I know that ball heads are an extensively discussed topic already - but specifically for macro work, which one of these ball heads are the best?
I am currently trying to upgrade my support system - it will probably do well to be versatile enough for both macro and landscapes, and would like it to be able to easily hold a 300mm lens nice and steady (possibly 400mm in future).
For macro work - would love to have the ability to adjust things very finely and smoothly at 1:1.
For landscapes - would probably use the panning base quite a bit for panos (both for short and long FL).
On top of the ball head, I plan on getting the RRS lever clamp and macro focusing rail plus L-plate for D700. Below this, I was thinking of (but open to suggestions) a Gitzo series 2 leveling tripod.
Which ball head would serve this purpose best, in your opinion, and why?
Both deep macro and 300mm+ lenses will benefit from a Gitzo series 3, rather than a series 2. I found the upgrade made a big difference.
I like the BH-55 -- I think the low profile and dual drop slots make it very effective for macro shooting. All of the heads you've listed have great reputations, though.
For macro one of the focus rails would be a noticeable improvement over a ballhead. That's the route I'd go if macro was important to me. I use the AcraTech Ultimate ballhead for landscapes etc. mainly because it's impossible to jam and has a very high load:weight ratio.
I use the Manfrotto 410 geared head for my micro/macro photography, its present price is/was ~$175--moderate.
The 3 individual control knobs (X,Y,Z) permit microfine adjustment in each axis without slip or drift regardless of what optical 'cannon' you may mount on the head.
Each control has a spring-loaded release to permit quick rapid coarse adjustment over a wide angle.
Bottom line: This is a solid rugged head that will handle almost any task--landscape, micro, macro, portrait or banging tent stakes into the ground precisely.
Suggestions re: geared head, I haven't really thought much abt these, but am looking for the versatility of a ball head (also want to do landscapes etc) - so looks like I'll stick with that for the time being, and add the macro focusing rail atop the ball. Perhaps I'll look at a geared head in future, however.
BH-55 has the most votes so far, so looks like that'll be the one!
For stationary subjects the BH-55 + B150 focusing rail mounted on my ancient heavy legset works well for me. The BH-55 will fit the Gitzo 2 series but is better suited to the Gitzo 3 series.
I occasionaly use the BH-150 rail on my BH-40 mounted on a Gitzo 2530 but I do prefer to use the rail with the BH-55 on a more substantial legset.
I'm with Greg & Louis. The 410 geared head is fine for macro, and for tilt-shift shooting. My favourite focus rail is the Contax (seen in https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/847268), and it's the same as in my Mamiya Auto Bellows N. The Pentax Focus Rail III is also nice.
If I did a lot of macro, I would never be happy with a ballhead. You are going in two different directions here. Simply taking a vote on an internet forum tells you nothing about ballheads either. It depends a lot on how YOU use them and the environment YOU use them in. In the severe winter environment I work in, a BH-55 would not be a good choice. The AcraTech is more or less the standard. SInce there are fewer people who work in harsh environments than there are those in more gentler places, it will get less votes mainly because of that. As for your original question of "Best ballhead for macro," the answer is still, "NONE."
Will probably consider a geared head if I find I need it - would love to do more macro stuff, but I probably do landscapes more, and so ballhead is probably going to be my first purchase... ;p Along with a series 3 gitzo...
