I really only use a tripod to keep large glass- sony 600mm +/- teleconverter or sony 400-800mm- centered on a nest waiting for landings or launches. I almost never use it for panning.
I just need a rock solid base.
My BH-55 is starting to "creep". I can not lock it down. It is 15+yrs old. It was rebuilt by RRS 10-15yrs ago as it was so clogged up with sand after shooting in white sands for a couple weeks.
I called Really Right Stuff and they think it is likely wear on some internal plastic parts.
Unfortunately the classic BH-55 has gone through several versions and they no longer have parts for the older models.
They will be glad to look at it, but were not optimistic they would be able to repair.
So I am likely on the lookout for a new ballhead.
Any different recommendations?
I may just get another bh-55 but I was disappointed there are internal plastic parts that may not be repairable in the future, and they have no trade in policy.
Maybe Flexshooter?
Or I may just use my whimberley gimbal and lock it down- but that is soooo big and heavy
Just fishing for any recommendations.
thanks
gary
Gary,
Monopod and a Wimberley gimbal head would be ideal in my opinion. Even if you want to stick to your tripod and not go for a monopod, still recommend a gimbal head. I shoot a Z9 with 600 f4 lens on a monopod with Wimberley. No matter what you choose, either a tripod or a monopod, a ball head not a good choice with extreme telephoto.
Sreedhar.
Get a video/fluid head. You can lock those down. The Leofoto BV-20 features an Acra-Swiss clamp, lever or knob. Heavier than maybe you want, though. Set the counterbalance right and the camera/lens won't flop if you release the tilt.
gchappel wrote:
I really only use a tripod to keep large glass- sony 600mm +/- teleconverter or sony 400-800mm- centered on a nest waiting for landings or launches. I almost never use it for panning.
I just need a rock solid base.
My BH-55 is starting to "creep". I can not lock it down. It is 15+yrs old. It was rebuilt by RRS 10-15yrs ago as it was so clogged up with sand after shooting in white sands for a couple weeks.
I called Really Right Stuff and they think it is likely wear on some internal plastic parts.
Unfortunately the classic BH-55 has gone through several versions and they no longer have parts for the older models.
They will be glad to look at it, but were not optimistic they would be able to repair.
So I am likely on the lookout for a new ballhead.
Any different recommendations?
I may just get another bh-55 but I was disappointed there are internal plastic parts that may not be repairable in the future, and they have no trade in policy.
Maybe Flexshooter?
Or I may just use my whimberley gimbal and lock it down- but that is soooo big and heavy
Just fishing for any recommendations.
thanks
gary...Show more →
You might look into a 2-way head for this kind of application, something like a Leofoto VH-30. You could add a leveling base underneath it for added flexibility if needed. To be clear, I haven't actually used a set up like this, but it seems like it would be better than a ball head for your scenario without the weight of a gimbal or fluid head.
I totally agree with @OregonSun. Ball heads are generally not the right tools for long lenses. Gimbals are designed for free movement rather than holding a fixed position. Video style 2 or 3-way fluid heads might be a better solution.
The only way to really eliminate drift from a ball head is to load is sideways. Most large heads like your BH-55 have a side drop slot. Loading the ball to the side can eliminate most drift. The problem is the entire load is off center because you have to use the lens foot 90 degrees to the side as well. "Mono-gimbal" style heads like the Leofoto MPG-01 or Wimberley MH-100 essentially do the same thing with a simpler design.
guywithgas wrote:
Gary,
Monopod and a Wimberley gimbal head would be ideal in my opinion. Even if you want to stick to your tripod and not go for a monopod, still recommend a gimbal head. I shoot a Z9 with 600 f4 lens on a monopod with Wimberley. No matter what you choose, either a tripod or a monopod, a ball head not a good choice with extreme telephoto.
Sreedhar.
Right on
Gimbal heads do work well on monopds too. I tried a monopod head with an EF500mm f/4, and was not happy.
Secondly, buy quality....you know pay once, cry once.
PMG are great too. Stay away from greasy "bearings", commonly in knock-offs and/or cheaper brands
My favorite ball head is the Arca Swiss P1+, it has an aspherical ball, which increases resistance as the ball tilts. It's an inverted ball head. (Which also means the ball is somewhat protected from the elements vs a conventional ball head.)
I use the Leofoto MPG-01 on my monopod, I've never tried locking it down.
Another idea that comes to mind is the Acratech Long Lens Head. I'm not sure if you can lock it down as completely as a ball head though either.
gchappel wrote:
Just fishing for any recommendations.
I own a gimbal, geared head, and three ball heads. For harsh conditions, I understand the Acratech design with their open ball is the easiest to clean if sand is a recurring problem for you. I personally use my gimbal on tripod for anything at 300mm or longer.
There are plenty of small and lighter gimbals than the WH-200 II. Jobu and PMG for example. Gimbals or video heads are best for panning and tracking. The Flexshooter is another story - some really like it and some really don't.
The two way pan tilts and video heads are similar. Even with gimbal. If you "lock it down," you have to loosen for movements. It may take longer feet or clamps but get the lens as close as possible to balanced and it won't want to tilt/slip.
Thanks all for the ideas and support.
I have a wimberley wh-200. It works great- but as I get older it gets heavier. I used it for panning and moving subjects- never really thought about using it locked down for an hour or two. I will definitely look at a smaller gimbal. I tried the "side-mount" gimbals- they seemed cumbersome and preferred the full gimbal head.
I never thought about one of the fluid heads- it sounds like that would work as well. But I am used to the gimbal so will likely stay in that camp.
Thanks again for the guidance!
Good shooting
gary
gchappel wrote:
Thanks all for the ideas and support.
I have a wimberley wh-200. It works great- but as I get older it gets heavier. I used it for panning and moving subjects- never really thought about using it locked down for an hour or two. I will definitely look at a smaller gimbal. I tried the "side-mount" gimbals- they seemed cumbersome and preferred the full gimbal head.
I never thought about one of the fluid heads- it sounds like that would work as well. But I am used to the gimbal so will likely stay in that camp.
Thanks again for the guidance!
Good shooting
gary
Zenelli gimbal is almost half the weight but twice the cost - carbon fiber
gchappel wrote:
I really only use a tripod to keep large glass- sony 600mm +/- teleconverter or sony 400-800mm- centered on a nest waiting for landings or launches. I almost never use it for panning.
I just need a rock solid base.
My 200-600mm kept rolling mounted on my older ballhead and so I would never mount it unless I had the neck strap around me. It became apparent the lens would carry my tripod over so I started looking for alternatives.
Thomas Heaton has a video out where he discussed the same problem and like him I switched to the Acratech Panoramic Head with Leveling Base.
I've since decided that ballheads + long, heavy glass are not a good fit.
Thanks again all.
I have been out shooting the last couple of days.
My wimberly wh-200 works great. Exactly what I was looking for.
I have learned the ball head is not really designed for the longer glass.
Thanks for the guidance.
gary
