p.1 #1 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
I wont be shooting landscapes all the often but will be shooting with extension tubes and 70-200 2.8 IS on 7D with a grip. I want to stay under 125.00.
anyone ever use, Vanguard GH-100 it looks cool. also, the Giottos MH1000-652 and the Manfrotto 322RC2 and Manfrotto 498RC2. Ill be shooting macro and walk around. Any recommendations?
p.1 #3 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
jaredcolletti wrote:
I... will be shooting with extension tubes and 70-200 2.8 IS on 7D with a grip. I want to stay under 125.00.
anyone ever use... Manfrotto 322RC2 ... Any recommendations?
I have a Manfrotto 322RC2 and I really love it and (my copy that is properly adjusted) easily holds a 70-200/2.8 on a gripped body BUT it's not a compact head and although I personally love the grip action, it is NOT for everyone (especially if you need to make constant adjustments). That being said, I recently aquired a used Kirk BH-3 which can hold more weight, is more compact, and offers conventional ball head movements that the Manfrotto does not...but you will not find it (even used) for under $125. I typically use the Manfrotto for my remote cameras where It is best suited...to very quickly set-up my low or high angle remotes, leave 'em there and not fuss with various knobs. For more conventional tripod use, I'd recommend a conventional ball head (like the BH-3).
p.1 #4 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
There is nothing like going with a REAL ballhead that works with A-S plates. Save your coins and buy it once for life. You don't need a full size head for your lens; a compact will work very well. It will make using your tripod a pleasure rather than a chore.
p.1 #7 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
I have used the 322 Rc2, and while I liked it for wide angle work, it wasn't stable enough for me with any sort of telephoto work. I now have the 498RC2 mounted on a Manfrotto 055CXPro4 tripod and love the combination. It was stable enough to use with my Nikon 300/2.8 plus a 2x extender while I had them. Sure, an RRS or similar head would be nice, but you don't have to break the bank to get decent hardware.
Jun 06, 2012 at 07:53 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #8 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
ELinder wrote:
I have used the 322 Rc2, and while I liked it for wide angle work, it wasn't stable enough for me with any sort of telephoto work. I now have the 498RC2 mounted on a Manfrotto 055CXPro4 tripod and love the combination. It was stable enough to use with my Nikon 300/2.8 plus a 2x extender while I had them. Sure, an RRS or similar head would be nice, but you don't have to break the bank to get decent hardware.
The quick release system RC2 with it's clamps and plates is just terrible bad IMO.
p.1 #9 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
To save a little money and still get top-notch quality and performance, you might want to look at Photoclam heads. I don't have one myself, but several FMers do. I believe they are very similar to the Markins heads, which I do have and find very good. If I had to do it over I'd pass on the more expensive Markins Q3T and get the similar Photoclam PC-36.
I would add a Really Right Stuff (or equivalent) lens plate.
p.1 #10 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
322RC ballhead is quick, agile, and easly to use. One hand loosens and tightens all movements. Great for shooting fast and loose. Works wonders with a monopod.
Kirk, Photoclam, etc. are more fiddly. THey require one hand to hold the camera while the other loosens or locks the ball. THere are more knobs, and it is easy to loosen the wrong screw. All but impossible for a monopod.
Both have their uses, positives and negatives. I went to Chinatown and wished for the 322, because there was a lot of street shooting, constant changes of subject and lots of moving around. I missed the simplicity of the 322. Later, I went to Adler Planetarium and shot the Chicago skyline at evening. Plenty of time to pay attention to what you are doing, no rush, and the ballhead was great there.
I bought a Markins ballhead, but I also borrow a 322RC a lot. It's not so much one is better than the other, but that they are different.
p.1 #11 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
The quick release system RC2 with it's clamps and plates is just terrible bad IMO.
I keep reading similar remarks on most of the photo boards, but I've never had a problem with them. They fit tight and none of mine have any looseness with the clamp. I wonder if they're better than they used to be, but thieir reputation hasn't caught up yet.
p.1 #13 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
surf monkey wrote:
To save a little money and still get top-notch quality and performance, you might want to look at Photoclam heads. I don't have one myself, but several FMers do. I believe they are very similar to the Markins heads, which I do have and find very good. If I had to do it over I'd pass on the more expensive Markins Q3T and get the similar Photoclam PC-36.
I would add a Really Right Stuff (or equivalent) lens plate.
can anyone else chime in this heads, they look slick. thanks surf monkey
Jun 06, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #14 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
ELinder wrote:
I keep reading similar remarks on most of the photo boards, but I've never had a problem with them. They fit tight and none of mine have any looseness with the clamp. I wonder if they're better than they used to be, but thieir reputation hasn't caught up yet.
But have you used or compared them against normal Arca-Swiss style quick release clamps--plates from any other brand
p.1 #15 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
I have not used an Arca-Swiss style clamp yet. Since the Manfrotto system works for me and hasn't let me down, I haven't really seen the need. That may change, sure, but until then I'm not going to throw money at a problem that doesn't exist. Other people may have seen problems, but I haven't.
At any rate, it's an option that works and won't break the bank, which is what the OP asked about.
p.1 #16 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
ELinder wrote:
I have not used an Arca-Swiss style clamp yet. Since the Manfrotto system works for me and hasn't let me down, I haven't really seen the need. That may change, sure, but until then I'm not going to throw money at a problem that doesn't exist. Other people may have seen problems, but I haven't.
At any rate, it's an option that works and won't break the bank, which is what the OP asked about.
Just to add another '2 cents' here...I have & use both Arca Swiss & RC2 plates and there's a place for both I think...it just depends on your shooting style & preferences. For me, I do not use plates (neither the flat or L-plates) on my bodies because I typically hand-hold my cameras and the semi-permanently attached Arca Swiss plates would make that very uncomfortable for me. Instead, I use Arca Swiss style plates on my lens collars but on those occasions that I need to use a camera plate, I prefer the RC2's because they are VERY easy to install & remove without the need for a hex wrench...just a simple D-ring that I can twist with my fingers...easy on, easy off. While there is a definite advantage to the Arca Swiss design, I use the RC2's with my remote set-ups...it is certainly more than strong/solid enough to hold my 1D's & short focal length lenses but has the advantage of quick removal if I need to shoot hand-held. Also, I use the RC2 plates that have the non-twist lip that keeps the plate firmly positioned with no chance of 'spinning'.
p.1 #17 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
jaredcolletti wrote:
Sounds like BH-3 at minimum. Crap, thanks guys, appreciate the honesty. 275, isnst that bad really.
I love my RRS BH-40. However, if you shop used, the Acratech Ultimate can be had for somewhat less, and it's just as sturdy in my opinion. But the earlier advice is correct - save up and buy once, a 70-200 is likely too big a load for some of the cheaper ballheads.
p.1 #18 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
go with Markins - you'll need to up your budget, but won't regret the quality and light-weight of the head with capabilities to hold large lenses completely steady.
p.1 #19 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
jaredcolletti wrote:
can anyone else chime in this heads, they look slick. thanks surf monkey
I've used both the Markins Q3T and Photo Clam PC-33NS on a travel tripod and prefer the Markins; smoother, much larger ball diameter (38mm to 33mm), and a more sensitive friction control. The fit and finish on both are about the same but the Markins is a well engineered product that works extremely well.
p.1 #20 · need advise on ball head that won't break the bank.
anakha wrote:
go with Markins - you'll need to up your budget, but won't regret the quality and light-weight of the head with capabilities to hold large lenses completely steady.
