Need help on a new Ball Head

[David Smith]

I am planning on ordering a new ball head for my second tripod.. I am looking at either an Giottos Model 7001 with QD plate, or a Induro Model SA-12 with a QR plate. Probably the heaviest lens I will use on this tripod is my Canon 40D with grip and a 300 2.8L. Both ball heads are rated to 13 pounds..

Has anybody had any experience with either of these ball heads, or have a reccomendation..??

Thanks for any input..

Dave

[Michael Pancier]

my suggestion is the Really Right Stuff BH-40 (18 pounds) or BH-55 (50 pounds) ball head. I love the solid build and the light weight of each head and it's ability to securely lock down.

I personally have the RRS BH-40. It's a great ballhead.

[Jay Gould]

Hi, there is another thread discussing the same issues! http://birdphotographers.net/forums/...ight=ballheads

I went with the Markins M-20; lovely and light.

[Ed Cordes]

I am not familiar with the two heads you mentioned. However one thing I would be sure to do is get a QR system that uses Arca Swiss style plates as they are pretty universally used by serious photographers. Your camera and lenses can then be used on virtually any tripod, yours or not. It will also make it easy for you to switch tripods.

Re the heads themselves, I have a Markins Q-10 and RRS BH-55. they are both super. i use the Markins for lighter gear and the BH-55 with my pro body, 500 mm lens, flash, extenders etc. Both are manufactured by outstanding companies with great customer service reputations.

[Doug Brown]

Another vote for Arca Swiss and the RRS BH-40.

[Chris Brennan]

I'll throw another head into the mix: Acratech Ultimate ball head. If you choose to go that route, order it without the Acratech clamp and get one from RRS. I've had my Acratech for at least 6 years, and it's easily supported the 300/2.8 with converters and a 40D w/battery grip. The 300/2.8 is now gone and been replaced with a 500/f4, and the Acratech is still as smooth as ever.

[Alfred Forns]

Another vote for Arca & RRS-40 !! Hands down the best combo !!! .... could go with the 55 but will be more weight to carry around !!!

[Billsnature]

Another vote for Arca Swiss as the best choice and Markins as a second lighter choice. I did not like the Acratech when I owned one and replaced it with a Markins 10.