Question about ball heads

kamisu · 06-21-2016, 09:15 PM

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Hi guys,

I have a Slik pro tripod with Slik SBH-200DS (maximum load 10 lbs) ball head. Whenever I use it with Pentax 60-250, after tightening the lever, lens moves down a little bit, and then remain stationary. So I should always aim a little bit higher than where I want the center of the image to be, and then after the movement, it is "almost" where I want it to be, which is annoying. Is this the same with all ball heads, or more expensive ones are better? Any suggestions for a better ball head for under $100?

Thanks.

**BigDave** · 06-21-2016, 09:26 PM

You may get the same thing with a ball head under $100. Another option, get a balancing plate for the camera/ball head. Here is an example...

Dovetail Quick Release Plate System Fr Camera DSLR Rig Support Mount Base Tripod | eBay

Regards,

**mattb123** · 06-21-2016, 09:32 PM

Are you mounting to the lens or the body? If it's the lens then you need a new ball head. If it's the camera body try mounting to the lens and see if that is any better.
This ball head is priced slightly higher than you want ($120 on sale) but is probably what I would get.

kamisu · 06-21-2016, 09:48 PM

BigDave, I did not know about the balancing plates, thanks for the info.
Mattb123, I was mounting on the body, I try the lens, it may help, thanks for the info.

---------- Post added 06-21-16 at 11:56 PM ----------

Mounting the lens on the tripod fixed the problem (as it moves the center of gravity almost above the mount).
Thanks again Pentaxians

Last edited by kamisu; 06-21-2016 at 09:57 PM.

cmohr · 06-22-2016, 04:16 AM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/174187...lots-pics.html

I must update this, but, the basics remain the same. Balance is the key.

**mattb123** · 06-22-2016, 07:10 AM

Originally posted by kamisu

BigDave, I did not know about the balancing plates, thanks for the info.
Mattb123, I was mounting on the body, I try the lens, it may help, thanks for the info.

---------- Post added 06-21-16 at 11:56 PM ----------

Mounting the lens on the tripod fixed the problem (as it moves the center of gravity almost above the mount).
Thanks again Pentaxians

Great!

kamisu · 06-22-2016, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by cmohr

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/174187...lots-pics.html

I must update this, but, the basics remain the same. Balance is the key.

Thanks for the link, very useful information.

06-21-2016, 09:15 PM	#1
kamisu Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 130	Question about ball heads Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hi guys, I have a Slik pro tripod with Slik SBH-200DS (maximum load 10 lbs) ball head. Whenever I use it with Pentax 60-250, after tightening the lever, lens moves down a little bit, and then remain stationary. So I should always aim a little bit higher than where I want the center of the image to be, and then after the movement, it is "almost" where I want it to be, which is annoying. Is this the same with all ball heads, or more expensive ones are better? Any suggestions for a better ball head for under $100? Thanks.

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06-21-2016, 09:26 PM	#2
BigDave Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,626	You may get the same thing with a ball head under $100. Another option, get a balancing plate for the camera/ball head. Here is an example... Dovetail Quick Release Plate System Fr Camera DSLR Rig Support Mount Base Tripod \| eBay Regards,

06-21-2016, 09:32 PM	#3
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,873	Are you mounting to the lens or the body? If it's the lens then you need a new ball head. If it's the camera body try mounting to the lens and see if that is any better. This ball head is priced slightly higher than you want ($120 on sale) but is probably what I would get.

06-21-2016, 09:48 PM	#4
kamisu Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 130 Original Poster	BigDave, I did not know about the balancing plates, thanks for the info. Mattb123, I was mounting on the body, I try the lens, it may help, thanks for the info. ---------- Post added 06-21-16 at 11:56 PM ---------- Mounting the lens on the tripod fixed the problem (as it moves the center of gravity almost above the mount). Thanks again Pentaxians Last edited by kamisu; 06-21-2016 at 09:57 PM.

06-22-2016, 04:16 AM	#5
cmohr Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Brisbane. Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,824	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/174187...lots-pics.html I must update this, but, the basics remain the same. Balance is the key.

06-22-2016, 07:10 AM	#6
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,873	Originally posted by kamisu BigDave, I did not know about the balancing plates, thanks for the info. Mattb123, I was mounting on the body, I try the lens, it may help, thanks for the info. ---------- Post added 06-21-16 at 11:56 PM ---------- Mounting the lens on the tripod fixed the problem (as it moves the center of gravity almost above the mount). Thanks again Pentaxians Great!

06-22-2016, 09:00 AM	#7
kamisu Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 130 Original Poster	Originally posted by cmohr https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/174187...lots-pics.html I must update this, but, the basics remain the same. Balance is the key. Thanks for the link, very useful information.