Ball head that won't break the bank - PhotoCamel

Leehman · 06-02-2007

Using a Berlebach tripod, that I really like because it is wood and extremely stable. I would like to find a ball head that won't break the bank but will offer support for ten to twelve pounds of gear. Any information would be helpful. I have been using a Manfrotto grip release 3265G on my monopod and like the Idea of one handed operation.
Leehman

cyclohexane · 06-02-2007

I use Giottos ballheads, which are great buys for the money. The new ones tout Arca-Swiss compatiblity, which is a plus as you won't be limited to just quick release plates made by Giottos.

My MH-3000 Giottos ballhead ran something like $120 and holds 33 pounds, so you could probably go a little cheaper as you only need 10-12 pounds. It can be used one-handed with practice, but when tightening down all the way the head slips a tad unless I hold it. I swapped out the top for an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp from Really Right Stuff (mine predated the switch by Giottos), and the set-up works like a champ.

Leehman · 06-03-2007

Michael,

Thanks for the information, a stronger head would be a plus.

cyclohexane · 06-03-2007

By the way, here's the manufacturer's page on the latest ballheads:

ball head series

Make sure the top you get is one of the newer ones with the screw-knob and Arca-Swiss clamp; while I haven't used these they should be decently-made, like the rest of the ballhead.

The MH-3300 is the updated version of the one I'm using.

james23p · 06-03-2007

I have the one smaller than the MH3000 and it holds my big lens fine, I recently got the new Arca-Swiss type MH-657 QR top that is on the new Giottos Pro ball IIversions, its nicely built.

Giottos MH-1000 with Arca compatable Giottos QR MH-657, the MH-1000 touts a payload of 22lbs but I am guessing a smaller sweet spot than the MH3000. The small safety pin is removable if you have solid base Arca plates:

Plus a cut away of the new MH-3300:

Leehman · 06-04-2007

James and Michael
Thanks for posting this information. These suggestions are most helpful.

Blacklynx · 06-05-2007

hi there i have a solid ballhead that will support that weight in the for sale section if you care to have a look.

cyclohexane · 06-07-2007

By the way, this is what my MH-3000 with replacement top looks like (in action, obviously):

06-02-2007	#1
Leehman Dromedary Location: Hartwell Georgia Posts: 1,162 CamelKarma: 2907 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Ball head that won't break the bank Using a Berlebach tripod, that I really like because it is wood and extremely stable. I would like to find a ball head that won't break the bank but will offer support for ten to twelve pounds of gear. Any information would be helpful. I have been using a Manfrotto grip release 3265G on my monopod and like the Idea of one handed operation. Leehman __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.
	__________________ Leehman http://leehman.smugmug.com/

06-02-2007	#2
cyclohexane PhotoCamel Supporter Photocamel Master Location: SF Bay Area or Los Angeles, California Posts: 5,442 CamelKarma: 1642 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Ball head that won't break the bank I use Giottos ballheads, which are great buys for the money. The new ones tout Arca-Swiss compatiblity, which is a plus as you won't be limited to just quick release plates made by Giottos. My MH-3000 Giottos ballhead ran something like $120 and holds 33 pounds, so you could probably go a little cheaper as you only need 10-12 pounds. It can be used one-handed with practice, but when tightening down all the way the head slips a tad unless I hold it. I swapped out the top for an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp from Really Right Stuff (mine predated the switch by Giottos), and the set-up works like a champ.
	__________________ -Michael "Remember, the 'P' mode on your camera is for 'Professional'!"

06-03-2007	#3
Leehman Dromedary Location: Hartwell Georgia Posts: 1,162 CamelKarma: 2907 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Ball head that won't break the bank Michael, Thanks for the information, a stronger head would be a plus.
	__________________ Leehman http://leehman.smugmug.com/

06-03-2007	#4
cyclohexane PhotoCamel Supporter Photocamel Master Location: SF Bay Area or Los Angeles, California Posts: 5,442 CamelKarma: 1642 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Ball head that won't break the bank By the way, here's the manufacturer's page on the latest ballheads: ball head series Make sure the top you get is one of the newer ones with the screw-knob and Arca-Swiss clamp; while I haven't used these they should be decently-made, like the rest of the ballhead. The MH-3300 is the updated version of the one I'm using.
	__________________ -Michael "Remember, the 'P' mode on your camera is for 'Professional'!"

06-04-2007	#6
Leehman Dromedary Location: Hartwell Georgia Posts: 1,162 CamelKarma: 2907 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Ball head that won't break the bank James and Michael Thanks for posting this information. These suggestions are most helpful.
	__________________ Leehman http://leehman.smugmug.com/

06-05-2007	#7
Blacklynx Vicuna Location: scotland Posts: 65 CamelKarma: 11 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Ball head that won't break the bank hi there i have a solid ballhead that will support that weight in the for sale section if you care to have a look.

06-07-2007	#8
cyclohexane PhotoCamel Supporter Photocamel Master Location: SF Bay Area or Los Angeles, California Posts: 5,442 CamelKarma: 1642 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Ball head that won't break the bank By the way, this is what my MH-3000 with replacement top looks like (in action, obviously): __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.
	__________________ -Michael "Remember, the 'P' mode on your camera is for 'Professional'!"

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