i moved away from the basic arca swiss design because i much preferred the RRS BH setup. i have a BH55 and a BH40. previous heads owned. AS B1(2 yrs), Acratech Ultimate (3 months), Markins M10 (8 years and still have it. semi-retired)
Your picture is also very sharp and beautiful. I just visited Ellis Island last month!
I'm about to order the Gitzo and suddenly I realize that the 25xx Mountaineer series has 2531 and 2541. The 2531 has a three sectioned legs and the 2531 has the 4 sectioned legs but the 2541 is 22'' folded and the 2531 is 25.6'' folded.
Does the 2531 has less vibration because of 3 section? what about the longer length when folded? May be there is no differences between the two in terms of vibration, in that case then the 2541 is a better choice because of the folded length and also it is lower to the ground when required?
i went with the 4 section explorer for multiple reasons. it is my travel/macro tripod so versatility is the prime need. i have found that with the current design of the gitzo leg locks there is little descernable difference between the 3 and 4 section models as far as support and potential for vib. now mine is part of the explorer series and has the infinitely adjustable legs angles along with the articulated center post. i am basically showing that certain 2nd source components may not be totally necessary
Personally, I don't think there is any noticable difference at all. Maybe some kind of scientific instrument can tell...but I don't think vibration between 3 or 4 sections is an issue at all...just get what fits your carry and height needs. I'm tall, I like a tall one.
Related, here is good review site of three top ballheads: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tripod-Ballhead-and-Accessory-Reviews.aspx. It points out the strengths and weaknesses of a few ballheads. All are good, none are really "perfect." Like said before, you are not going to go wrong with any...and Kirk too are great ballheads that did not get any airtime in this thread, nor did Acratech. Acratech heads are very well made, tough, and really light weight. I've seriously considered thier heads...and for travel, the light weight is very appealing. I had thier Long Lens head for a while...a sweet little gizmo. I only sold it because it was not needed for my needs. I'm afraid I may be in the market for one again soon tho...they are not a gimbal, but a good, small profile alternative. But the machining is top notch.
with the Markins M10/M20, can you still have the camera/lens on the whole tripod and carry them around when hiking since I've heard the panning base is not totally locked, this might be an issue?
Thanks.
Nov 09, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
bpham wrote:
with the Markins M10/M20, can you still have the camera/lens on the whole tripod and carry them around when hiking since I've heard the panning base is not totally locked, this might be an issue?
Thanks.
Yes you can have the camera on the tripod when carry it. You just have to use a little bit more power when tighten the screw-knob on the Markins, compared to the other two brands.
Here are a few pics so you can compare those 3 brands and see how they look.
