Looking for a rock solid ballhead

[Brendan7]

Hi all,


I have been feeling the need for a tripod and have the legs squared away, now ballheads! I've looked at a few, and would like some opinions on different brands, ease of use, closed v. open ball, etc. Here are some of the heads I'm considering. My setup is a 7D with 300 f4 IS lens.


Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 - What's the difference between single and double pan?


Acratech GP - Probably the front-runner


Markins Q-Ball M20


Really Right Stuff BH-55 - a favorite of many wildlife photographers





Does anybody have experience/thoughts/suggestions on the heads above? I'm looking for something strong, durable with zero creep. If anybody has any suggestions for other heads, feel free to mention. Ballheads are probably the only type of photo equipment where I will say that "I want the best, regardless of price". So basically anything under $550 is doable.


thanks to all in advance,


brendan

[wickerprints]

If you are willing to spend $550 on a ball head, then consider purchasing a gimbal head. The Wimberley heads are the one to get. The 7D + EF 300/4L IS may not be particularly heavy, and a ball head would suffice, but a gimbal head is much better for telephoto lenses and especially birding. You have total control and correct balance at nearly any angle. Gimbal head = you are not messing around.


http://www.tripodhead.com/products/wimberley-main.cfm

[Bombsight]

If you state what type of photography you will be doing, the suggestions will be more acurate for your desires.


I'm assuming you want to do landscape and Panos? ... if so, I'd get the RRS BH-55.


I'm going to get one as soon as I can afford it.


For sports/ birding shots ... either the Wymberley or Jobu "Black Widow" gimbals. I have the Jobu and its SOLID!

[Brendan7]

Thanks Wicker + Bombsight. I am doing nature photography, the Jobu Gimbals are looking solid. How about this one:


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611820-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J2K_BWG_J2_Black_Widow_Jr_.html


I won't be upgrading to 500 f/4 or anything anytime soon so this should hold a 300 f/4 fine, right?


brendan

[Brendan7]

For sports/ birding shots ... either the Wymberley or Jobu "Black Widow" gimbals. I have the Jobu and its SOLID!

I'm afraid I'm a bit uneducated on this, but can anybody explain to me why even for small telephoto lenses Gimbal heads are better for nature photography? I honestly thought they were reserved for 500mm and 600mm lenses.


thanks,


brendan [H]

[HiFiGuy1]

I think it comes down to stability, which offers safety and control. If you look at the design of a gimbal head and compare it with a ball head, the first obvious thing is that a ball head places all the weight of the camera/lens combo above the pivot point (ball center), which isn't ideal for center of gravity. The gimbal places all the weight of the combo below the pivot point, so when the combo is centered on the attachment plate properly, the camera/lens combo have a natural affinity for balance, and obviously can't fall over as could happen with a ball head or three axis head. It comes down to safety and control.


These benefits aren't as critical for a smaller, lighter telephoto like your 300 f/4 or my 400 f/5.6, but they are still useful nonetheless. You and I could get away with a three axis or ball head, but the gimbal is still the best choice if what you do is nature/bird photography, in my opinion. I would personally go for the Wimberley or the larger Jobu because it will be effective for even a future, larger lens. You know you want one. Why not prepare for the inevitable eventuality!

[Brendan7]

Okay. I think I have a strong contender in this gimbal head:


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611819-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_LW2_BWG_LW2_Black_Widow_Gimbal.htm l


As of now, that's what I'll buy.


brendan