I have been using a Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ballhead for the past 3 years, and have been frustrated that even the the ballhead is locked, there is at times a little give in the QR lever clamp. I find that at times it slides ab it and it makes it frustrating keeping the camera level - particularly with my 70-200 f2.8L IS lens that has a RRS QRS lens plate attached to the tripod socket.
Note that it's not the ballhead itself that doesn't lock down, it appears the Quick Release plate/clamp seems to have some movement and tends to slide a bit (we are talking about mm, but it is enough to through off the level - I have the QR lever clamp.
I have lived with the problem almost since i got the ballhead (I tend to try and bypass the 70-200 whenever possible because of the issue). However, as I've gotten more into shooting panos, (I've got the RRS Ultimate Pro Omni Pivot package), I'm finding it more and more frustrating to live with the RRS head.
I've heard really good things about the Markins ballheads and wanted to get some advice on the Markins vs. RRS and suggestions for which markins ballhead to get if I make the switch.
I also wanted to know which ballhead would work best with the RRS Pano set, as well as the RRS L-brackets and lens plates. I did hear from some photographers that not all markins heads/clamps are fully compatible with RRS plates. I will be using the ballhead on a Gitzo 3540LS tripod.
If I do make the switch, I'd like to go with a Markins ballhead/clamp, so I'd appreciate advice on which Ballhead to get and if there are any compatibility issues with using a Markins ballhead/clamp with RRS plates and pano kit.
I have considered sending my ballhead back to RRS for repairs, but being in Canada, that would probably mean i'd be without a ballhead for at least a month, in which case, I still need to pick up a second ballhead.