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Tripod and ball head tripod combination question.
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Jun 28, 2016 09:08:50   #
wj cody Loc: springfield illinois
 
Gene51 wrote:
In total agreement with Doug, but would like to add a few thoughts.

The larger the ball, the smoother the operation and the less likely it is to slip. When it does slip, you want it to be intentional and gradual - which is what the micro adjustment is used for (that second tension knob). You get it so it moves when you need it to, but you can let it go and it won't move on it's own, and when you need to lock it down, you use the smaller knob.

Arca Swiss Z1 uses a huge elliptically shaped ball, so even if you set it as above for some movement, the elliptical shape will slow it down as it reaches the limit, minimizing shock and potential damage. I've had my current one 8 yrs, and B1 before it for maybe 6 yrs. Well-made and reasonable in price.

Among the popular, currently available and reasonably price ball heads you have a decent selection - Markins, Really Right Stuff, Arca Swiss, Kirk, and for a less expensive alternative, Feisol (CD50), and Sirui (K20X and higher). These are all arca-swiss plate compatible, and if you opt for a screw clamp as opposed to a lever clamp, you will have compatibility with all the major brands of camera/lens plates, L-brackets and other accessories.

Personally, I would not recommend Manfrotto heads - they all slip, and they all use a proprietary lens plate and clamp.

As far as your tripod, camera and lens, you are not asking much of a tripod to support a full frame camera and 200mm lens from a load capacity. However, stability, as you have noted is not there. I suggest you invest in a carbon fiber tripod from Sirui, Feisol, Benro or Induro, or a little more for a Three Legged Thing or a FotoPro, and look for a top tube diameter that is not less than 27-28mm. This will give you the stability you are looking for in the legs. I like and have just ordered the Feisol CT3442 ($310 without the anti-rotation leg locks) - here are a couple of reviews:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50765923
http://improvephotography.com/34507/feisol-tournament-ct-3442-review/

I have it's big brother, the CT-3472 - which I use routinely with the 600mm F4 and up to a 2x extender. No issues with stability.

I am getting the smaller lighter version because the extra 2 lbs makes a difference when I am hiking, and I don't always need the bigger legs, since I rarely carry more than a 300mm lens when in the woods. Most of the time I am using your lens and shorter.

If you are looking for 100% stability with your lens and up to 400mm, then a Markins Q10 at $380. If you don't see yourself using anything longer than a 200mm with a 1.4x TC, then you will be fine with a Sirui K40X for $165, or a Feisol CB50D for $160. I have used the CB50D with a 600mm F4 and a D800 and could live with it - stable for sure, but not as smooth in operation as the Arca Swiss or the Markins M20 which I have also used in the past.

For the record, large format (4x5) is less demanding on stability and more demanding on load capacity - a 300mm lens on a 4x5 camera has an equivalent field of view of a 90mm on a full frame DSLR. Any tripod that can handle 15-20 lbs won't have an issue with that.
In total agreement with Doug, but would like to ad... (show quote)


uh, sort of have an issue with the last paragraph's reference to a 15/20 lb tripod for use with a 5x4 camera - good luck to you. that's about the most foolish thing i've ever seen with regard to large format field and view cameras. the field/view camera presents a greater mass than a 35mm or digital imaging device. bellows, alone is the greatest wind catcher of all time. trust me, if the tripod isn't stable, and that means something a hell of a lot more than 15/20 lb rating, it doesn't matter what ball head, if you are silly enough to use one on a large format camera, you have mounted.

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Jul 1, 2016 09:31:45   #
Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca
 
Nothing change at the bottom, you're tripod hasn't gain anything it's still 12 to 15 pounds

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Jul 1, 2016 09:35:10   #
MMC Loc: Brooklyn NY
 
Thanks.
Fotoserj wrote:
Nothing change at the bottom, you're tripod hasn't gain anything it's still 12 to 15 pounds

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