Brent, I am still looking around for a ball head to use both on my 35mm and LF Toyo. The 55 has come into my view among others but want to make sure that with the LF, I will be satisfied since my current head has the 3 handles and I am comfortable with this type but not my particular one for the newly purchased Toyo. What have you used the 55 with? Any comments on ballhead vs traditional 3 lever heads for LF. If selling the 55, when and how much? Take care and have a great Christmas and New Year. Joe Dragon
I'm only just now moving to MF, so I've only used the 55 with my current lineup - but that inclues a 300 2.8 and a 400 DO. Not the longest or heaviest of canon's lenses, but up there, and when combined with the 1 series bodies and RRS L brackets, about the heaviest combos I'd stick on something not a wimbly or similar.
The 55 is rock steady, and a darn impressive piece of machined kit. Looks and feels solid and well designed.
I'm certainly selling, and likely for 70% new cost, plus shipping, which is my usual price point for selling gear in good condition. And the 55 is in pristine condition, given that I used it only in studio.
All this said, geared heads offer you more precision. The ball heads, at least for me, are faster, more flexible and somewhat less bulky than the gearheads, but if you have less-than steady hands (like me), then they can be a bit of a challenge to master absolute precise framing.
B
PS - if you're still interested, ping me here or email me at
alteregohalifax@mac.com about the 55. I haven't posted it anywhere yet, and am at the in-laws for the holidays, so won't be able to attend to it til the 29th, but if you're interested, I'm happier to sell to someone on here than elsewhere.