Help me choose a tripod head please

Patricia1066 · 10-04-2018, 05:51 AM

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I'm close to decision time, 2 ball heads are in my price range but maybe there are others.

Price range up to £70 for K5ii and heaviest lens currently vivitar zoom 28-90

Tripod is Velbon VE3 an oldie but goodie.

Thanks

**TER-OR** · 10-04-2018, 06:03 AM

I bought a pistol-grip Vanguard pistol grip one a few years ago. It has a trigger you can use with the camera's input jack, so it's very convenient.
Vanguard ALTA GH-300T Pistol Grip Ball Head ALTA GH-300T B&H

It's a bit out of your price range but pistol grips are something to consider if you do wildlife work.

krazny · 10-04-2018, 06:27 AM

Assuming you are in the UK I guess it is always going to be cheapest buying locally with free shipping?

Vanguard TBH-250 Magnesium Ball Head for DSLR Camera: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head - Anthracite: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

For 70 pounds you aren't gonna get something super duper I guess but just decent. With this one you get an Arca Swiss-ish plate which is nice to have if you wanna use a L-bracket (although other options may exist).

For 100 pounds you are looking at much more qualified heads.

Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head, Magnesium Body with 200 PL: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo
Vanguard BBH-200 Ball Head for Pro DSLR Camera and: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo
SIRUI K-10X Ball Head with Quick Release Plate: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

Roadboat24 · 10-04-2018, 06:58 AM - **1 Like**

I tried a bunch of different tripods and heads. My heaviest setup runs around twelve pounds. Many say they will handle that weight, well, they will hold it up but I found stability lacking. I now have a Feisol 3472 tripod and Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head. When I load it up it doesn't move. When I lock that head it stays put at any angle. Is it overkill, maybe, I dont have to keep spending over and over on weaker products. YMMV.

grispie · 10-04-2018, 07:10 AM

Originally posted by krazny

For 100 pounds you are looking at much more qualified heads.

Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head, Magnesium Body with 200 PL: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo
Vanguard BBH-200 Ball Head for Pro DSLR Camera and: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo
SIRUI K-10X Ball Head with Quick Release Plate: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

pretty happy with the sirui ball head here..

joergens.mi · 10-04-2018, 07:19 AM

This is my favourite Manfrotto MA410 Junior

Manfrotto MA410 Junior Getriebeneiger - Calumetphoto.de

Sunburn · 10-04-2018, 08:47 AM

+1 for anything SIRUI - I use the SIRUI K-40X + W-2204 CF Tripod. Never have to worry about any lens or camera weight at any angle again.

juanma_1 · 10-04-2018, 09:05 AM

The Manfrotto 460MG Magnesium Three way tripod head with QR Plate

Patricia1066 · 10-04-2018, 09:36 AM

Thanks for the suggestions some of which I have added . I missed out mentioning the two I chose originally.
Benro g00
Sirui G20kx

**stemked** · 10-04-2018, 10:24 AM

First of all I would highly suggest staying with something that has an Arca Swiss quick release system. There is nothing wrong with Manfrotto heads, but a lot more options are generally available with Arca Swiss.

Almost 15 years ago I had to make the choice too and after much analysis I went with a Markins ballhead (Korea). It is possibly the best single equipment choice I ever made. Hot cold, wet dry, dusty. It has never failed me and was less expensive and lighter than Kirk, Really Right Stuff, or actual Arca Swiss (which had a famous issue of locking up).

automorphism · 10-04-2018, 11:35 AM

I got the Oben 117T travel head, but they also make the normal 117. I had it for about two years and it hasn't had any problems. I mounted it on a Manfrotto 190x. The head maximum weight is 8kg, but I've used aboout 2kg max on it. It has a ballhead plus an independent horizontal panorama panning knob. It uses Arca-swiss compatible plates.

Patricia1066 · 10-04-2018, 12:24 PM

Wish I could ignore the budget I set myself, the better heads do seem a long lasting choice with none on second hand market.
Sirui 40x has a limiter which seems to borrow from the Markins. I like that feature and the 54mm ball. Any other ball heads that meets these criteria?

bdery · 10-04-2018, 12:45 PM - **2 Likes**

Suggesting a particular brand is difficult. There are many good ones. I'll start by suggesting an arca-swiss compatible head instead.

Then there's budget and features. You didn't mention if you want a gimbal, ball head, something else. Ballheads are the most common so let's start from there.

Relatively inexpensive products include brands like Sirui (think maybe K10x based on your description, no need for more) and Oben (not familiar with all their products). Vanguard, Velbon and a few others also make nice products, not as cost-effective.

Prices can go up from there. Manfrotto do offer some arca-swiss heads, and their new pneumatic heads look excellent. Gizto and others are expensive, and luxury items.

In all products, look for a head with adjustable friction, locking pins for the plate, ideally a low profile included plate except if you already own one, independent rotation and ball operation. A larger ball will be stronger and give smoother friction but will be heavier, that might be an issue. Also take a head whose size roughly matches that of your tripod.

**SteveinSLC** · 10-04-2018, 01:07 PM - **1 Like**

Another recommendation for Sirui. Solid and not too expensive.

**GUB** · 10-04-2018, 01:26 PM

Just got this geared head. Loving it and think it is great value.

10-04-2018, 05:51 AM	#1
Patricia1066 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 31	Help me choose a tripod head please 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. I'm close to decision time, 2 ball heads are in my price range but maybe there are others. Price range up to £70 for K5ii and heaviest lens currently vivitar zoom 28-90 Tripod is Velbon VE3 an oldie but goodie. Thanks

10-04-2018, 10:24 AM	#10
stemked Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Indianapolis Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 527	Markins First of all I would highly suggest staying with something that has an Arca Swiss quick release system. There is nothing wrong with Manfrotto heads, but a lot more options are generally available with Arca Swiss. Almost 15 years ago I had to make the choice too and after much analysis I went with a Markins ballhead (Korea). It is possibly the best single equipment choice I ever made. Hot cold, wet dry, dusty. It has never failed me and was less expensive and lighter than Kirk, Really Right Stuff, or actual Arca Swiss (which had a famous issue of locking up).

10-04-2018, 01:26 PM	#15
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,760	Just got this geared head. Loving it and think it is great value. Attached Images

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10-04-2018, 06:03 AM	#2
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I bought a pistol-grip Vanguard pistol grip one a few years ago. It has a trigger you can use with the camera's input jack, so it's very convenient. Vanguard ALTA GH-300T Pistol Grip Ball Head ALTA GH-300T B&H It's a bit out of your price range but pistol grips are something to consider if you do wildlife work.

10-04-2018, 06:27 AM	#3
krazny Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 118	Assuming you are in the UK I guess it is always going to be cheapest buying locally with free shipping? Vanguard TBH-250 Magnesium Ball Head for DSLR Camera: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head - Anthracite: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo For 70 pounds you aren't gonna get something super duper I guess but just decent. With this one you get an Arca Swiss-ish plate which is nice to have if you wanna use a L-bracket (although other options may exist). For 100 pounds you are looking at much more qualified heads. Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head, Magnesium Body with 200 PL: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo Vanguard BBH-200 Ball Head for Pro DSLR Camera and: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo SIRUI K-10X Ball Head with Quick Release Plate: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

10-04-2018, 06:58 AM - 1 Like	#4
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 486	I tried a bunch of different tripods and heads. My heaviest setup runs around twelve pounds. Many say they will handle that weight, well, they will hold it up but I found stability lacking. I now have a Feisol 3472 tripod and Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head. When I load it up it doesn't move. When I lock that head it stays put at any angle. Is it overkill, maybe, I dont have to keep spending over and over on weaker products. YMMV.

10-04-2018, 07:10 AM	#5
grispie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by krazny For 100 pounds you are looking at much more qualified heads. Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head, Magnesium Body with 200 PL: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo Vanguard BBH-200 Ball Head for Pro DSLR Camera and: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo SIRUI K-10X Ball Head with Quick Release Plate: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo pretty happy with the sirui ball head here..

10-04-2018, 07:19 AM	#6
joergens.mi Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 408	This is my favourite Manfrotto MA410 Junior Manfrotto MA410 Junior Getriebeneiger - Calumetphoto.de

10-04-2018, 08:47 AM	#7
Sunburn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: UK Posts: 233	+1 for anything SIRUI - I use the SIRUI K-40X + W-2204 CF Tripod. Never have to worry about any lens or camera weight at any angle again.

10-04-2018, 09:05 AM	#8
juanma_1 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Albacete Posts: 45	The Manfrotto 460MG Magnesium Three way tripod head with QR Plate

10-04-2018, 09:36 AM	#9
Patricia1066 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 31 Original Poster	Thanks for the suggestions some of which I have added . I missed out mentioning the two I chose originally. Benro g00 Sirui G20kx

10-04-2018, 11:35 AM	#11
automorphism Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 791	I got the Oben 117T travel head, but they also make the normal 117. I had it for about two years and it hasn't had any problems. I mounted it on a Manfrotto 190x. The head maximum weight is 8kg, but I've used aboout 2kg max on it. It has a ballhead plus an independent horizontal panorama panning knob. It uses Arca-swiss compatible plates.

10-04-2018, 12:24 PM	#12
Patricia1066 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 31 Original Poster	Wish I could ignore the budget I set myself, the better heads do seem a long lasting choice with none on second hand market. Sirui 40x has a limiter which seems to borrow from the Markins. I like that feature and the 54mm ball. Any other ball heads that meets these criteria?

10-04-2018, 12:45 PM - 2 Likes	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Suggesting a particular brand is difficult. There are many good ones. I'll start by suggesting an arca-swiss compatible head instead. Then there's budget and features. You didn't mention if you want a gimbal, ball head, something else. Ballheads are the most common so let's start from there. Relatively inexpensive products include brands like Sirui (think maybe K10x based on your description, no need for more) and Oben (not familiar with all their products). Vanguard, Velbon and a few others also make nice products, not as cost-effective. Prices can go up from there. Manfrotto do offer some arca-swiss heads, and their new pneumatic heads look excellent. Gizto and others are expensive, and luxury items. In all products, look for a head with adjustable friction, locking pins for the plate, ideally a low profile included plate except if you already own one, independent rotation and ball operation. A larger ball will be stronger and give smoother friction but will be heavier, that might be an issue. Also take a head whose size roughly matches that of your tripod.

10-04-2018, 01:07 PM - 1 Like	#14
SteveinSLC Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2017 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 568	Another recommendation for Sirui. Solid and not too expensive.