Ball Head for Tamron 150-600mm G2: I am looking to move from a 3-way pan/tilt tripod head to a ball head. My issue is having to fiddle with three separate adjustments for a shot rather...

MRHooker2u Loc: Kingston, WA

I am looking to move from a 3-way pan/tilt tripod head to a ball head. My issue is having to fiddle with three separate adjustments for a shot rather than one. There is a ball head that seems to satisfy all the criteria except the ball diameter is 40mm. The load capacity states 77 lbs but is this large enough to support the Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens steady without creep/sag and without excessive tightening of the clamp? Is a larger diameter ball required to eliminate the aforementioned issues? Furthermore, is a ball head the right solution or are there better options. I shoot mainly landscapes wanting to do more BIF. Thanks in advance for your response.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

MRHooker2u wrote:

I am looking to move from a 3-way pan/tilt tripod ... (show quote)

You won't like it!!too much weight to control, pinched fingers etc. A good Gimbal head is much better!!

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

A gimbal is easier to balance for a longer lenses, but is less useful when switching to shorter lenses.

As to the needed diameter of the ball head, it depends on mfg tolerances. There are no established rating systems for load ratings, so read reviews rather than trust specs. Highly highly suggest arca swiss compatibity for quick release systems. The weenies who complain about control have not figured out tension control or how to handle the head in the field.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Orphoto wrote:

A gimbal is easier to balance for a longer lenses, but is less useful when switching to shorter lenses.

As to the needed diameter of the ball head, it depends on mfg tolerances. There are no established rating systems for load ratings, so read reviews rather than trust specs. Highly highly suggest arca swiss compatibity for quick release systems. The weenies who complain about control have not figured out tension control or how to handle the head in the field.

This weenie has figured out it's easier to control on a gimbal !!!And not complaining making a statement!!

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Agree with the above comments. There are plenty of good ball heads out there. Personally I like Acratech but that’s just me. I also use a gimbal. For what you want to do I concur. Find yourself a good gimbal. Plenty of strength and smooth non vibrating movements. You won’t regret it.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I agree, get a Gimbal. I have that lens and have used it with a Vanguard ball head (3 controls) on a Vanguard tripod. The ball head has a ball tension control to adjust friction on the ball. It also has a ball lock lever. If you put enough tension on the ball, when you release the lock lever the camera / lens won't move until you push it a bit. It's important to balance the camera and lens when you mount it on the ball head. The panning control can be left just a bit snug so panning is easy. I have gotten good results, even for BIF, with it set up this way. BTW, buy a ball head with a bigger ball. With that said, I prefer shooting BIF handheld and I have used the Tamron 150-600mm G2 handheld on a D500 without much difficultly, also a Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 and Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 on a Z9. It just takes a bit of practice. When it gets time to use the 600mm f/4, its Gimbal time. I nicknamed my 600mm f/4 G, Beast.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Manglesphoto wrote:

You won't like it!!too much weight to control, pinched fingers etc. A good Gimbal head is much better!!

I agree, I have a very good ball head and rarely use it, much prefer a gimbal

FalconeFotographx Loc: Michigan

Here's my personal solution, and it is really the best of both worlds, at least for me! A beefy, low-profile ball-head in the 52mm to 55mm is perfect as the larger ball is easier to adjust with a large lens. This type of ballhead is perfect for the static shots like landscape, portraits, etc. Then for action shots, simply add a sidekick to the ball-head and there's your gimbal. There are many good brands out there for both and the two together gives you all the flexibility you may need. Plus adding the sidekick is quick. Now, the other choice is to go with a fluid video head and you are adding the 3rd type of shooting. However, most good video-heads to properly handily your lens/camera's load will be heavier that the ball-head/sidekick combo.
I use both solutions, but since my tripods are systematic types I have both heads mounted on their own 75mm half-balls so the swap is quick and easy!

Capn_Dave

For my heavier lens camera combinations I use either a gimbal head of a fluid head. Ball heads just don't seem to do the trick for me.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

MRHooker2u wrote:

I am looking to move from a 3-way pan/tilt tripod ... (show quote)

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, mount a large lens on a ball head. Use a Wimberley type head instead.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

A gimble would work better with that lens. I have a gimble head and a ball head and a 150-600 and the gimble works better.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I've ben using a fluid head with that lens for years and never had an issue.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

MRHooker2u wrote:

I am looking to move from a 3-way pan/tilt tripod ... (show quote)

Yes, a LARGE ball head with that lens is doable - at least 50mm or larger - which I have used - but most people prefer a gimbal or video fluid head. If pressed, I prefer and use a Manfro 501 fluid head. In either case, you will need/prefer a LONG (150mm/6 inch) A/S plate for keeping the lens in BALANCE when pointed up or down. I also like a lens support - https://www.ebay.com/itm/203015844543 - like this that also serves to satisfy this requirement and also serves as a nice carry handle.
Gimbals and fluid heads work best with a leveling base which is not really needed with a ball head.
Gimbals are usually reserved for the really large 400 2.8/500-600 f4's ......
.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have a Sigma 150-600 Cont. My preferred mount is balanced on a large lens Acratech Pano head. I also have a Acratech ball head that’s rarely out of the box.

https://www.acratech.net/acratech-panoramic-head-can-be-used-like-a-long-lens-head/

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

pesfls wrote:

Agree with the above comments. There are plenty of good ball heads out there. Personally I like Acratech but that’s just me. I also use a gimbal. For what you want to do I concur. Find yourself a good gimbal. Plenty of strength and smooth non vibrating movements. You won’t regret it.

Forgot to mention that I always use a leveling base when setting up a tripod. Not all might need to but I have this propensity to lower the right side of the frame, hence horizons can be off. Personal flaw with me but perhaps others are wired with the same flaw. So I use it almost all the time. Works a charm on uneven ground. Have fun.