Ball head advice requested
Oct 12, 2017 19:26:17 #
imagemeister wrote:
With the large heavy weight lens and no tripod collar, you will need to be using a 4 inch A/S plate on the bottom of your camera to allow for balancing the weight over the pivot point - AND- you will also need an L plate with another 4 inch A/S plate attached to short side of the L to balance the rig for vertical (portrait) orientation ...
Now, I am going to show you a ball head I just found the other day - but wait - it's Chinese ! - but I am going to show it anyway !
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ProMaster-SPH45P-SPECIALIST-Ball-Head-with-QR/162675239508?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
I like the size, features, and price. I especially like the double panning feature for doing panos.
The Manfro 468 is a highly rated/reviewed head also.
Oct 13, 2017 00:20:40 #
I use this one..works just fine with my D7200 and my Sigma 150-500mm...it's got a large ball, very smooth and locks up solid... 
Cheers,
Ron.
Cheers,
Ron.
Oct 13, 2017 01:22:17 #
I've got an oldie, but goodie Gitzo Studex 320 I bought w/o head. I found a NIB Gitzo 2750 Offset Ballhead on ebay for $99 shipped. It's heavy duty enough for more than I load (gripped 5D Mk III w/Tammie 150-600). It's stable and has smooth action. They have other models for lighter loads, but make sure it's offset, as that's vertical shooting made easy. Gimmee Gitzo! It's top shelf single malt, please.
Oct 13, 2017 06:21:38 #
grtday wrote:
Y’all were wonderful as I did research on a new tripod. Bought an almost new Gitzo GTO 530
Now l need advice on a ball head for it.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Now l need advice on a ball head for it.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Really Right Stuff BH-40!!
Oct 13, 2017 06:22:48 #
grtday wrote:
Y’all were wonderful as I did research on a new tripod. Bought an almost new Gitzo GTO 530
Now l need advice on a ball head for it.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Now l need advice on a ball head for it.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Have you tried ball heads? I started with pan/tilt,tried ball head, and went back to P&T. With the P&T, I adjust one level, lock it, and then adjust the other. A ball head requires you to get all levels right before you lock it. To each his own. Below are some good articles.
https://improvephotography.com/46538/11-best-ball-heads-500/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2016/06/03/seven-of-the-best-tripod-ball-heads-for-any-budget
https://improvephotography.com/12062/tripods-ball-heads/
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/battle-of-the-titans-top-ball-heads-tested
Oct 13, 2017 08:33:40 #
I have a good ball head but I've found the pan & tilt head to be more stable when panning.
Oct 13, 2017 08:36:07 #
Bultaco wrote:
I have a good ball head but I've found the pan & tilt head to be more stable when panning.
Yes, and it's excellent when shooting video.
Oct 13, 2017 08:48:05 #
Oct 13, 2017 08:54:48 #
grtday wrote:
Manfrotto 465. Haven’t seen, nor used but hav had issues with cheap Chinese ball heads and carbon fiber tripods. I want to buy once (over my budget) and be done with tripods!
Then look at more expensive Chinese products.... remember how we used to diss Japanese products. My FotoPro is as sturdy and as well built as any .
Oct 13, 2017 09:18:24 #
Wow! Great solution!
Could you please direct me to,someone who sells those plates. In my research, I’ve not seen them. Thanks!
Could you please direct me to,someone who sells those plates. In my research, I’ve not seen them. Thanks!
Oct 13, 2017 12:47:28 #
grtday wrote:
Wow! Great solution!
Could you please direct me to,someone who sells those plates. In my research, I’ve not seen them. Thanks!
Could you please direct me to,someone who sells those plates. In my research, I’ve not seen them. Thanks!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100MM-Lens-Plate-Quick-Release-Arca-Swiss-Compat-for-Canon-Nikon-Sigma-tele-Lens/221259789420?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Oct 13, 2017 12:53:21 #
You might want to take a look at the Manfrotto ball head MHXPRO-BH02 I use this on my Manfrotto Monopod MM290C4US. I do not use it on my tripod as it is a Manfrotto MKBFRC4-BH that comes with it's own special ball head for travel and still retains it's rigidity. These are both carbon fiber for strength and to dampen vibration. Had aluminum before and that does hold a candle to the carbon fiber for strength, rigidity and warmth (ever hold a piece of aluminum in freezing weather). By keeping the same manufacturer my quick release plates on the cameras are the same. IMO only, check for yourself.
Oct 13, 2017 13:36:23 #
Oct 13, 2017 14:46:29 #
Check out Walmart for a good inexpensive tripod. I bought one several years ago for backpacking for under $20. I use it for my Sony NEX-7 and have never had an issue with it after traveling many miles.
Oct 14, 2017 10:32:00 #
grtday wrote:
Y’all were wonderful as I did research on a new tripod. Bought an almost new Gitzo GTO 530
Now l need advice on a ball head for it.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Now l need advice on a ball head for it.
Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
I just finished researching this question because I wanted a ball head for pano shots and the Arca Quick Release system. I ended up choosing the one at the link below. However, you may not want the Pano feature, so your choice will likely be different. It's a lot harder choice than I ever dreamed it would be.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/658840-REG/Arca_Swiss_801213_Monoball_P0_with_Panning.html
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