Please point me to the right ballhead for my situation. When I used to shoot birds with the Canon 400mm 5.6, I got a Feisol 3442 tripod and Markins Q3 ballhead. I loved the fact that it was a light/sturdy/relatively inexpensive combo that I could also travel with. But for the last year or so I've been using it with a 300mm 2.8 IS w/TCs and am not as happy as I used to be. I think I could really benefit from a new ballhead, but there are so many options.....this is where YOU come in. Here's the criteria I'm looking for:
1) Weight - The Q3 is less than 1 pound, and I'd like my new one to be as close to 1 pound as possible (I hate carrying tripods)
2) Sturdy - The Q3 claims to support 65 pounds, but I noticed that when I put the AF sensor on the birds eye, tighten the ball head, and let go, the AF sensor moves. I hope a new head will fix this, as well as allow me to shot at lower shutter speeds.
3) Better Panning - The Q3 doesn't have the best panning knob, at least for my heavy load. It often needs to be tightened repeatedly.
4) Quick Release Lever - The Q3 uses a thumbscrew, and at times (like when the bird takes off from perch) it takes too long to be remove the camera/lens from the ball head to follow the auction. I've read about quick release levers and think that might be the way to go.
5) Price - I'd like to stay as close to $300 as possible for the replacement head, but understand that I may need to creep higher.
I'd like to think that I could continue to use the Feisol 3442 tripod. Perhaps I should remove the center column, unless I absolutely need it to improve stability even further.
Maybe a used BH-55LR - except for the weight issue. I just got a photo clam PC40-N and it meets your requirements except for the quick release lever. You could change out the clamp to an RRS but that will add to the expense.
rachp wrote:
What ever head you decide to go with, I would recommend a sidekick. It is a perfect fit with the 300 2.8!
Ahh, the Sickkick. I used to use one with a 500mm F4 (and even tried the full Wimberly for awhile), but I'm trying to keep the weight down, which is why I ended up with the 300 2.8.
rachp wrote:
Maybe a used BH-55LR - except for the weight issue. I just got a photo clam PC40-N and it meets your requirements except for the quick release lever. You could change out the clamp to an RRS but that will add to the expense.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep those in mind.
the Q3 now has a lever system, along with the rest of the line-up, available too but after looking at it i'll stick with my BH-40 w/lever. Reason:
1- i have it already
2- i prefer the final position of the end of the lever on the RRS
I've got the RRS BH-40, use it as you describe, and have no issues with it. The shape/placement of the knobs is what makes the difference for me, and the RRS Lever Clamps are on my other ballheads now, too (Q3, PC-44).
ekimzulad wrote:
Has anyone tried the new Markins Quick Release Lever? What about the Arca Swiss Z1 with the Lever? I wonder how the levers compare with the RRS lever?
the AS leverlock has one little teeny weeny fault in my opinion. the width adjustment assy is not captive. this brings about issues which have been brought up here about how to put it back together when one over loosens it and parts fall.
I have owned several heads and the Acratechs are my favorite. They look like a piece of art, are really light, hold like a vise and with the GV2 and GP you get the gimbal feature. The GP which is my current head can also save you the expense of a leveling head since it adapts for that use too.
Neroon wrote:
I have owned several heads and the Acratechs are my favorite. They look like a piece of art, are really light, hold like a vise and with the GV2 and GP you get the gimbal feature. The GP which is my current head can also save you the expense of a leveling head since it adapts for that use too.
I've pretty much ruled out the Acratech heads for my situation (300mm 2.8 IS with 2X TC), because of they seemed more targeted towards lighter lenses. And even Acratech themselves says the gimbal feature on their newer heads is for 400mm F4 lenses or lighter (which is 4 pounds, compared to 6 pounds on my 300mm).
Does anyone regularly use one of the Acratech heads on a 300mm 2.8 with a 1.4x or 2x TC? What are your thoughts on this combo?
Here's where I stand now. Because of all the issues I've been reading about with Lever Clamps (especially for use with Sidekick), I've pretty much eliminated them.
Still Considering:
1) Arca Swiss Z1 (considering if it's worth the $100 premium over the PC-48NS)
2) Photo Clam PC-48NS (cheaper, little lighter option)
Just got my Photo Clam 40NS yesterday. Beautiful. The bigger ball (48NS) will surely be even better, but overall quality and functionality of the 40NS is really great. No problems with weight, smooth movement and easy locking. Clamp requires little movement to tighten, and secures well. Pan base is smooth and easy to move and lock.
I plan to get a 40N or 40NS from reallybigcameras, once I decide on tripod legs (Feisol or something else). Kerry recommended that size ballhead for my D50 + 70-300 VR.
