RRS BH-55 ball head (Page 2): Only reason thinking of this one was because of price I am getting it for. I do wildlife and when in Wyoming this last week would have loved a better...

Genessi Loc: SoCal

BARRY COWAN wrote:

I have this ball head as well as the next size down. Both are very good is heavy. With your camera and lens setup, the 40 may be sufficient. To a great degree the choice of tripod heads is more a matter of what you will be doing with it. For wildlife, I would not use a ball head, I would look for a gimbal or fluid head. Personally, I would put an L bracket on the camera body and get a RRS replacement foot for the lens if it has a collar.

Only reason thinking of this one was because of price I am getting it for. I do wildlife and when in Wyoming this last week would have loved a better something for my tripod. Like the Flex shooter also or lite gimbal

RichJ207 Loc: Sammamish, WA

Genessi wrote:

Only reason thinking of this one was because of price I am getting it for. I do wildlife and when in Wyoming this last week would have loved a better something for my tripod. Like the Flex shooter also or lite gimbal

Ok….You’ve got to share the price.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Genessi wrote:

Only reason thinking of this one was because of price I am getting it for. I do wildlife and when in Wyoming this last week would have loved a better something for my tripod. Like the Flex shooter also or lite gimbal

I love a good ball head and the BH-55 is top notch. The Flex Shooter looks super impressive. The thing is a ball head is great when I’m doing long exposures. I never use a ball head with a long lens because I’m most likely shooting wildlife. With slower shutter speeds you’re looking for stability. When shooting wildlife my shutter speeds are usually high enough that stability isn’t the issue, it’s more support that I’m looking for. I think you’ll be much better if with a gimbal head. I actually shoot wildlife mostly handheld, (easy with my OM-1 and the 100-400 lens, still doable with my Z9 and 200-500 with the adapter). There are times when I want to train my lens on a nest or something, waiting for some action. That’s when I want the support but still be able to quickly follow movement and a gimbal gives you that. I actually just use a monopod with the Wimberly monogimbal for those situations.

Burkley Loc: Park City

I own both Benro and RRS tripod equipment. The ball heads from RRS are phenomenal. My ballhead from Benro, just ok. It slips and needs retightening after adjusting the tripod position slightly.

BARRY COWAN

Different heads for different uses. Ball heads are hard to control with heavy lenses. Much better off with a gimbal or fluid head. If cost is an issue just remember, eBay is our friend. I have found some really good RRS deals there over the years. Due diligence is the key to a good deal.

Judy795

I just got the BH 40 to use with my 70-200. I got a plate for the lens foot. I went with the bh40!because I want to use it for travel.

jno

What are you using the big zoom for? If birds and or wildlife the subjects any bullhead will be a problem! The flex shooter is the better choice as it is a type of gimbal head and is good for wildlife. I have both types of heads so I can speak from experience.

Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago

BARRY COWAN wrote:

Different heads for different uses. Ball heads are hard to control with heavy lenses. Much better off with a gimbal or fluid head. If cost is an issue just remember, eBay is our friend. I have found some really good RRS deals there over the years. Due diligence is the key to a good deal.

I would agree as well. Heavy long lenses & heavy camera/lens setups work better on a gimbal or fluid head. Ballheads may sometimes slip and/or if you’re not careful while adjusting the ballhead, allow your setup to accidentally topple over.

Genessi Loc: SoCal

jno wrote:

What are you using the big zoom for? If birds and or wildlife the subjects any bullhead will be a problem! The flex shooter is the better choice as it is a type of gimbal head and is good for wildlife. I have both types of heads so I can speak from experience.

I mostly do birds and wildlife. But like going on workshops and doing landscapes too. The flex shooter is pricey and I liked the price i was getting the BH 55 for but seems like not so good with the long lens attached..

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

The RRS BH-55 is THE BEST available! IMHO. Best of luck.

Genessi Loc: SoCal

cjc2 wrote:

The RRS BH-55 is THE BEST available! IMHO. Best of luck.

with lever or with out

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Genessi wrote:

with lever or with out

Either, but I prefer the screw-in knob. There is also the new locking plate, just released. Best of luck.

Genessi Loc: SoCal

SuperflyTNT wrote:

I love a good ball head and the BH-55 is top notch... (show quote)

Thank you Superfly! Gimbal seem so big and heavy