Ball Head Confusion

[diver46]

I just purchased a Gitzo 1325 tripod. I am now trying to decide what ball head to purchase. Suggestions have been RRS-BH-55(very expensive), MarkmanM20 and Kirk BH1. I am shooting with a Nikon D200, my walk around lens is 18-200vr, I also use a Tamron 180 macro and 200-500.

Thanks for the help and advise.

[Mr. Pickles]

I use a Bogen (Manfrotto) model 488RC0 Midi Ball Head with Rapid Connect 0 System. Supports 17 pounds, is fluid and works well. All of about $101 at B&H.

Has a quick release plate. Actually, you can get it in a few different models, the difference being the quick release plate. I use the one with the hex shaped plate. here is a link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

LatinBob, another PhotoCamel member, uses this one also.

[ohenry]

I have the Gitzo 1325 with the RRS BH-55 ballhead. It holds my 1Ds and 400mm lens without flaw. I trust it completely that it will not drift, even at an angle. You won't find a better head than the BH-55. It is a finely crafted, meticulous piece of equipment. Spendy, yes...but it will be the last one you buy (unless you want a second one on another set of legs).

I have no comments on other heads as the only other ballhead I've used was the Acratech Ultimate ball head....a nice head, but not even in the same class as the BH-55.

I am also a huge fan of the Arca-swiss design clamp system. It is solid!

[Nikonfreak]

The RRS BH-55 is the best head around, hands down, bar none IMO.

I haven't ordered one but I have a friend that did. I've used it. It's an incredible head. Simply amazing.

That being said I had ordered the Markins M10 L and it has served me very well. It's a superb head as well.

No complaints with either one. The Markins is going to be a little cheaper. If you don't have a super heavy setup, you'd be fine with that as another option.

I heard of the Markins from the high recommendations folks at Nikonians.org gave those heads. They were right. The Markins is pretty dog-gone good.

Good luck.

Julio

[badpickev]

i went with this. giottos head

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

[Sidebyte]

When I bought my new carbon fiber tripod (Manfrotto) it came with a 486 QR ballhead.* I wasn't thrilled with the construction of the head, the tripod is superb so I ordered one of these.* They're a knock-off but really well constructed.* My photo-mate had one so I could see the construction.* For less than $100, I don't see an equal.
Check out the material list and the dimensions of the ball.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Benro-KB-2-Ball-...QQcmdZViewItem

[LeeK]

While I agree RRS make's great products I'm not sure that their ball head is superior to FOBA's, which is even more pricey, but that does not mean it's better. You can mount LF 8x10 on this as well and I know their products are built for a lifetime of use as well.

[thorin]

Re: the Benro

http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essay...o/benroks2.htm

I do not own a Benro; so, I have no idea if this review is accurate, but I can vouch for the RRS BH-55. Really fantastic piece of equipment.