Ball Head (Page 2): I thought your description was clear enough. I'm not sure exactly what gemlenz is looking for. I also agree with Cd's assessment, it would likely be less stable.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

amehta wrote:

I think I created some confusion with my imprecise description of using a QR clamp and plate. I wasn't clear that the clamp would go on the tripod legs, the head would go on the QR plate, and then the QR system would allow the head to be attached quickly.

I thought your description was clear enough. I'm not sure exactly what gemlenz is looking for.
I also agree with Cd's assessment, it would likely be less stable.

rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

gemlenz wrote:

I bought one of these ball heads for my Vanguard tripod. I love the action, stability and build of this unit. What I don't like is the fact that it does not have a quicker release from the tripod. I also have a pistol grip head that has a nice quick release to it, but it was not as stable as I wanted.

Is there a ball head that has both quick release and stability, or is there an adapter that I can get to get a better (quicker) release?

Look at the Manfrotto lineup....good stuff! I have the Manfrotto 323 RC2 System Quick Release Adapter with 200PL-14 Plate.

mechengvic Loc: SoCalo

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Adjustable-Lever-Clamp-Adapter-f-Arca-Camera-Tripod-Ballhead-Quick-Release-Plate-/261509778519?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ce3328c57

This replaces the existing plate mount. And it's arca swiss compatible. Last time I ordered from China I got it in 1 week.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

gemlenz wrote:

I bought one of these ball heads for my Vanguard tripod. I love the action, stability and build of this unit. What I don't like is the fact that it does not have a quicker release from the tripod. I also have a pistol grip head that has a nice quick release to it, but it was not as stable as I wanted.

Is there a ball head that has both quick release and stability, or is there an adapter that I can get to get a better (quicker) release?

If I understand what you are looking for, it is an easy way to remove the camera from the head. If this is correct, then you are looking for a quick release plate that has a lever as opposed to a screw clamp, like this:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl/it.I/id.18/.f

The problem is that you would need to use the quick release plate from one manufacturer, since there are small differences between plate widths, and the lever cannot easily accommodate all the different sizes. The screw type clamp does not suffer from this problem

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

gemlenz wrote:

I bought one of these ball heads for my Vanguard tripod. I love the action, stability and build of this unit. What I don't like is the fact that it does not have a quicker release from the tripod. I also have a pistol grip head that has a nice quick release to it, but it was not as stable as I wanted.

Is there a ball head that has both quick release and stability, or is there an adapter that I can get to get a better (quicker) release?

I use this combination on everything, even my heads. I have the same ball head on my Vanguard Tracker 4. I can switch from ball head to tilt and pan in a second.

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-323-Connect-Adapter-200PL-14/dp/B001ASU1QO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404990638&sr=8-4&keywords=manfrotto+qr+plate

jcboy3

gemlenz wrote:

I bought one of these ball heads for my Vanguard tripod. I love the action, stability and build of this unit. What I don't like is the fact that it does not have a quicker release from the tripod. I also have a pistol grip head that has a nice quick release to it, but it was not as stable as I wanted.

Is there a ball head that has both quick release and stability, or is there an adapter that I can get to get a better (quicker) release?

I have a couple of the Vanguard ball heads, including the one you have. They are secure and stable, because the QR plate is locked in with a screw adjustment and it has a safety release. But they are not quick, so they have the disadvantages of the ARCA mount without the compatibility. Vanguard has started making ARCA mounts, and I like them as well.

Manfrotto quick release ball heads are my favorite style for very quick release plate. A similar one to the Vanguard is Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Quick Release

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=660311&gclid=COus5pzjur8CFUEF7AodY0wAUQ&Q=&is=REG&A=details

If you want an adapter to attach between the tripod and ball-head, then consider the Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter, you can mount the Vanguard to the QR plate and remove the ball head quickly.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_323_323_RC2_System_Quick.html/c/product/#inpage:IN+STOCK#inpage:Shipping+:++$?gclid=CIP318biur8CFbRj7Aodx3IABw

Note that adding the QR plate to the ball head will add to instability, but it can be done. The 323 has a 5/8 mount (with 1/4 adapter) so it should work on your tripod.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

The answer is pretty simple - Markins, Arca Swiss, Really Right Stuff, and Kirk - you will buy it once, and never need to replace it.

I own an Arca Swiss Z1 - it developed an issue where the clamp was rotating on the stem. It's not supposed to. I sent it in, after owning it for seven years, and it was repaired free of charge. There are few ball heads as smooth as the Arca, which has an elliptical ball that minimizes the speed of movement as the stem approaches the edge, minimizing damage to camera, lens and or ball head.

All of the above use the same Arca-Swiss standard plates - so that if you replace the tripod foot on a lens, which is pretty common with 70-200mm, 300mm, 400mm, 500mm amd 600mm lenses - you can use the lens in the ball head's clamp. I routinely use my 600mm F4, which weighs 13 lbs, on my Z1. I would never try that on a lesser ball head.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

gemlenz wrote:

I bought one of these ball heads for my Vanguard tripod. I love the action, stability and build of this unit. What I don't like is the fact that it does not have a quicker release from the tripod. I also have a pistol grip head that has a nice quick release to it, but it was not as stable as I wanted.

Is there a ball head that has both quick release and stability, or is there an adapter that I can get to get a better (quicker) release?

I call myself a rank amateur and I'm just getting back in the game.
But I went with a Sirui ball head on a Sirui carbon fiber monopod.
So far I really like the combo.
Shooting 4th of July, with the stick retracted all the way made a nice (albeit large) handle. And I found with a small amount of extension I could tuck it under my arm for more stability. And later used it as a monopod with the camera pointed upward for aerial shots.
It took the weight off and didn't get kicked around by the crowd like a tripod might have.
Very similar release with the dovetailed and clamp.
So I suppose I'm suggesting trying a monopod for a more universal fit (to you) than a pistol grip or a tripod.
Each has a place, but I think a monopod with a ball head can bridge a gap. At least, it does for me. ;^)
Hope that helps.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

amehta wrote:

You get a clamp like the url=http://www.bhphotovi... (show quote)

excellent advice and the wimberlys are the best around. i also use acratech, and they are also good, and expensive. you don't really want to down scale, given your desire for good equipment.

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

amehta wrote:

You get a clamp like the url=http://www.bhphotovi... (show quote)

Are you thinking of using two QR systems? One on the mono/ TRI pod and another attached to the ball head/ camera end? That would seem logical I think.

George

amehta Loc: Boston

George II wrote:

Are you thinking of using two QR systems? One on the mono/ TRI pod and another attached to the ball head/ camera end? That would seem logical I think.

George

Yes, that is the suggestion.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

gemlenz wrote:

I bought one of these ball heads for my Vanguard tripod. I love the action, stability and build of this unit. What I don't like is the fact that it does not have a quicker release from the tripod. I also have a pistol grip head that has a nice quick release to it, but it was not as stable as I wanted.

Is there a ball head that has both quick release and stability, or is there an adapter that I can get to get a better (quicker) release?

Why get this and adapt it with a second plate to make it Arca-Swiss compatible (as well as compatible with L-brackets and replacement tripod feet) when all you need to do is get the Vanguard BBH 200 model that is already Arca Swiss compatible

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Cameras/N/0/Ntt/VABBH*

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Gene51 wrote:

Why get this and adapt it with a second plate to make it Arca-Swiss compatible (as well as compatible with L-brackets and replacement tripod feet) when all you need to do is get the Vanguard BBH 200 model that is already Arca Swiss compatible

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Cameras/N/0/Ntt/VABBH*

I am thinking the OP was trying to make the ball head QR from the tripod / mono pod at the same tyme having the camera QR from the ball head...

George

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

George II wrote:

I am thinking the OP was trying to make the ball head QR from the tripod / mono pod at the same tyme having the camera QR from the ball head...

George

On re-read, I think you are right - and I would not recommend it.

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

Gene51 wrote:

On re-read, I think you are right - and I would not recommend it.

Well it would be worth a go, at the least George would have some extra "stuff" we all know "Stuff" is good. It does seem like a novel idea and a possible opportunity for someone to develope a new thingie.

Regards, the other George