mount the RRS clamp on the p0.
I have a friend that has been using the Arca Swiss p0 head for a while now, and he really likes it for easy to use and light weight. He needs good L brackets, so he bought the version of the p0 with top threads rather than the non standard clamp, and then put a Really Right Stuff lever release clamp on by getting the threaded style of clamp, and using a thread adapter. When I tried out his rig, I still was not sure I wanted that different of style of ball head, but I may just need to get one for my light weight tripod. Oh, and do not forget that the latest version of the BH-40 is slightly lighter in weight, so that may be the other thing I consider on my light weight tripod.
I'm currently using Acratech Ultimate and GP heads that weigh ~1lb. They are well made, maintenance free and apparently very durable. They are not pretty but they're certainly fit for purpose; they work well in extreme environments. They come with a standard ball diameter of 38mm so maybe not suitable for long lenses despite the claims of the company.
the P0 design is such that the ball itself is not on a lever arm in relationship the camera assy. thus reducing the torque force on it somewhat and theoretically allowing a higher weight capacity.
a BH30/40 build is such that their clamping/locking force more then overcomes the lever load of its design beyond a 70-200/2.8, 200/2 with a D4/1Dx hanging on them being rated conservatively at18lbs load.
Roland W wrote:
I have a friend that has been using the Arca Swiss p0 head for a while now, and he really likes it for easy to use and light weight. He needs good L brackets, so he bought the version of the p0 with top threads rather than the non standard clamp, and then put a Really Right Stuff lever release clamp on by getting the threaded style of clamp, and using a thread adapter. When I tried out his rig, I still was not sure I wanted that different of style of ball head, but I may just need to get one for my light weight tripod. Oh, and do not forget that the latest version of the BH-40 is slightly lighter in weight, so that may be the other thing I consider on my light weight tripod....Show more →
it is lighter by about 1+ a small bit ounces from the previous version. and there are some other minor updates to it too.
