Graf Studioball or Bogen manfrotto 3047?

[Sean Setters]

I'd say the ballhead....just because I like ballheads. And as far as a professional tripod that has that nifty monopod feature, I don't know of any.

[HiFiGuy1]

Sean,


Thank you for your input. I am bummed about the tripod. I kind of feel embarrassed to get out my Sunpak around other photographers, but it really is kind of a neat piece. It doesn't feel THAT flimsy, but it certainly isn't very chic, like those sexy carbon fiber models. Bogen even now has a 90th anniversary limited edition version with carbon fiber tubes attached to titanium castings. I bet it is god-awful expensive, but how sexy is that thing!


Do you have a ball head? If so, what kind? Why do you prefer them? Is it the nearly unlimited range of motion?


Also, I was thinking about the 7D's built-in leveler feature. The Studioball could be used seamlessly with a 7D because of this, whereas my 40D, which lacks the leveler, might be able to take advantage of the Bogen's dual bubble levels. Just food for thought. I am entranced by the idea of a ballhead, mainly because others seem to be, but I need to feel sure that it is the right solution for my needs. It is not likely that I'll be changing bodies in the near future. I am really focused (sorry []) on getting some good glass right now.