i know some people that have used the AS B1 design of ballhead and find the RRS design difficult to accept. in fact the RRS design is for the most part the first departure from the AS design in the field of what i consider usable compact design ballheads. Kirk, markins (i have an M10), benro, photo clam, and about a dozen or so more took on the basic AS look and feel. RRS decided to do it a little different. i prefer the lower profile and the control design. some will make a pitch for the AS eliptical ball idea being the greatest. that got them in to issues with the early B1 which i also had and it was not my favorite. RRS equipment to me are some of the most thoughtful and thoughout designs around. i myself use what i need from them as i do not collect it so i don\'t have a lot of it. but what i do have has always done the job it was designed to and if i had an issue it was resolved by them.
you mention here your past use of equipment and the ability to handle a beefier CF tripod. well then i suggest for the best stability in every situation the TVC 33 or 34. and then the head of your choice that will match your needs over a broader range. this would be a no compromise other then weight/bulk (this will still be lighter and less bulkier then the others. i use the TVC33 w/BH55. throw on a Sidekick and your covered from end to end up to 500mm. i have the BH55 since it first came out and i have one of the original TVC33\'s. the best generalist setup i have ever used.
i do close up work so i wanted a support setup that was versatile in positioning. the Gitzo GT2540ex gives me that ability due to its design. along with a BH40 head i can position a body and any macro lens i use to just about in any position i need. it is a slower to use tripod but does what others cannot. i also used this for air travel due to its lower profile then the TVC33 setup though it isn\'t that much lighter. its been around the world a few times. still the most used.
i have recently purchased what is considered a travel class set of legs. and yes i did end up with RRS again due to the way they think. the TQC14. they balance support with function eliminate what can be considered as compromise in the class of tool it is. they may not be the lightest but they will do the job well beyond the rest. but not what you\'d be looking for.
i gravitate to what i consider to be good design. in the work i am involved in i have seen both the good and less then optimal under the most challenging situations long term. my comfort range for gear is somewhat wider then some because i have an understanding of it actual design and usefullness.
in the end a TVC24 and a Markins Q10 (the classic AS type look and feel) would do you well if the BH40 does nothing for you. the BH55 and 40 have a different \"feel\" to each other so you know which you are using. in the end its whatever you feel the most comfortable with.
my one and only shot of my TVC setup
shot using the GT2440ex BH40 combo in a pile of boulders 4s at f16
i know some people that have used the AS B1 design of ballhead and find the RRS design difficult to accept. in fact the RRS design is for the most part the first departure from the AS design in the field of what i consider usable compact design ballheads. Kirk, markins (i have an M10), benro, photo clam, and about a dozen or so more took on the basic AS look and feel. RRS decided to do it a little different. i prefer the lower profile and the control design. some will make a pitch for the AS eliptical ball idea being the greatest. that got them in to issues with the early B1 which i also had and it was not my favorite. RRS equipment to me are some of the most thoughtful and thoughout designs around. i myself use what i need from them as i do not collect it so i don\'t have a lot of it. but what i do have has always done the job it was designed to and if i had an issue it was resolved by them.
you mention here your past use of equipment and the ability to handle a beefier CF tripod. well then i suggest for the best stability in every situation the TVC 33 or 34. and then the head of your choice that will match your needs over a broader range. this would be a no compromise other then weight/bulk (this will still be lighter and less bulkier then the others. i use the TVC33 w/BH55. throw on a Sidekick and your covered from end to end up to 500mm. i have the BH55 since it first came out and i have one of the original TVC33\'s. the best generalist setup i have ever used.
i do close up work so i wanted a support setup that was versatile in positioning. the Gitzo GT2540ex gives me that ability due to its design. along with a BH40 head i can position a body and any macro lens i use to just about in any position i need. it is a slower to use tripod but does what others cannot. i also used this for air travel due to its lower profile then the TVC33 setup though it isn\'t that much lighter. its been around the world a few times. still the most used.
i have recently purchased what is considered a travel class set of legs. and yes i did end up with RRS again due to the way they think. the TQC14. they balance support with function eliminate what can be considered as compromise in the class of tool it is. they may not be the lightest but they will do the job well beyond the rest. but not what you\'d be looking for.
i gravitate to what i consider to be good design. in the work i am involved in i have seen both the good and less then optimal under the most challenging situations long term. my comfort range for gear is somewhat wider then some because i have an understanding of it actual design and usefullness.
in the end a TVC24 and a Markins Q10 (the classic AS type look and feel) would do you well if the BH40 does nothing for you. the BH55 and 40 have a different \"feel\" to each other so you know which you are using. in the end its whatever you feel the most comfortable with.
my one and only shot of my TVC setup
Jul 12, 2012 at 06:33 AM
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