Fotografpaul wrote:
I disagree, FLM is superior in every way. And price is lower, even when factoring in that you need to buy a clamp for the FLM.
I have no doubt the ball heads are solidly built, but "superior in every way" is primarily just a preference. For example, the four control knobs of the FLM are not good for my use, so their heads would be towards the bottom of my list. I also don't see anything like the BV-22 for the convertible gimbal feature.
EB-1 wrote:
I have no doubt the ball heads are solidly built, but "superior in every way" is primarily just a preference. For example, the four control knobs of the FLM are not good for my use, so their heads would be towards the bottom of my list. I also don't see anything like the BV-22 for the convertible gimbal feature.
EBH
Yes i agree that some features might be better suited depending how and what you shoot and in that sense it's subjective.
But considering the OP's gear, budget and subject matter the Markins BV-22 convertible gimbal features is pretty much irrelevant.
So let's take that out of the equation, what does Markins offer in terms of feature, build, performance and price compared to a ballhead like the Sirui K30x ? Let alone to a ballhead like the FLM ?
The FLM FT has three knobs, pan lock, tilt lock , and main knob with a tension collar.
Now you can upgrade it to a FTR by buying a PRS knob and thus you will have four knobs.
The FLM sporting the tilt lock which is a unique feature on standard ballhead design, otherwise only seen on the geared ballhead like the KPS T5.
This feature is available without purchasing any additional accessories, the BV-22 alone cost more then the FLM CB-48FT.
So while im sure the Markins with the BV-22 works excellent for you, i would not recommend it for OP's needs and budget.
like sjms, I am also waiting - what are the objective and subjective adv.s of the FLM over the Markins? (I'm not disagreeing as I've never used the FLMs)
I agree with the subjectivity comment above - once you get past the cheap ball heads, a lot has to do with your way of working - note the good write-up above of why there is a strong P0 contingent out there
I also agree with narrowing a selection to a few and then just buying one & using it. Later, buy another different one and see if you like it better. That's what I've done with 3 or 4 different ballheads. Save for trying the P0 or FLM, I like either the RRS or Markins I have the best, tho I am just fine with my ancient Arca-Swiss - so what if it locks up every few years after I bounce it all over the backroads of Oregon & Wyoming? I just unlock it. (But if I find a nice used BH-55 for cheap, the Arca could just be heading to the for sale bin...)
Just a quick update - after reading all the comments and really thinking about what I need I have decided and ordered the Arca Swiss P0. In the end, as soon as I looked at it I felt it would be right for me, in terms of size, height, weight and handling. What attracted me to the 322 initially, and subsequently the Magic Ball 50 was the different way of adjusting it with the pistol grip/handle, and I think the P0 will give me a similar feature but with much better stability and smaller size - really important to me, as this will be primarily my out-and-about head. Of course, now I will have to see if it works for me in the field...
rw11 wrote:
like sjms, I am also waiting - what are the objective and subjective adv.s of the FLM over the Markins? (I'm not disagreeing as I've never used the FLMs).
With the risk of repeating my self. :-)
Build the FLM is built like a tank, and comes with 5-years warranty opposed to Markins 3-year.
Tilt Lock a truly unique feature.
The option to upgrade from FT to FTR and get audible clicks when shooting panoramas.
Tension lock is easier to set with their Memory Lock Ring, also easier to remember a number for specific setup.
Price is lower compared to the Markins
Just a quick update - after reading all the comments and really thinking about what I need I have decided and ordered the Arca Swiss P0. In the end, as soon as I looked at it I felt it would be right for me, in terms of size, height, weight and handling. What attracted me to the 322 initially, and subsequently the Magic Ball 50 was the different way of adjusting it with the pistol grip/handle, and I think the P0 will give me a similar feature but with much better stability and smaller size - really important to me, as this will be primarily my out-and-about head. Of course, now I will have to see if it works for me in the field......Show more →
Cool!
I'm sure you'd be happy with it. When i got my first copy i was surprised how different yet intuitive and fast it was to work with.
For my requirement a ballhead is all about speed and ease of use, for everthing else i use my D4 (which i can't say enough good things about. This after working over a decade with the Manfrotto 405 and 410.)
So in that regard the Monoball P0 truly delivered and more,.
with the FLM ballheads trying to match the variables in their line with other products is rather difficult. in the end that I, looking fairly quickly, found they are actually higher priced then Markins, and RRS with and w/o the plethora of adjustment capabilities. being that I spend most of my time in a lot of locations both indoors and out generally over a limited tic toc of time I tend to try to minimize the complexity in my support equipment and reduce potential mishaps and possible failure. a warranty is only valuable if you need to use it and absolutely the best if you don't have to use it. I have yet to need to do so on mine. I did have my Markins reworked once. but in that case it was a self inflicted wound and they handled it brilliantly.
in the end though I also think that the choice of the AS P0 is possibly one of the best options. we all have our preferences and misgivings on gear I do try to keep it simple with mine for my scope of usage.
oh, on the "stress test" that DPR did, I truly think missed the mark on the nuances. just an opinion.
Now i compared the biggest ballhead from each manufacturer.
But when comparing the FLM and Markins CB-48FT is actual the closest equivalent to the Q20 in terms of spec and size. And thus the price difference increase by quite a bit.
sjms wrote:
with and w/o the plethora of adjustment capabilities.
If you are referring to the tilt lock and PRS they are hardly a plethora.. furthermore the PRS is optional.
So that leaves us with with three knobs vs three when comparing the FLM to the RRS BH-55. (tension lock being integrated with the main knob on the FLM)
sjms wrote:
being that I spend most of my time in a lot of locations both indoors and out generally over a limited tic toc of time I tend to try to minimize the complexity in my support equipment and reduce potential mishaps and possible failure.
We all have different requirements and needs regarding gear. But to claim the RRS or Markins would be less prone to failure is a unwarranted claim. Especially considering RRS have their own video how to fix the lock up of a their ballhead. Indication that it probably isn't a isolated incident with a certain production batch. From what i'v gathered Markins just recently upgraded their pan brake to a actual pan lock..
sjms wrote:
a warranty is only valuable if you need to use it and absolutely the best if you don't have to use it. I have yet to need to do so on mine. I did have my Markins reworked once. but in that case it was a self inflicted wound and they handled it brilliantly.
Agreed, but warranty offered from the manufacturer also gives a indication how they stand behind their product and their faith in what their doing.
In the end im sure you rather deal with warranty claims in the US rather then Germany, and i of course rather deal with Germany then US. So depending on location, warranty claims can be easier/harder to deal with.
sjms wrote:
in the end though I also think that the choice of the AS P0 is possibly one of the best options.
Yea i think so too!
sjms wrote:
oh, on the "stress test" that DPR did, I truly think missed the mark on the nuances. just an opinion.
Well we all have an opinion i found it quite informative and accurate from my own experience and usage.
now you know that that there is a substantially higher percentage of ballheads purchased with a clamp assy. price it up.
it is 2 more knobs and mechanisms added.
i'm not so sure about that unwarranted idea.
either way on the warranty as i said its the one you don't have to use. but any warranty handling for FLM on our my side of the pond would be handled in Canada. not a big deal.
i have had the BH55 since it came out. one of the original batch made. never a problem. and from the few people i know who own one ver an issue either. never even saw the vid.
as to the video which i just watched for the first time i have this to say. really! are you kidding me! operational issue by not paying attention in use. now i know why i never saw it. i pay attention in usage. please........
I have used many ball heads and had the opportunity to inspect many others. Hard to beat Arca Swiss for quality, precision, machining.
I have the P0 with a RRS lever clamp and it is outstanding. One knob, easy to use in cold weather (I live in Wisconsin), no complaints after several years of using it.
However, it is slightly overbuilt for my current needs (Sony A7rII). I don't often use long lenses but if I used the 70-200 often then I would use my P0 with that. But for travel I prefer the Acratech GP-ss with lever clamp. It is slightly smaller and lighter, but not as slick ergonomically. Both are excellent for panos because the clamp rotates once the head is level. No need for an additional panning base which saves on weight and cost.
I used to have an AS Z1 which I used with an Arca Swiss F1 field camera. I must say I prefer the P0. As far as FLM - they seem somewhat crude compared to Arca. If you can, just go to B&H and compare them side by side and I would say it is no contest. If budget dictates a knockoff like Markins then so be it.
Thanks for asking - I absolutely love the P0. I got the version with the Acra clamp, and combined with my Berlebach Mini tripod my setup is now rock solid. It even fits into the bag for the mini, so I can just leave it on, ready whenever I need it. It fits really well into my workflow - the ring control is so intuitive that I can change camera position without thinking about what I'm doing. That's what I was hoping for with the Manfrotto 322 trigger grip, but it just wasn't stable enough for Macro work. The top rotating clamp is great to quickly adjust the camera.
Next, I'm thinking about adding a panning base between tripod and head, for even more flexibility.
I have a Manfrotto 332RC2 head for years I bought a rrs BH-55 and a gimble since. I rotate depending on use IIRC the 310 is a vertices only version of the 322. The 322 allows for the Rec clamp to be on the top or operated rt or lt handed. I set mine up for rt hand pivot with a thumb switch for the shutter I use my Lt hand for zooming ang focusing.
I'm having some excellent success with the ball heads from photo clam. I currently use the photo clam 48n with a Canon 70-200 with a WMberley side kick and I'm very impressed. The price is very affordable for the quality you receive. I actually have a 54ns for sale here on the forums that are definitely worth checking out.
