What ball head?

[Mark Wiseman]

I know this question has been asked many times, but there are so many different answers. My Arca Swiss B1 ball head has been sent in for a service as it has been sticking and locking badly recently. I have been able to unlock it with difficulty and it would soon lock up again. What replacements are there? I need the ball head for landscape work, macro work and to handle a Wimberley sidekick with a Nikkor 200-400mm f4VRII lens on a Nikon D4. It is a case of once bitten twice shy with regards to the Arca Swiss. I have a FOBA head 6000miles away, would it be worthwhile buying another FOBA head or another alternative like a RRS BH-55? Any help is gratefully appreciated. With many thanks, Mark.

[Don Lacy]

RRS BH-55 is a wonderful ball head never had a problem with it in 5+ years

[Mark Wiseman]

Hi Don,
Thanks for your advice, it is gratefully appreciated.
Mark.

[Vivaldo Damilano]

Hi Mark, I have been using the BH-55 for a few years, it's a wonderful head for landscape work and have never had a problem with it. You will enjoy using it.

[Mark Wiseman]

Thanks for your help Vivaldo,
I have been eyeing the BH-55 now for some time, your advice is helpful.
It is good to have your help and best wishes to you and your family.
With many thanks,
Mark.

[Linwood Ferguson]

Markins M-20 (or current model). I bought mine 5 years ago after trying another brand and finding it difficult to move smoothly. It was a night and day difference in terms of a good sweet spot that moved smoothly. I've used it since, never do any maintenance except a bit of cleaning when in the swamp, and am very happy with it. I use it with a 200-400 directly.

[Mark Wiseman]

Hi Linwood,
Thank you for your help, it is gratefully appreciated. I have been looking at the Markins ball head and everyone seems to be happy. I think I will keep the Arca Swiss B1 once it is serviced by Arca Swiss in France, if they can sort the head out for me. It appears as though Arca had a problem with a batch of heads in 2001, so maybe the ball head can be replaced or fixed as I bought the head around that time. They don't have a website and don't feel they have a need to communicate to there clients directly which is not ideal. I will add a fliplock release and at the moment it looks as though I can get a good deal on a FOBA mini superballhead which will work out fine. Once everything is sorted I will post some images for reference.
With many thanks,
Mark.

[Robert DeCandido]

For a Gimbal head, roughly $100 with shipping - this one can't be beat. I have it and it is 100% fine:

http://www.linkdelight.com/PK003-Gim...Tele-Lens.html

Discussion about this Gimbal: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1105558/0
=================
Arca-Swiss BH-55 - no way! It is (a) overpriced; and (b) here is my experience: In the field (Nepal) while a 500mm F4 lens was mounted on it, the knob for lock-down came undone - it simply became loose and then fell out of the socket!...Fortunately one of us caught the lens before it hit the ground. When we returned to NYC we contacted RRS - they told us that was a known problem to them. The glue that holds the bolt in place that the knob screws into within the ball head) can disintegrate...or was not applied correctly in some cases.

Given RRS political stance on certain issues in California and the problem we (Deborah Allen and I) had with their equipment, we do our best to purchase from other manufacturers now. Do a google search for: Really Right Stuff Prop 8 California (the anti-gay marriage bill)

http://www.flickr.com/groups/865962@...7612473243424/ - I purchase Kirk or Arca Swiss or Markins but not RRS.

Robert DeCandido PhD
NYC

[Mark Wiseman]

Thanks Robert for your input,
I don't think I will be getting a RRS ball head at this point in time. As mentioned above, I think it will be a FOBA mini super ball head and the Arca Swiss B1 mono ball head that I will use with a Wimberley sidekick. Thanks for the info as I was not aware of the politics being over here in the UK.
With many thanks,
Mark.

[Mark Wiseman]

Hi all,
I eventually went for the FOBA mini ball head. I am really happy with my choice and they have made some changes to the new model with a change to the top locking button and a plate to stop any camera plates sliding, if needed. For general info I have posted an image and hope this may help someone on the forum. Together with a sidekick, this should easily hold my Nikkor AF-S 200-400mm f4 VRII lens. The 600mm f4 will be on a Wimberley Head.
Best wishes, Mark.