Macro-Landscape/Pano Ballhead?

[Rocky Sharwell]

I am considering a new ballhead to be used for macro and landscapes/panoramas. My Macro setup is a Canon 180mm +macro Twin Lite--I have a Canon markIIN as well as the Canon 5dMKII.

I am trying to decide between the BH40 and BH55 from RRS. I am looking for opinions on each of these. If the MKIIn and the 180 were not so heavy I think I would go with the BH40..

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.....

[Alfred Forns]

Rocky I have the 55 sine it was that or the tiny one. Today I would buy the 40 for the weight. It is solid and will work fine for you.

btw Artie is using a small head for occasional landscapes. Might want to check it out for an all the time carry on !!

[Rocky Sharwell]

Rocky I have the 55 sine it was that or the tiny one. Today I would buy the 40 for the weight. It is solid and will work fine for you.

btw Artie is using a small head for occasional landscapes. Might want to check it out for an all the time carry on !!

Thanks Al,

I have the small Giotto head that Artie uses--It goes with me at al time.

I am leaning towards the BH40--as when I am close to the car I use the Wimberly Head and the Canon 180 or my 600 for macro....

[Keith Kennedy]

Rocky,

I have the BH55 from RRS and it is a terrific ballhead (the best I have used) but definitely on the heavy side. However, I think the BH40 would do just as well for landscape photography (esp. with a 5DII) and it is much lighter. I have even considered selling my BH55 and switching to the BH40.

I use the same macro setup as you (Canon 180 + twin flash) and similarly, I use my Wimberley head for just about all my macro work when using a tripod. The BH55 will definitely handle it but I find the Wimberley easier to manipulate. I am not sure the BH40 would do as well with a heavy macro setup.