The 55 is great, love mine. What helped me decide was my long range plans concerning my lens collection. I had always planned to pickup a 500mm and wanted to be sure it was well supported. It wasn't that I wanted to mount this lens directly on the ballhead, but since I was planning on using a sidekick the ballhead needed to be strong enough to support that combo.
I've now moved on to a full gimbal and quick release bases, so if I was to do this again I might consider the 40. I may still pick one up for the lighter weight, still considering.
I have had the Really Right Stuff BH-55 with the lever release clamp since its first year of it being sold. I am very happy with its features, and very happy with its long term performance, including surviving some less than ideal conditions. The locking knob on the BH-55 is perhaps the best in the business, with a nice large size that is easy to find without looking, and with a very minimum amount of torque required to lock the ball. I really enjoy only needing fingertip force to clamp a semi balanced load in place. I can always tighten it more if I need to, but rarely do. The BH-55 is a little on the heavy side, but it provides great support and no droop when clamped. Highly recommended.
The RRS Lever Release Clamp is the other key part of this ball head and system that I enjoy so much. The speed of mounting the camera, and of changing the orientation, is a joy to use, and the act of using the lever becomes second nature. I was skeptical way back when I started with the lever release, but soon knew it was the way to go. I now have lever release clamps on all my RRS heads, and on my Wimberley full gimbal mount, and on other gear where I mount a camera directly. I have never had any issues or concern with the firmness or security of the mounting. You want to do a "tug test" each time you clamp a camera in to be sure you are clamped properly, but you want to do that on a screw type lever release also.
If you go with the RRS lever release, even if you add it to a different ball head, I would recommend that you use RRS brand L brackets and lens plates to be sure of compatibility. Many other brackets and plates will work fine, but occasionally you will run in to problems with the non RRS stuff.
I also have all the smaller models of Really Right Stuff ball heads, and they are nice for lighter weight needs, but I always choose my BH-55 to use unless I need to carry it a long ways.
Thanks again everyone for this great discussion. So here is an add-on question: It looks like RRS offers small deals if you buy one of their tripods with the ball head. Are their tripods considered on par with Gitzo in terms of build and performance? (I've not read much about their pods at all.) Since I missed out on an eBay bid on a Gtizo, perhaps I should consider the RRS pod. THoughts?
the good:
on par if not better in overall design,materials and construction.
generally lighter weight, stiffer and less bulk then equivalents from other makers
better access to parts and service in the US. (less needed overall due to above)
very conservative "ratings" for their support capability.
can use some small selected parts from Gitzo like the spikes (their spikes are more specialized and costly)
though less in variety there is less confusion.
the not so good:
they cost more
there is generally a wait because they manufacture/build in lots which takes more time. if you want off the shelf the its Gitzo.
Gitzo has so many variations you need to read/see carefully to understand what you are really getting. (need secret decoder ring )
Lars Johnsson wrote:
I own the BH-55 and BH-40 ballheads from RRS. Both heads are very good ballheads. I also own Arca-Swiss, Gitzo and Markins heads. And to be honest, even if the BH-55 is a very good head I use my Arca-Swiss Z1 a lot more.
When you gonna use it with a Gitzo series 3 tripod. And up to 400mm lenses, you should have a large ballhead.
(IMO)
Arca-Swiss Z1 ---the smoothest ball, and the best locking (no drop)
RRS BH-55 --- the best panning base, the best knobs, the best lever release clamp
Markins Q20 --- the best price
Gitzo GH 5380 SQR Systematic ballhead --- the best ball head for long tele lenses
(this Gitzo head replace the top-plate in your Gitzo tripod. And makes an very stable low profile head for long tele lenses) less good than the other 3 heads for short/normal lenses...Show more →
Lars has it right, at least in my experience with the A-S and BH-55. Although I use the BH-55 more often than not, an A-S is the first choice for general use as it is so smooth and precise. When I'm doing panos (typically high off-center lads) and using large, heavy lenses on a Sidekick the heavy-duty panning base of the BH-55 is very nice to have. I'm not a fan of any lever clamp, but that is a matter of taste.
Last but not least, the BH-55 is one of if not the heaviest major brand 5x mm ballheads around, so you may want to look elsewhere if weight is a concern. I normally use it on a 3 series or equivalent tripod.
in the end you two courses you can travel. somewhat minimalist (no, unfortunately, there is no one set of legs and head that will do it all) or collector (get out the golf bag full of goodies)
Sharona wrote:
I'll be using a Gitzo three series with this ball head.
My biggest tripod is a Gitzo 3541LS. When I was buying a ballhead for it I looked at Acratech, Arca-Swiss, Burzynski, Kirk, Linhof, Markins and RRS heads. They're all good but among the first to get crossed off the list were the RRS models, the BH-40 is too small for the base of a 3-series systematic and the BH-55 is too heavy. If I had a 5-series Gitzo the BH-55 would have been a serious contender though.
I use a small number of RRS components and they are of high quality as everyone mentions. I like the low profile design of the RRS heads which places the ball nearer to the tripod base than most designs, and I assume this lowers the center of gravity and improves stability. A good deal of thinking seems to go into their designs and they use the highest quality materials, but therein lies the rub. Those materials are heavy, and for me the BH-55 is just too heavy for my 3-series. I think that ballhead is now nearly 10 years old so maybe it's time for a new version.
A few years ago Arca-Swiss updated the heavy B1 with the comparatively light Z1 and added a couple of other refinements. Time for RRS to do a similar job with the BH-55.
OK - I'll go back and look at the Arca Swiss model. So, EBH do you feel the screw type is more secure than the lever? I have the lever on my current Manfrotto head and don't mind it, but I can be swayed... (obviously.)
I would say in general the gear I have listed above is what I'll be using. On occasion, or if I hit the lottery, I may want to try a sidekick and, say a 500 mm lens. But I will likely never own said lens. Weight is a concern, but I am too old to go on 10 mile hikes into the wilds to get great shots, sadly. So I can't say that I'd be carrying the rig for more than a mile or two tops, if that. And it's true, I mostly want a good base to try my hand at landscapes. I have been really inspired by the photos I'm seeing on the Landscape board and want to get into that. So in that case, the camera/lens combo would not be as heavy. But I want the flexibility to have something that will support the weight when I need it.
I am probably asking for the impossible here, just as there is no one perfect bag or backpack, it depends on what you'll be carrying, etc...
technically you have a higher chance of dropping a chunk of gear off of a screw type vs a RRS clamp if you are not situationally aware at all times. there are 3 visual and just plain physical cues to tell you open, partially closed (for plate position adjustment), fully closed on the lever clamp. not so much on a screw type. the screw type handles variable width differences better BUT one must be more situationally aware of its state.
again this is a matter of taste and perception.
you can tighten a clamp down on a plate with a screw that is skewed up (not fully in the lane) but you can't on a lever. if you do manage to do it with the lever excessive force (and that's near impossible) you just ruined your gear and your day and in the end its gonna cost you.
I use the lever release version, but my kit is all RRS (clamps/plates). That is a consideration when making your choice. Some brands of lens/camera plates may not lock in a lever clamp as well as others. I think the major brands will, like Kirk, so you should keep this in mind.
As for RRS tripods, I believe they are as good or better is some aspects than Gitzo. I moved from a 3 series Gitzo to a 3 series RRS. The Gitzo had a fixed center column which I found problematic and wanted a systematic style. I find that the RRS is much more stout matching a 4 series Gitzo on specs (almost 5 series).
Both are well made and I don't believe you won't go wrong with either brand.
Todd Warnke wrote:
I'm going to disagree with Steve a bit here, for landscape and nature the 55 is nice but overkill. The reason I say that is that most landscape setups are not overly heavy and in all but hurricane winds you are not likely to see any difference between a shot with the 55 and a shot with the 40. Second, for wildlife with long lenses you may want a gimbal head rather than the 55 anyway.
I shoot mostly landscapes, nature, urban and night work and for those uses the 40 fits me better. It's lighter, just as easy to use and mates nicely with my RRS 24L. According to RRS the 40 is best mated to their 2 series tripod, and also according to RRS their 2 series tripod is their equivalent of the 3 series Gitzo, so as long it fits your intended usage I'd feel comfortable with the 40 on a 3 series Gitzo.
As for me, I use the 40/24L combo on Nikon, but my longer lens selection is very similar to your and I feel very comfortable with it using my D800 and my 70-200/2.8 and new 80-400VRII.
I agree. For landscape the BH-55 is overkill. Despite that, I find that the operation is so smooth that I use it anyway, especially for macro. The fact that it also works with my 500mm.....is great too.
May 19, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
TheBearman wrote:
I use the lever release version, but my kit is all RRS (clamps/plates). That is a consideration when making your choice. Some brands of lens/camera plates may not lock in a lever clamp as well as others. I think the major brands will, like Kirk, so you should keep this in mind.
As for RRS tripods, I believe they are as good or better is some aspects than Gitzo. I moved from a 3 series Gitzo to a 3 series RRS. The Gitzo had a fixed center column which I found problematic and wanted a systematic style. I find that the RRS is much more stout matching a 4 series Gitzo on specs (almost 5 series).
Both are well made and I don't believe you won't go wrong with either brand....Show more →
1. To be fair. Gitzo have a lot of tripods without center column (including series 3) So if you don't like to have a column, you should have bought one of their Systematic tripods without column.
2. The RRS series 3 tripod does not match a Gitzo series 4 or 5 on specs. it's nearly the opposite. A RRS series 3 can nearly match the Gito series 2 systematic tripod on specs. And is way behind a series 5.
(in real life both brands are very stable and good)
Thanks once more - I just compared - the Arca Swiss is a tad lighter and less expensive by a small margin. Two pluses! But on B&H some reviewers said the release mechanism was difficult and manual was non-existent. Anyone have some comments about that? I'm not particularly 'techie.'
I sure appreciate everyone popping in here and helping me out!
TheBearman wrote:
As for RRS tripods, I believe they are as good or better is some aspects than Gitzo. I moved from a 3 series Gitzo to a 3 series RRS. The Gitzo had a fixed center column which I found problematic and wanted a systematic style.
Not that I disagree with your point, but Gitzo 3 series (mountaineers) have been systematic for years.
Sharona wrote:
OK - I'll go back and look at the Arca Swiss model. So, EBH do you feel the screw type is more secure than the lever? I have the lever on my current Manfrotto head and don't mind it, but I can be swayed... (obviously.)
I don't like the effort/hassle of using the lever, not to mention that my first one broke. The newer designs are supposedly better. In any case, the RRS lever clamp has been around for years and should be plenty secure with most modern plates/brackets such as those from RRS, Wimberly or Kirk. Off-brand plates from eBay, etc., may not be so compatible.
I own two different versions of Gitzo series 3 Systematic tripods, and also own a Really Right Stuff series 3 tripod. I think the RRS beats the Gitzo for rigidity and ease of operation, all though not by a lot. I also think the RRS is stronger, and do not expect to ever see a fractured “crown” (top ring part) on it. Just the fact that RRS uses a larger leg diameter for their series 3 than Gitzo gives a fundamental advantage in rigidity. And the way RRS machines the top crown out of a solid piece of high grade aluminum is going to be stronger and with less potential flaws than a die cast part like Gitzo uses. I also like the option of the RRS leveling base when I want to put it on my RRS legs, but it will also fit on the older Gitzo Systematic series. RRS came out with a design for tripod top plates and leveling bases that was compatible with Gitzo, and then Gitzo went and changed their "standard", presumably to try to keep their monopoly on things. That plus they added a moderate amount to the weight of their legs. For me that means I will stay with RRS and used Gitzos if I ever need another tripod, and not consider a new Gitzo, because of compatibility with what I own now. And Gitzo violated the fundementals of their system being "Systematic", because I now have about 8 parts that will not fit on their current series 3 Systematic legs. Keep RRS in your evaluation of what legs to buy, and they are to me worth the slight extra cost, unless you get a very good deal on a Gitzo, either new or used.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
1. To be fair. Gitzo have a lot of tripods without center column (including series 3) So if you don't like to have a column, you should have bought one of their Systematic tripods without column.
2. The RRS series 3 tripod does not match a Gitzo series 4 or 5 on specs. it's nearly the opposite. A RRS series 3 can nearly match the Gito series 2 systematic tripod on specs. And is way behind a series 5.
(in real life both brands are very stable and good)
1. I'm well aware that Gitzo makes Systematic tripods. When I bought my Gitzo I didn't know that I'd lose my desire to have a tripod with a center column. You live, you learn.
2. When I look at the specs I see a Gitzo series 3 Systematic CF is rated at 39lbs load with a series 4 or 5 rated at 55lbs. The RRS 3 is rated at 50lbs with the RRS 4 rated at 85lbs. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong info. Having used a Gitzo series 3 and 4 as well as the RRS, they're all good but the RRS matches more closely with the Gitzo 4.
I like RRS gear, but this is a personal preference. Gitzo has a well earned reputation for building quality gear.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
1. To be fair. Gitzo have a lot of tripods without center column (including series 3) So if you don't like to have a column, you should have bought one of their Systematic tripods without column.
2. The RRS series 3 tripod does not match a Gitzo series 4 or 5 on specs. it's nearly the opposite. A RRS series 3 can nearly match the Gito series 2 systematic tripod on specs. And is way behind a series 5.
(in real life both brands are very stable and good)
And that is only for the simple reason that Gitzo decided to go through a total redesign of their systematic fleet. Yes now they designated the line and made every things just a little heavier and bulkier. and a bit more expensive too. Great strides in playing catching up. But then there is the RRS 4 series. Always time for another version.
May 19, 2013 at 03:08 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
TheBearman wrote:
1. I'm well aware that Gitzo makes Systematic tripods. When I bought my Gitzo I didn't know that I'd lose my desire to have a tripod with a center column. You live, you learn.
2. When I look at the specs I see a Gitzo series 3 Systematic CF is rated at 39lbs load with a series 4 or 5 rated at 55lbs. The RRS 3 is rated at 50lbs with the RRS 4 rated at 85lbs. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong info. Having used a Gitzo series 3 and 4 as well as the RRS, they're all good but the RRS matches more closely with the Gitzo 4.
I like RRS gear, but this is a personal preference. Gitzo has a well earned reputation for building quality gear.
)