Tripod/Ballhead clamp choice

[Bombsight]

Just curious as to what most of y'alls choice is when it comes to clamps on your tripods.


Do y'all like the quick release "lever" type..... http://reallyrightstuff.com/mmRRS/Images/gallery/B2LRII.png


....or the knob type? .... http://reallyrightstuff.com/mmRRS/Images/gallery/B2PROII.png


Why would one choose one over the other??


I'm in the market for a new tripod head, clamp and most of whatis included in panorama photography ... so thanks for any input.


Mark

[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.

[SMcLaren]

Hi





I been using a <span class="titolorossowar"]055CXPROB tripod:


<span style="color: #800080;"][url="http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/14791?livid=68&amp;lsf=68&amp;child=2]http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/14791?livid=68&amp;lsf=68&amp;child=2[/url][url="http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/17342?livid=68&amp;lsf=68&amp;child=2][/url]





and


a Hydrostatic ball head <span class="titolorossowar"]468MGRC2:


http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/2314?livid=80&amp;lsf=80&amp;child=2





These are as good as they come.





Steve

[Oren]

Sean, what kind of tripod do you have/use?

[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

[tancanon58]

I just got a Markins Q3 ballhead which I can afford and it looks nice to me.


RRS looks so bulky and heavier. Besides it is too expensive for a ballhead even though you want to get an used one.

[maximumfun]

hi, my choice was from really right stuff. the bh-55. nothing but good thing to say, smooth and solid as a rock. a little heavyer than somme other ballhead, but that will be compensated in part by the weight remove from your wallet (LOL).


mine is mounted on a gitzo gt3541XLS. i'm very happy with it. it as 4 leg section. most of the time 3 section is more than enought. but when neaded, i'm happy to have the 4th section available. very usefull on uneven terrain or to shoot over a groupe of people. fully extended your lens will be over 7 foot high. impressive.

[Sean Setters]

Sean, what kind of tripod do you have/use?
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>

<a target="_blank" title="INDURO A314" href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486872-REG/Induro_462_314_A314_Alloy_6M_A_Series.html"]

Induro A314 ALLOY 6M A ALUMINUM 4-SEC. 67.61" - INA314[/URL]


<a target="_blank" title="CULLMANN BALL HEAD" href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/511749-REG/Cullmann_CU_40190_Magnesit_30_Nm_Ballhead.html"]

Cullmann HIGH LOAD MAGNESIT BALL HEAD 30 - CUBHM30[/URL]


The tripod has been discontinued. It's aluminum and very heavy. However, it can support a substantial amount of weight, and it can extend quite high (which I like). The ballhead isn't absolutely fantastic (the ball movement could be a bit smoother). Truth is, I don't use a tripod all that often. Whenever I need one, however, what I have works just great.