Ball heads: Well, I am used to my old trusted Velbon (now manfrotto?) heavy duty studio tripod. I resisted the move to ball head as when I tried them years ago they were flimsy, unable...

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Well, I am used to my old trusted Velbon (now manfrotto?) heavy duty studio tripod. I resisted the move to ball head as when I tried them years ago they were flimsy, unable to hold my camera in place even when REALLY tightened.

Now those things are all over the place and there is no 'regular tripod' heads.

I am sure that many of you are using the ball heads and my question is (sorry long preamble) are they as good as the old stuff now?

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I have a Manfrotto 498RC4 and it easily supports my D7000 with battery grip, SB600 flash, and my heaviest zoom lens. Total weight: 5.08 lbs. The ballhead is rated at 17.64 lbs.

amehta Loc: Boston

I use the Induro BHL1 to hold the D800 + 300mm f/2.8 with no problems.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

I have the Manfrotto 498RC4 also. I bought it over the RC2 version because it has a larger Quick Release plate that I felt would be more secure for my gear. I use a D600 with either the 70-300mmVR or the sigma 150-500mmIS on it with NO trouble at all. It is a solid ball head and I have it on a 055xProB legs. They are worth the $$$. You usually can't go wrong with Manfrotto. B&H sometimes has factory rebates too.

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

I've been using Acratech ballheads for almost 10 years and couldn't be happier. They weigh just under 1 pound but are built like tanks. Mine get abused and they've never suffered a single failure. I trust them so much that last year I decided to sell them at my gallery in Moab. Here's a link to a review I did on my original Acratech Ultimate Ballhead: http://blog.bretedge.com/2010/03/03/gear-review-acratech-ultimate-ballhead/.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I have been using the Acratech Ultimate GP ballhead for a few years now, and love it. Weighs less than a pound, will easily hold my Canon body with 100-400 telephoto in any position with no creep, and without a need to "crank it down". Extremely easy to keep clean. For my needs, I don't think I could find a tripod head from the past that would beat it.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Rongnongno wrote:

Well, I am used to my old trusted Velbon (now manfrotto?) heavy duty studio tripod. I resisted the move to ball head as when I tried them years ago they were flimsy, unable to hold my camera in place even when REALLY tightened.

Now those things are all over the place and there is no 'regular tripod' heads.

I am sure that many of you are using the ball heads and my question is (sorry long preamble) are they as good as the old stuff now?

Remember that your tripod is supporting your gear. Many people spend huge amounts of money on bodies and lenses and then put them on a tripod head they paid a nickel-98 for! WHY? They just do not realize the importance of good equipment. There are some great heads that will hold a lot of weight at the exact position chosen by the user. They ain't cheap, but neither is your gear. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for a good head today, they are worth it.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

err... Cost is not a consideration.

RELIABILITY is.

bretedge Loc: Moab, UT

Rongnongno wrote:

err... Cost is not a consideration.

RELIABILITY is.

Your priorities are most definitely in the right place!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

So two of you 'swear' by Acratech Ballhead. Thank for the tip, will research that brand further.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Photographer Jim wrote:

I have been using the Acratech Ultimate GP ballhead for a few years now, and love it. Weighs less than a pound, will easily hold my Canon body with 100-400 telephoto in any position with no creep, and without a need to "crank it down". Extremely easy to keep clean. For my needs, I don't think I could find a tripod head from the past that would beat it.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Rongnongno wrote:

So two of you 'swear' by Acratech Ballhead. Thank for the tip, will research that brand further.

That's a god ball head, but, try the Markins Q20. It's an amazing head that will support anything you can throw at it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Rongnongno wrote:

Well, I am used to my old trusted Velbon (now manfrotto?) heavy duty studio tripod. I resisted the move to ball head as when I tried them years ago they were flimsy, unable to hold my camera in place even when REALLY tightened.

Now those things are all over the place and there is no 'regular tripod' heads.

I am sure that many of you are using the ball heads and my question is (sorry long preamble) are they as good as the old stuff now?

I have a regular ballhead and a trigger type, both from Vanguard, and they are both secure.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I saw a ballhead from Really Right Stuff this week-end and I was super impressed. Good luck.

Rongnongno wrote:

err... Cost is not a consideration.

RELIABILITY is.

gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

link?

DavidPine wrote:

I saw a ballhead from Really Right Stuff this week-end and I was super impressed. Good luck.