Celtis87

Thanks. Will explore.

Celtis87

Thanks.

bobups Loc: Bath pa

I would check out Artcise very good quality holds 150-600 no problem available on eBay or Amazon

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have several ball heads.

The size of the ball and socket is important. 1-3/4 inch to two inches (40 to 52 mm) of ball diameter are the most stable for full size DSLR and mirrorless cameras with big telephoto lenses.

Another important aspect is that some ball heads cause a slight amount of camera movement when you tighten them. That is a problem in astronomy photos and other situations where you want to park the camera in an exact position. Most are mounted on a plate that allows for rotation of the upper part of the mount. I have experienced that when the tripod head set screws are tightened, the pressure warps the plate and it is then hard to rotate the upper assembly.

Some have two slots that allow 90 degree movement of the ball into portrait position. Some have only one slot. Two is a better design.

One other thing is that it should be possible to fine-adjust the ball friction so that it allows movement with some application of force but prevents drifting when left alone. That motion should be very smooth with no rough or sticking points. That requires a perfectly machined ball.

If you could go to a camera store with a sturdy tripod and a camera with a large telephoto lens, or try the ball head with a store owned camera it would help. Otherwise, you can read lots of reviews and talk with knowledgable sales agents at the store to get the best information.

bnsf

Sirui has three heads under $400.00 they are the BCH series. I have the Sirui BCH20 mounted on my tripod. Excellent head. Has a 25-pound maximum load limit and it is good for video and photo usage.

photoman43

Ignoring budget and costs: Flexshooter Pro; RRS BH 55; or Kirk Enterprises BH-1.

awesome14 Loc: UK

I discovered Sirui about 5 years ago, reading a review that claimed a better tripod and ball head cannot be purchased for any price. I have a lightweight Sirui with a 15lb ball head, and a sturdier one with k30x ball head.

I have found that ball heads should be oversized by at least 3x the expected load. The k30x is 66lb, and my heaviest setup for that tripod is about 12lb. Sirui quick-release plates are available aftermarket, which can save $50 or more. The brand name plates for the k30x are $30. Aftermarket, $5.

But Sirui offers no warrantee outside purchases from authorized dealers. So, Amazon is out if you want a warrantee. B&H is a Sirui dealer.

I don't have a problem with lens creep, and I don't need to tighten it until my eyes pop out to get it tight. You can check it out: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822264-REG/Sirui_BSRK30_K_30x_Ball_Head.html/?cnxclid=SZ_REDIRECT_ID

M1911 Loc: DFW Metromess

I like this one. Pan is at the top so you can do panoramas with it. Upside down configuration and twist lock on the body lets you adjust your camera without fear of it crashing. Right hand on camera, left on ball head.https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013734-REG/arca_swiss_801_214_monoball_po_ballhead_with.html

Celtis87

Thanks. I appreciate the tips.

Celtis87

Thanks.

Celtis87

Thanks. That was one I read about and was intrigued.

Celtis87

Thanks. I appreciate it.

Celtis87

Thanks. I appreciate it.

WayneL Loc: Baltimore Md

Sirui K-40 or K-30, best bang for the buck.

cytafex Loc: Clarksburg MA

Sirui makes some good tripods and heads at a reasonable cost. Much better than my Gitzo tripods and heads at considerably less cost.