Tripod/Ballhead clamp choice

[Sean Setters]

Personally, I use a clamp style. And my clamp has an added mechanism that locks it in place so you don't accidentally disengage it.

[Don Burkett]

I've used both and don't find either to a technological rational for purchase selection. They both work. The ballhead selection is more important than the clamp. I use a Markins on my lightweight tripod and an Acra Swiss Z1 on my heavier pod. I'd recommend either company highly. If you're considering pano work you also need to consider a leveling base.

[Bombsight]

Thank you, Sean and Don.


Any opinions on "Really Right Stuff" brand? If price says anything .... its good stuff.


I like the looks of Really Right Stuff& Acratechs.

[Don Burkett]

RRS makes excellent products you can't go wrong. Top of the Line Price Tag though. Performance wise, no serious advantage over Markins or Arca Swiss. Be advised though the BH55 is a massive head. Never handled Aractech, but they read ok.


They all excel in the majors and all have faults in the minors. Matter of preference, and you own that decision. Plenty of reviews on all 4 available on the internet. Again, if serious panning is your goal, I recommend either getting a model that includes Double Panning or get a separate Leveling Base. My thought is a separate leveling base so you can remove it when you don't need it. If you plan to Stitch your panos you also need to consider a Nodal Plate