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Thread: Good ball head for macro

  1. #1
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    Default Good ball head for macro

    I don't like the ballhead that a currently own as it doesn't seem to stay in place and I have to keep adjusting it. Would like it to be able to be vertical as well. I am sure everyone will recommend RRS BH. Any others?

  2. #2
    Asif Khan
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    Hi Jackie, I am using Gitzo GT2541EX tripod and Gitzo GH2780QR ball head (along with Gitzo GS5370C quick release plate) for all my macro work. This setup has worked very well for me until now. You can check out my setup at: http://www.akpixels.com/Photography/...49757004_GKBtt

    All the best for your purchase. Cheers.

  3. #3
    Danny J Brown
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    I use the Markins M10 on my landscape tripod (Feisol CT-3301) and find it silky smooth with a tight lockdown.

    DB

    By the way, I've found Feisol Tripods to be of amazing quality for an incredibly low price. Don't expect the Markins M10 to be real affordable though.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jackie Schuknecht View Post
    I don't like the ballhead that a currently own as it doesn't seem to stay in place and I have to keep adjusting it. Would like it to be able to be vertical as well. I am sure everyone will recommend RRS BH. Any others?
    If this means anything to you, Mike Moats, one the moderators of the Macro and Flora forum here, uses this:

    http://acratech.net/product.php?prod...7&cat=1&page=1

    According to his response here:

    http://www.naturephotographers.net/i...7d2cac7&u=9168

    A total tripod+head cost of $800. This shows that you do not need expensive equipment to get quality photographs.


    I personally do not use RRS ball-head.

  5. #5
    Alfred Forns
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    Hi Jackie You can't go wrong with the RRS, they also have good info for macro. Have some of their accessories. Also can't go wrong with the info Desmond provided !!!

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    Thanks for the info everyone, what I really need is "does not move when locked down". The Arcatech looks good Desmond. Will be doing some research, mine wobbles all over the place.

  7. #7
    Alfred Forns
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    Jackie the RRS is solid, will not move and has lots of fine tuning tension adjustments !! I got the 55 but might choose the mid size if getting over again !!

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    Will have a serious look at it. thanks Al!

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    I use an Arca-Swiss B1G which I think has been replaced by the Monoball Z1g Ballhead.

    Mine is heavy but very sturdy and does not flop at all.

    There are 3 articles giving advice on using ballheads at http://www.photocentric.net/arca_desc.htm

  10. #10
    BPN Member Don Lacy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jackie Schuknecht View Post
    Thanks for the info everyone, what I really need is "does not move when locked down". The Arcatech looks good Desmond. Will be doing some research, mine wobbles all over the place.
    Jackie, Before buying a new ball head try gripping the plate and stem of the ball to adjust your equipment then lock down the ball head. More then likely what you are experiencing is the play in the lens collar and mounting plates if you put tension on the camera to get it into position once you remove the tension you're framing will move slightly. This drove me crazy after I purchased the RSS BH 55 until I figured it out .
    Don Lacy
    You don't take a photograph, you make it - Ansel Adams
    There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs - Ansel Adams
    http://www.witnessnature.net/
    https://500px.com/lacy

  11. #11
    Rene A
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    I tested my canon 500 & Mark 4 on a medium size PhotoClam and it did not creep

    http://reallybigcameras.com/

    (better one then my Markins 20)

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    Love my Markins.. Used it extensively for macro in the recent ICF Pro tour event and it was flawless. It's lighter the the RRS and is smoother and holds much better than Kirk's. I did not care for the acratech (not the lastest version) and sold it quickly.....

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    Thanks!!! Lot of research to do on the w/e.

  14. #14
    Mike Moats
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    Hey Jackie, the Ultimate Ballhead from Acratech is the Ultimate for macro. Because a macro shooter's lens in many cases is shooting downward, the 45% cut away of the front housing of the base allows much more flexability for positioning the camera then a standard ballhead. They do lock down without sag even with the 180mm macro on.

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    The Arca-Swiss Z1 has no creep and it's got a drop-slot to go vertical and point downward. It also has a pan feature built in.

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    Got the Acratech GV2, and really like it. Did research the other ones though. Thanks for the input.

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