Ballheads

I am looking at replacing my ballhead with one of the 'pro' ballheads: Markins, Kirk, Really Right Stuff........

I would appreciate any recommendations, warnings or general comments about these $pecial ballheads.

Here is decent Blog on the subject. I use Manfrotto heads and never had an issue. You need one that will support your heaviest lens and camera weight and I add 25% overage in weight classification (25% is overkill but go at least 10% over). It is worth the money to buy one that will support more than you require and it will make it far more sturdy.

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Originally Posted by AcadieLibre

Here is decent Blog on the subject. I use Manfrotto heads and never had an issue. You need one that will support your heaviest lens and camera weight and I add 25% overage in weight classification (25% is overkill but go at least 10% over). It is worth the money to buy one that will support more than you require and it will make it far more sturdy.

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I'll respectfully disagree with my learned colleague on this. I would submit that 25% is the absolute minimum safety margin that one should have. My body and 200 2.8 weigh in at around seven pounds, my Manfrotto 468 head is rated for 16 pounds; in a windy environment even that doesn't always feel super safe.

A good ballmount will be seriously appreciated.
I've been using the manfrotto 222 for a while and I love it. The only issue is that the camera doesn't go vertical at all stops on the head, only certain ones.

There's also the manfrotto 322 that's similar and can hold more weight.

Hows that work as far as it dropping once you have tightened it down? If I have my 300mm lens mounted on mine, once I tighten it up it still dropps 1/4 inch which really sucks. I don't have this one but I have one from the same manufacturer.

A good point jello - haven't tried it on a 300mm but on a 200mm no prob.
There's an adjustment wheel to make the tension 'stiffer' for heavier lenses.

I picked up a Markins Q3. As a machinist I was very impressed by the quality of the unit, the fit and finish is excellent. The friction adjustment and locking is wonderful. With drag adjusted the movement is smooth no sticking. Well worth the price and it's the right size for my tripod so I can fold the legs up to keep a minimum length package.

Just checked them out Greg. Does look like a well-made unit.
http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q3.php
Thx
Marko

I think the Manfrotto 222 and 322 would be perfect for use on a monopod. I will get the Manfrotto(because I have other Manfrotto heads) equivalent of the Q3 for use on my tripod. I like the ability to rotate the horizontal plane separately for panoramas.

Funny thing is it's hard to find a monopod type head for arca plates. I just need forward aft pivot, guess it's time to make some.

I've been using the 'Manfrooto 322 w/ RC-2 Quick Release Plate' for about 6 months now and have been very pleased.... :)
http://jlss.smugmug.com/photos/534193510_kfxAS-L.jpg