I know this topic has been surfaced many times, however, my situation I guess may be different than others who posted.

My current setup is Canon 1DS MK3 and the heaviest lens I have now is the 70-200mmF2.8L. Probably will go only to 300mm F4, but not in the near future since most of the things I do are landscaping. I usually hike and take photos I'd like to buy something not too heavy but can support what I have and not more than that. That is why I'm considering these ball heads. I'm also thinking of getting the Gitzo 2531 Moutaineer (3lbs) for what I do.

With the 2541 and what I mostly do, what ball head should I get? I've read pro's and con's from some posts but seems like there are people who really like one over the others, so it is difficult for me to decide. It seems like the AT is the smoothest and does have the advantage when the camera is not horizontal or level because of its eliptical ball, but there was someone who reviewed it complained about the ball head popped out of the base and the quick release is not the best.

All of these are in the similar cost. Any feedback or suggestion are welcomed.

Thanks.

i use my BH40 on my GT2540ex. though not as smooth running in the beginning it breaks in nicely and is my preferred lightweight ballhead. it lockup capability is bar non the easiest and lightest to the tough to obtain. its low profile is also much preferred by me too. the adjustability on the knob that a few complain raise question about is actually a big plus. for the most part from unlock to lock is les then a quarter turn. it also gives outstanding purchase when you are using gloves. there are time i wish that there was an equivelent design on the BH55 if it weren't for the factit also has outstanding grip in all conditions too. i still have a markins M10 that has seen lots of action and has some history but for the most part it is in semi retirement.

I sold my BH40 and replaced it with a Q3T since I'm going to go to smaller tripod to complement my 3540LS setup. For the 2541, I'd go with the M10 and replace the clamp with the RRS QR Lever clamp.

J.

Horses for courses, clearly -- I sold my Q3 once I got the BH-40.

;- )

Fortunately, there's not a bad choice in this range.

Thanks for the input, but no one seems to be able to convince me to go for one instead of the other

I know this is a tough choice.

What about warranty, accessories and supports/services from these companies from your experiences?

It is tough not being able to feel them and compare these ball heads physically, that is why this topic. I read the review of the arcaswiss from digital-picture-com and the reviewer picked the arca-swiss as his ballhead but also pointed out some issue with the locking mechanism.

Thanks.

I'm in a similar situation re: ballheads - except I'm leaning towards the photo clam 44NS (or 44N and replace the clamp with RRS lever).

44 is a bit bigger, but has an excellent weight-load ratio. Guess it's similar to the BH-40, but probably more similar to the M-10 Markins, am I right?

I had a bh40 and did not like the low profile and the lever knob...the ball was not as smooth as others that cost that much.

I had a Markins mid-size for a while, that was nice but I could never lock it down all the way to hold a bunch of wieght when at a severe angle. Others have not had this problem so maybe I got a bad one.

I have a Z1 now and it has none of those problems and is very strong. I wish the panning base lock was a little bigger but I consider that a nit as the other issues are far more important.

MSC: About the Z1, will the panning lever at the bottom hit the base of the Gitzo 2541 (this was changed from a round knob to a lever in the newer versoin)? I've seen someone complains about that and not sure if that applies to the 2541. When you said the "panning base lock" you meant the same thing I think, which is the lever, right?

I would appreciate it when you reply to the post, if you prefer one over the others, please tell me the reasons so I can understand it and decide what I want based on the info.

Thanks again for your valuable input.

One differential, which is a bit like being Democrat or Republican...you either like or hate the fact that the RRS ballhad pan control locks without slippage, or the fact that the Markins pan has a brake and not a lock!

I recently bought the ARCA Z1 dp. I hae the Gitzo Systematic with a large base and the panorama base lever hits the base. However, it doest actually not matter at all - it opens and locks wonderfully. Before buying I ased ARCA directly and they told me that they make the Z1 such that it locks in the "upwards" position. Locking seems to me rather "on / off" so I dont feel a need to open the lever further. The doubly pan feature is also great - Ill not have to use a separate panning device - it's already build in and works really well. Good luck with your purchase - I'm sure both Markins and RRS makes nice gear as well...

I have the RRS BH-40 head and it is the best I have every had. I have a panning clamp instead of a QR clamp on it but have never experienced any lack of smoothness from day one. As regards stability with your setup, I have it mounted on Mountaineer legs and regularly use it with the RRS biggest pano setup and it is rock solid. I have shot both Canon with 70-200 2.8 IS and the 300 4is no worries. I also used it previously with Hasselblad / digital back combo with both 200 and 500mm lenses and it performed flawlessly (although the Blad 500mm lens isn't the best...) I don't have experience of the other heads you mention, and I'm sure they are great too but I wouldn't hesitate in commending RRS products.

any issue with the ball coming off or loose? One user on B&H commnted that he carried the camera locked into the head/tripod on his shoulder and noticed that the head was coming off. Luckily he caught that ontime to save his expensive gear from falling off.

Thanks.

The ball coming off? If you think of the Arca Z1 ball-stem looseming (not coming off) when using a sidekick that is a thing of the past. Apparently Arca made a change that gave problems with a certain series of heads. Mine looks fine and the problem should be solved.

STJ_Photo wrote:
The ball coming off? If you think of the Arca Z1 ball-stem looseming (not coming off) when using a sidekick that is a thing of the past. Apparently Arca made a change that gave problems with a certain series of heads. Mine looks fine and the problem should be solved.

Mine too, same thing...great ballhead. I sold my BH40...never liked it.

I have the 2541 and Markins M10 and also the tripod base which eliminates the center column. Love this set up. You'll know you made the right choice when you hold this ball head in your hand. Beautifully made. Can carry this all day on my backpack with ease. I'm 6' tall and though I have to bend over a bit its really not an issue for me. Hope this helps.

Greg

GFoutain,

Where do you buy the base for the 2541? can you tell if your pictures are sharper without the base?

Thanks.

With the arca-swiss, do all of you use the classic-screw-in or the QR setup? Also, what is the Single Pan versus the double-pan?

Thanks.

With the Markins, Arca-swiss, and RRS BH40, does any of them require the adapter bushing to screw into the 2541? I'll try to research it but if you already know, please tell me.

Thanks.

bpham wrote:
GFoutain,

Where do you buy the base for the 2541? can you tell if your pictures are sharper without the base?

Thanks.

Here's the link,

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/TB-21.php

Not sure if pics are sharper. Have not done any tests to compare. I think others have. Do a search.

bpham wrote:
With the Markins, Arca-swiss, and RRS BH40, does any of them require the adapter bushing to screw into the 2541? I'll try to research it but if you already know, please tell me.

Thanks.

Nothing extra needed.