Pan Head, or Ball head? - Page 2

aegisphan · 03-17-2008, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Groundloop

As a side note, when I bought the 468MGRC2, I also tried 2 Acra Tech heads. While I was impressed with the quality of the machining, they both shifted as the ball locked, something which I find unacceptable in a $100 head, never mind a nearly $500 head.

Which Acra Tech did you use? I have the V2 version, and I don't see any creeping during the lock up. I know that my old Amvona head (got it for like 40 bucks) has this problem. All of the reviews I've seen for Acra Tech (both the Ultimate and V2) also didn't mention about the creeping.

jrkeiser · 03-18-2008, 10:20 AM

I too am considering a ball head. Wanted something small and light, but sturdy enough that I wouldn't need to upgrade any time soon given the price of a good ball head. Currently looking at the Markins Q3 (about 13 oz with load rating of 65 lbs) and Kirk BH3 (19 oz, load rating not given). Leaning towards the Markins, but doesn't come with a lever lock, which I think I would prefer. Looked at the Acratech Ultimate Ball Head as well, but read some comments that it is not as easy to use as the others.

Any comments/experience with either the Markins or Kirk? Might need to look into the 468MGRC2 as well. Thanks.

Steven Yampolsky · 03-18-2008, 08:18 PM

Wow, that ball head is an arm and a leg. Manfrotto makes very good ballheads for under $100. I own 486RC2 and love it. The only improvement over it is a vertical(not horizontal) pistol grip ball head model 3265. I played with it at the local camera shop and it was fantastic!

*christinelandon* · 03-20-2008, 03:01 AM

Originally Posted by jrkeiser

I too am considering a ball head. Wanted something small and light, but sturdy enough that I wouldn't need to upgrade any time soon given the price of a good ball head. Currently looking at the Markins Q3 (about 13 oz with load rating of 65 lbs) and Kirk BH3 (19 oz, load rating not given). Leaning towards the Markins, but doesn't come with a lever lock, which I think I would prefer. Looked at the Acratech Ultimate Ball Head as well, but read some comments that it is not as easy to use as the others.

Any comments/experience with either the Markins or Kirk? Might need to look into the 468MGRC2 as well. Thanks.

I use the Kirk BH-3 atop a Slik 813CF tripod. Excellent, stable, easy to use combination. No problems. Like the quality of the construction much better than the Manfrotto heads I compared. Made in the USA. Worth every penny, IMO.

thePiRaTE!! · 03-20-2008, 11:33 AM

Apologies for what might be an obvious question - What is the feature called that would allow a ball head to pan smoothly? I'm all over the map stylistically and would like to have a versatile, yet highly mobile tripod and head combo I could use for spliced interior achitecture shots as well as macros, nature hike/landscapes and event/action photography, all while having no vehicle. I carry everything.

I was looking at the Manfrotto 468s and if I understand everything I'm reading, would tilt-lock mean I could pan smoothly from side to side reliably? Looking for the best of both worlds - price isn't my main consideration.

Also, though it seems a little outmatched by the performance of the head, the 190MF3 or MF4 seem to meet my needs for a mobile, yet durable tripod.

Can anyone vouch for my research or fine tune it perhaps? Many thanks!

*tranq78* · 03-20-2008, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by thePiRaTE!!

Apologies for what might be an obvious question - What is the feature called that would allow a ball head to pan smoothly? I'm all over the map stylistically and would like to have a versatile, yet highly mobile tripod and head combo I could use for spliced interior achitecture shots as well as macros, nature hike/landscapes and event/action photography, all while having no vehicle. I carry everything.

I was looking at the Manfrotto 468s and if I understand everything I'm reading, would tilt-lock mean I could pan smoothly from side to side reliably? Looking for the best of both worlds - price isn't my main consideration.

Also, though it seems a little outmatched by the performance of the head, the 190MF3 or MF4 seem to meet my needs for a mobile, yet durable tripod.

Can anyone vouch for my research or fine tune it perhaps? Many thanks!

Kelly, these 2 links below should answer your questions. Get the best head you can afford. You'll never regret it. I promise.

I use Markins M10 and Acratech Ultimate ballheads + lightweight carbon fiber tripods (I prefer the M10, but both are good heads). Composition is a snap because I can accurately frame an image; even if I take my hands away the camera doesn't move. With good ballheads I don't get the hated lens droop.

I am a firm believer in using a tripod. It is my opinion there's no point in getting expensive cameras/lenses unless you are able to get the best out of them -- which means using a good support system.

(Note if you decide to get a Markins ballhead, I think the Markins Q3 may be a bit small for heavier lenses. You'll probably be better off with the M10).

http://www.nikonians-images.org/info...Whitepaper.pdf

Markins ballheads - Nikonians Review for the #1 Nikon resource

thePiRaTE!! · 03-21-2008, 11:13 AM

Fantastic links George, thanks. I'm totally sold on the M10! Where did you get yours?

*tranq78* · 03-21-2008, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by thePiRaTE!!

Fantastic links George, thanks. I'm totally sold on the M10! Where did you get yours?

I bought mine from Nikonians :: The Nikon User Community, shipped out of the U.S.

But you can now buy directly from Markins America, they are located in Vancouver so shipping is within Canada.

Ron Boggs · 03-21-2008, 01:54 PM

Arca Swiss B-1 is my favorite because of the aspheric ball. That means this head tightens slightly when rotated off the straight up position. So as you tilt upward or downward the head tightens a bit to stop the risk of camera flop. This works to stop flop if you leave the head just a touch looser than you intended to as well. Only weighs a pound and a half, but can support up to 500/4 class of lenses.

I love Really Right Stuff gear and they currently have the most artistic--"jewelry" grade ball heads. Absolutely "goose bumps" elegant...but that Arca Swiss aspheric ball. I have two very well worn Arcas and I just can't switch. I have a couple B-2's also, but that's a totally different discussion--oversized bidirectional dual ball heads, let's not go there...

The only negative to the Arca Swiss B-1 is the price--ouch! Don't go B-1 G--too large and heavy with same ball as standard B-1. Don't go B-1 E--no panning base.

I realize the OP has probably already resolved the question, but others are probably reading with ball head questions as well...

jrkeiser · 03-21-2008, 03:18 PM

I've read some really good reviews for the Markins, Kirk, Acratech and RSS ball heads, as well as some more moderately priced offerings from folks like Giottos, Benro, Manfrotto and Feisol. The difficulty I'm having is spending that much money on something I haven't been able to go out and try. Perhaps you could help me out by answering what are probably simple questions.

According to the Markins web site, the Q3 weighs 0.84 lbs and has a load capacity of 65 lbs while the M10 weighs 1.09 lbs with a load capacity of 90 lbs. It also costs $70 more. Either would seem to hold more than any lenses I would ever put on my K10D, and yet most recommend the M10 for longer lenses. Why?

If I go with a Markins (either the Q3 or the M10), should I get the camera plate from them or somewhere else? Do they have a K10D specific plate? Is the quick release clamp on the Q3/M10 good, or should I be looking for a lever lock style like RRS offers?

Does anyone know what the load rating for the Kirk BH-3 head is?

These two, as well as perhaps the RRS BH-40 seem to best fit my needs, but I know that there are cheaper alternatives that may work as well. Am I the only one that finds buying a ball head this confusing?

Groundloop · 03-21-2008, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by aegisphan

Which Acra Tech did you use? I have the V2 version, and I don't see any creeping during the lock up. I know that my old Amvona head (got it for like 40 bucks) has this problem. All of the reviews I've seen for Acra Tech (both the Ultimate and V2) also didn't mention about the creeping.

It was 2 different samples of the Ultimate Ballhead model (they didn't have any V2s in stock). The salesman I was dealing with was surprised they both shifted, and made the comment, "Mmm. That's not supposed to happen." Everything I've read/heard about Acratech was very positive, so maybe they were both Friday afternoon heads.

Mike Bokeh · 03-21-2008, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by Ron Boggs

I realize the OP has probably already resolved the question, but others are probably reading with ball head questions as well...

No, Ron, I actually haven't decided yet, but the more discussion here, the more information for everybody.

I am taking into consideration every person's story and advice, and taking my time to decide which head to get. I am starting to lean towards a less expensive head, ($100 - $150) as I won't be putting a lot of weight on the head, and the less money I spend on a head means more money for another lens, perhaps.

I'll let you all know what I get when I buy it.

Mike

*tranq78* · 03-21-2008, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by thePiRaTE!!

Fantastic links George, thanks. I'm totally sold on the M10! Where did you get yours?

There's a couple more things I forgot to mention.

Firstly, no matter what brand of ballhead you buy make sure you get the "Arca-Swiss" style clamp shoe. There's a reason why RRS, Acratech, Kirk, Markins etc all default to the A-S style clamp. It simply holds more tightly and securely than all the other types.

Secondly, get a L-bracket. This lets you frame a vertical composition while keeping the centre of gravity over the ballhead. Once you use a L-bracket a couple of times you'll find yourself addicted to it.

Ron Boggs · 03-21-2008, 11:03 PM

Yes to the L brackets! I bought the RRS L bracket for my K10D and it's so nice I have only used the battery grip for supetele work since...When the lens not the camera is mounted to the head. The RRS L bracket is very well fitted to the camera body. I use RRS L brackets on my K10D, Hasselblad Xpan II and Pentax 67II. They are really the only way to go!

For those unfamiliar with L brackets, they allow you to rotate the camera back and forth from horizontal to vertical without changing framing of the shot or moving the tripod setting--very handy! Basically, an L bracket provides two separate mounting points--one on the bottom of the camera body and one on the left side. Check out the Really Right Stuff website for very nice descriptions and photos of L brackets. Pricey as all get out? Yes. Worth it? Yes!

*christinelandon* · 03-26-2008, 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by jrkeiser

Does anyone know what the load rating for the Kirk BH-3 head is?

Kirk doesn't publish a load rating for the BH-3, which has caused a lot of discussion among aficionados and reviewers. Consensus is that a full-sized DSLR and 400mm prime telephoto are comfortably within its capabilities, although some say that any combination with over a 300mm tele is better handled by a BH-1. I know some medium format shooters who think the BH-3 is plenty good enough, and a better match for backpackable tripods. I've yet to have any problems with weight limitations of the BH-3, FWIW.