ball head recommendation? The head on my old Velbon VE-3 tripod needs to be replaced, and I'm looking for a ball head for it. Want to keep it under $200, my photography budget is...

FunkyL Loc: MD

The head on my old Velbon VE-3 tripod needs to be replaced, and I'm looking for a ball head for it. Want to keep it under $200, my photography budget is tight. Camera + longest lens weighs 3 lbs, would like something rated for twice that. I'm considering Benro B2 or GX 35, or "3 Legged Thing" head if I buy new. Would also consider buying used. Your advice or recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

I agree that going used will stretch the budget and allow a better result. In most cases look for a larger diameter ball. Arca-Swiss style quick release systems are especially sturdy connectors.

Consider a used Markins Q3 - Emille. Quite small, light and capable of 10 pound loads easily at any goofy angle.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I've always like 3-Legged Things ball heads for all-around travel use.

https://www.3leggedthing.com/us/airheds/ball-heads.html

FunkyL Loc: MD

Orphoto wrote:

I agree that going used will stretch the budget and allow a better result. In most cases look for a larger diameter ball. Arca-Swiss style quick release systems are especially sturdy connectors.

Consider a used Markins Q3 - Emille. Quite small, light and capable of 10 pound loads easily at any goofy angle.

Thanks, Orphoto, I'll check that one out!

FunkyL Loc: MD

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

I've always like 3-Legged Things ball heads for all-around travel use.

https://www.3leggedthing.com/us/airheds/ball-heads.html

Thanks for the link an endorsement.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

I bought a Benro Tortoise carbon fiber tripod, it came with their GX35 ball head, I like it a lot. The set up supports my D500 w/grip and a Sigma 150-600 very well.
I think the GX35 ia a good ball head for the money spent.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

FunkyL wrote:

The head on my old Velbon VE-3 tripod needs to be replaced, and I'm looking for a ball head for it. Want to keep it under $200, my photography budget is tight. Camera + longest lens weighs 3 lbs, would like something rated for twice that. I'm considering Benro B2 or GX 35, or "3 Legged Thing" head if I buy new. Would also consider buying used. Your advice or recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/313807415759?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

It would be best to look at heads with a minimum ball size of 40mm.....
.

FunkyL Loc: MD

Warhorse wrote:

I bought a Benro Tortoise carbon fiber tripod, it came with their GX35 ball head, I like it a lot. The set up supports my D500 w/grip and a Sigma 150-600 very well.
I think the GX35 ia a good ball head for the money spent.

Thanks, Warhorse. I appreciate your input.

FunkyL Loc: MD

imagemeister wrote:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/313807415759?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

It would be best to look at heads with a minimum ball size of 40mm.....
.

Thanks for the link and for the minimum ball size recommendation. I knew bigger is better, but I like having an idea of how big is big enough...

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

I do mainly studio work and greatly prefer a sturdy aluminum tripod over a fiberglass or carbon fiber because I like having the weight beneath my camera so the set up does not become top heavy. I'm a Manfrotto fan and use their 410 ballhead, but there are others in the line that are excellent but less expensive.

FunkyL Loc: MD

Thanks for your input. My tripod is an old Velbon, aluminum and relatively heavy. I'm only replacing the head, as the tripod works just fine. I'll look at manfrotto again - I assumed they would be too pricy unless I could find a used one

BTW, but does your user name refer to jimson weed, or is that a coincidence?

Dennis833 Loc: Australia

The Neewer H-35 is a very high quality ball head with a very smooth locking lever. I got one on eBay for $61 AUD.

FunkyL Loc: MD

Dennis833 wrote:

The Neewer H-35 is a very high quality ball head with a very smooth locking lever. I got one on eBay for $61 AUD.

Thanks, Dennis. I've read mixed reviews of the neewer brand, but I'll take a look at the H-35