p.2 #1 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
Sharona wrote:
You want the ballhead to be appropriate for the tripod....
Yes you do. In the current RRS catalog they list the BH-40 with their series 2 tripods as a package, and the BH-55 with their series 3 tripods as a package. So they seem to think the BH-55 belongs with a RRS series 3 tripod.
I have the previous generation Gitzo 3-series and I think the BH-55 is just a wee bit too much for it. However this current generation has a beefier top plate and is heavier so now it's a better match.
I like my Z1 very much but in all honesty getting a decent clamp for it is a bit fiddly. I actually had to get a clamp custom machined for mine and you don't need that.
I would just get the BH-55 and the Gitzo 3-series you want and you'll have a very stable rig that will last you a long time.
p.2 #2 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
Thanks, Peter. I think this is where I'm headed. I just wish the Gitzo was a tad lighter.... The RRS series 2 is nearly a pound lighter. But I need to get what will work best.
p.2 #3 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
they have no real guidelines on usage. I put a BH40 on a TQC14. it is supposedly designed around the BH30 but the 40 fits as well. it hasn't made one bit of difference in use except I like it more then the 30. these overlap in my book for acceptable operation.
p.2 #4 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
For landscape use I suggest that you get the TVC-24L rather than the other RRS tripods. The extra length comes in handy regardless of your height - think of a slope in front of you and the need to set one leg on that slope. That's when size really matters.
As for the head, the way I see it (including with the legs) we photographers are in a position of too many good choices, not of which of all the choices is the only good one. The Markins line, the BH-40 and BH-55, the A-S Z1 and even the Kirk heads and the Acratech heads are all superb, well made, strong, rugged and differ in details and weight rather than in magnitudes of usability. I've seen well known pros that shoot with every possible configuration of head and legs, and they get results. The thing is, when I ask them why they use what they do the answer is invariably finely tuned to their personal needs and their advice is that I do the same. That is, buy what fits me and my needs.
So, since I shoot a lot of landscapes, light and long matter when it comes to the legs. And the head needs to be responsive and light as well (this 50 year old back appreciates light more than it did at 30). For me the Markins Q-3 (which I still own as I love it) is slightly less stable than the RRS BH-40 and the BH-40 is only slightly heavier so it wins out for the main rig. Moving up the scale, the BH-40 is appreciably lighter than the BH-55 while being ever so slightly less stable with my lens set. So, again, it wins. For legs, the 24L hits that sweet spot for me as well. Lighter than anything as long, and as solid as anything within a pound of it.
I guess what I'm saying is, what are your trade-offs? How and where do you shoot? 'Cause any of your choices are outstanding, the issue whether they will be outstanding for you. But, to offer advice - long, light and stable are good. Go with legs as long as you will be comfortable carrying, with a head as light as will work for you (and everything on your list will work for lenses you list, it's more about how the head it fits your hand), and then don't look back.
p.2 #5 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
At one time my wife and I took four tripods with us, two with ballheads on them and two with Wimberlys heads for the long lenses.
I bought quick release plates for both tripods and put plates on the bottoms of both ball heads and both Wimberleys. Now we carry tow tripods and can change back and forth between the ballheads and gimbal heads in a matter of seconds. And yes they are solid.
p.2 #9 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
Those are pricier and heavier than I want, though.... I think I'm going to give the RRS folks a jingle. Their web site is not all that helpful when it comes to tripods for specific needs, they only give weight loads, etc. Thanks everyone, truly!
p.2 #10 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
that is an excellent idea.
"tripods for specific needs"? all tripods do is support. all tripods will accept all heads with proper threading or adapting. all tripods which have the capacity will support the load properly and are capable of being adapted to specific needs by the user. you know it going to be you in the end.
p.2 #11 · Couple tripod/ball head combos - help me choose
I just want clarification from them in terms of what/how I'll be shooting and what I wish to accomplish, ie my expectations. They can help me decipher which tripod/ballhead will work for me.... On the upside, I bought a RRS L-bracket from the B&S forum, so I'm set with that; once I decide on a head and legs I'll be ready to shoot some landscapes!
I think I'm going to give the RRS folks a jingle. Their web site is not all that helpful when it comes to tripods for specific needs, they only give weight loads, etc. Thanks everyone, truly! 