I've been looking for a good ultralight ball head for use while hiking. Anyone who shares that interest might also be interested in this deal for $1.09 including shipping:
I bought one a couple of years ago (for almost three dollars!) and found that this ca. 64 gram ball head is capable of locking up when weighted with my modest kit (a Sony A7R III with lenses less than 85mm). I added a Kirk 1" quick release for use on a little tabletop tripod. It's pretty much what I expected after reading this review:
I also have a little Novoflex Ball 19, which is about 28 grams heavier and a bit more robust than the Andoer MT-04. I like it. The Sunwayfoto version/rip off of the Really Right Stuff BPC-16 that I purchased on a whim is weaker than either the Novoflex or the Andoer, as well as rougher (although none of these heads are smooth or have any sort of friction control); I threw it out. The Really Right Stuff BPC-16 might well be perfect for my needs while hiking, but it costs 183 times as much as the Andoer.
Any other suggestions?
(FWIW, I typically use a FLM-36G ball head, which is quite light for its holding power, but it's sometimes more than I need or often more than I want to carry.)
For this purpose, I bought a Leofoto Mini rotule MBC-20 about six months ago. It does the job. The operation is a bit non standard, but after getting used to it, the separate panning is very useful. It looks similar to the Really Right Stuff BPC-16, but much cheaper (I paid about 60 euros for it), although that is still 50 or 60 times more than the noname option that you mention.
The MBC-20 may well be a better copy than the Sunwayfoto of the RRS BPC-16, which so impressed a reviewer that I respect that he adopted it shortly after extolling the virtues of the Arca-Swiss p0, which he said he now uses principally for only longer lenses and for formal lens tests.
The LH-25 seems to me like it hits the sweet spot for a small ballhead. As I recall, it was positively reviewed as a not-as-refined-but-much-cheaper alternative the the RRS original. I might get one on sale.
FWIW, any of these small ballheads could suffice for my casual use. (My Sony A7R III with the heaviest lens that I often use--a ca. 400 gram Zeiss Loxia 25mm--along with a plate or an L-bracket is still a modest load.)
So I tried a little stress test: I fitted the heaviest lens setup that I could muster: a bit over 1,000 grams. The results were as you'd expect. Both the 66 gram Andoer MT-04 and my daughter's bumblebee-sized Gibtzo 075 could actually hold the setup without drooping after it initially settled, but they could be easily moved when fully tightened. The Novoflex Ball 19 did fine--but, like the smaller heads, it was fussier to set than the larger ballheads (and it squeaks in use). Other heads were progressively easier to work with, pretty much in line with the diameter of the ball.
For now I plan to use the Novoflex on my mini tripod and when my hikes are not photocentric. However, since I misplaced the threaded platform for my daughter's Gitzo, I ended up purchasing a 99 gram Andoer ballhead for less (under $4 including tax and shipping) than the cost of a platform alone. Since it's "rated" to twice the capacity of the same maker's MT-04, it might be useful after I've scavenged the platform and fitted a little Kirk clamp. The FLM unit with its 36mm ball will remain my main ballhead, and my giant ballhead will never leave home. But I'm still looking.
Several years ago I bought a Colorado Tripod Company small ballhead for ca $30 and was shocked how sturdy and beautifully made it was. Ouch, I see it must have been purchased when they were just starting up as I see no signs of it now on their website, only much pricier ballheads, but you might find one for sale on the auction site or other classified. It really seems to be a bomber ballhead albeit heavier than yours, but it even handles a Sony A7RV wtih a 150-600mm adapted Tamron lens without worrying about balancing the weight.
I got one of those Colorado $20 ballheads at introduction. It is still holding up my unorthodox web camera setup behind the monitor. I never used it in the field and it was not as lightweight as expected from the size.
FWIW, the 99 gram "Andoer Tripod Ball Head 360 Degree Swivel Compatible with DSLR Camera" that I purchased (I paid $3.92 including tax and shipping) is better than the little Novoflex. With the platform removed and a Kirk clamp installed it weighs 138 grams.
I think this will work fine as part of a lightweight hiking kit. I sorted through the various offers on aliexpress (which ranged up to $16 for the "Andoer Tripod Ball Head 360 Degrees" that I'd purchased for less than $4) and purchased another for $1.08 including tax and shipping. With the platform removed and a Kirk 1" clamp added, it weighs 138 grams. Lightweight, cheap, and strong enough for my use. Excellent.
Water weighs 1 kg per liter plus the weight of the container. If a few ounces are important than only fill the water bottle half way or leave it back at camp.
I have had various LeoFoto tripods and heads for years now and have never had an issue. I can also say, without fail, every time I elect for the cheapest version of anything to do with tripods and heads I regret it.
jiggyb21 wrote:
I have had various LeoFoto tripods and heads for years now and have never had an issue. I can also say, without fail, every time I elect for the cheapest version of anything to do with tripods and heads I regret it.
Yup. The name of the game is value. And Leofoto is the best value in tripods and heads these days. Yes there are quirks, like the needlessly narrow 23 degree leg angle that makes their tripods tippy out of the box. Nobody should let that deter them, it can be resolved in minutes with a hand file. Small price to pay when you are paying 25% if the premium brand price.
