ball head vs gimbal head
Dec 16, 2019 09:59:04 #
Ed Chu
Loc: Las Vegas NV
on photo workshops I have been on I see some usage of ballheads with the long lenses; I am now using a Sony 100-400 on an a6400. Would like to hear from some who use these smaller / lighter setups ( as opposed to those of you truck around with a 500mm+ like a piece of artillery ). Someone responding to a previous query about gimbals was pushing a $472 ballhead; would like to hear from people who might have found more moderately priced ball heads. BTW, those I have encountered using a ball head absolutely swear by them.
Dec 16, 2019 10:29:18 #
I use a manfrotto pistol grip ball head. I really like it. I don't remember the model number. B&H or Adorama carry them, Amazon probably does too.
Dec 16, 2019 10:34:59 #
I use a gimbal head with my 200-500 Nikon lens. It allows me to track moving objects such as birds in flight, or aircraft. I can lock it into place when needed, but I usually use it somewhat like I might use a monopod (if I used monopods). The gimbal head is a NEEWER, which I purchased for about $70 from Amazon. I installed on an old Bogen 3021tripod. I know some people use a ball head for the same purpose. I don't think a pistol grip would work that way because it locks in place when you take your hand of the pistol.
Dec 16, 2019 10:35:16 #
The main advantage of a gimbal head, properly adjusted, is for the lens and camera to be perfectly balanced so it does not have to be locked down when pictures are taken. When balanced, you do not have to touch it to hold it. With most ball heads that I know of, you keep your hand on the camera and lens when it is not locked down. When locked down you do not have to retain contact. Both have their uses and that is why I have one of each. If you cannot afford both, and want to use a gimbal head like a regular head, get the special plate for this from Wimberley. That plate is the M-8 perpendicular plate.
Dec 16, 2019 10:50:17 #
In my opinion, any lens that has a lens "foot" should be supported by a gimbal head of sorts. Gimbal heads can be left loose and when properly balanced, will never "flop" over, like a ball head can and will, which might cause a problem. Those problems might be such a great flop that it can tumble the tripod over along with it, or simply break something as it thuds to a sudden stop.
Dec 16, 2019 10:57:06 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
When I’m hiking in for a shoot and want to keep the weight down I use a Manfrotto Befree travel tripod with the ball head that came with the tripod. It works fine for my D500 with 200-500mm f/5.6 setup. One technique to improve stability is to get down on the ground so you don’t have to extend the legs or center column any more than you have to. When I want stability, I take a Sirui carbon tripod with Nest gimbal head. It’s not all that heavy, but it is bulky. On gimbal heads, you get what you pay for.
Dec 16, 2019 11:53:57 #
Ed Chu wrote:
on photo workshops I have been on I see some usage... (show quote)
Gimbals do work best for large lenses, as they allow for perfect balancing. For small lenses like 100-400, or 150-600, I think they're overkill, a ball head will do just fine!
Dec 16, 2019 11:56:43 #
I use a carbon fi/ber gimbal .., with a carbon fiber tripod .., cuts down on the hiking weight ...
Dec 16, 2019 13:03:15 #
Markins makes ballheads and pan/tilt attachments. I rented one once and it worked very well. It's all very precisely machined. In about 10 seconds you can convert the ballhead into a pan/tilt head.
Ballheads:
Q10i
Q20i
Pan/tilt attachments:
BV-12
BV-22
BV-24
Ballheads:
Q10i
Q20i
Pan/tilt attachments:
BV-12
BV-22
BV-24
Dec 16, 2019 13:12:00 #
Ed Chu wrote:
on photo workshops I have been on I see some usage... (show quote)
Ballheads are fine - just a little more work to make them do what you want them to do. I use both - a Manfrotto 393 gimbal and an Arca-Swiss Z1, and on my lighter setup for traveling I use a Sirui K30X. The Arca is in the same category as Markins, Kirk, RRS, and other high-end ball heads. I've used it with great success with a 600mmF4 and a 1.4x TC. The Sirui is ok - not nearly as smooth or nice to use as the Arca, but it does save me 1/2 lb and it does pack smaller. I have found that many cheap ball heads will allow the camera to sag after you lock it down, or you risk stripping the screw threads if you over tighten it. When it comes to ball heads - there is no substitute for large ball size. It makes them heavier, but it does improve the smoothness of operation.
Dec 16, 2019 16:01:27 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
In my opinion, any lens that has a lens "foot" should be supported by a gimbal head of sorts. Gimbal heads can be left loose and when properly balanced, will never "flop" over, like a ball head can and will, which might cause a problem. Those problems might be such a great flop that it can tumble the tripod over along with it, or simply break something as it thuds to a sudden stop.
I agree, in fact I find ball heads pretty much useless for any lens.
Rick
Dec 17, 2019 03:32:27 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
I have no idea why so many people state that a ball head can "and will" flop over (?)! I never had a ball head do that in 40+ years and don't know why one ever would?In my opinion, any lens that has a lens "foot" should be supported by a gimbal head of sorts. Gimbal heads can be left loose and when properly balanced, will never "flop" over, like a ball head can and will, which might cause a problem. Those problems might be such a great flop that it can tumble the tripod over along with it, or simply break something as it thuds to a sudden stop.
Dec 17, 2019 03:53:37 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
speters wrote:
I have no idea why so many people state that a ball head can "and will" flop over (?)! I never had a ball head do that in 40+ years and don't know why one ever would?
Problem with Ball-Heads, is that they do not always attach at the balance - point of the set-up. Gimbal heads are designed to give you that facility, when set-up properly.
Dec 17, 2019 05:53:18 #
speters wrote:
I have no idea why so many people state that a ball head can "and will" flop over (?)! I never had a ball head do that in 40+ years and don't know why one ever would?
It can happen very easily. I have a ball head and have to be careful that it doesn't flop over. I tighten the drag knob some to apply friction. I would never use it for telephoto lenses.
Dec 17, 2019 06:27:03 #
speters wrote:
Gimbals do work best for large lenses, as they allow for perfect balancing. For small lenses like 100-400, or 150-600, I think they're overkill, a ball head will do just fine!
If you have ever had your fingers pinched by a ball head with a 150-to 600 sport or had the rig flop over, you might change your mind.
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