*UPDATE* Hi all, After considering your helpful feedback and doing a bit more on-line searching, I've changed my original ball head choice and am comparing the Arca-Swiss Z1 and RRS BH-55. If you want to bypass all of the intermediate posts, you can find my reasons for this change in the post dated Jan 16. at 15:29.* End of Update *Hello all,
Let me first say that I am a newbie to this forum so please understand and educate me if I violate any kind of protocol. I have written a novel (at the risk of boring you) below because I know that asking a question and providing too little background can be annoying to those trying to help.
I am interested in the
70mm Burzynski ball head, but probably for different reasons than many of you. I am looking for a ball head that can be locked firmly in place without too much hand force. This is because I have just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and I am tiny jointed to begin with. (It is the lesser form of arthritis, so I’m relieved about that.) However, I am looking for ways around this disability so that I can continue photographing. Giving up photography is not an option and too sad to contemplate.
Arthritis is supposedly not uncommon, so perhaps this thread may someday help others.
I understand that the Burzynski ball head is heavy, but thankfully my girlie arms and hands have decent muscle strength. The issue is primarily with twisting my hands and fingers, which stresses the little joints. Pinching and gripping tightly can cause damage. I also cannot hold my wrists cocked backwards for long which can happen if it takes awhile to precisely position a camera with mid-sized telephoto lens and external flash.
How will I use this gear?
- I don’t plan to walk far from the car. No hiking.
- I expect the load (camera/lens/flash) to range from 6 to 8 lbs (~3 to 4 kg).
- No super-teles on this system. I know these heads are geared for heavier loads, but hoping they can accommodate medium loads
- This will be a multi-purpose system, also including macro where stability is desirable.
- The head will probably be on Gitzo Series 3 legs. Probably the Systematic since it is more flexible. I think the Burzynski may also fit on the Series 3 Mountaineer???
- I also plan to use lens tripod collars, when available, and if not, an L-bracket. Hopefully, this will reduce the 45 degree limitation of some heads.
- I’m thinking of adding a RRS lever quick release clamp. Initially wanted the PCL-1 panning clamp, but it only comes with the screw-knob. Levers are easier on the joints than twisting knob-screws. My other plates are RRS so I best stick with one vendor.
- I plan to work on a tripod 99.9% of the time.
ADVANTAGES:
- If I’m not mistaken, the large ball diameter will make fine adjustments easier on the fingers and lessen the chance of creep and flop.
- The reported stability and reduced vibrations of this head due to its design is also attractive.
- I heard one does not need to apply lots of pressure to lock down the ball. With a small diameter, I believe more finger strength is required to make fine adjustments and securely tighten and re-tighten the head without creep and flop, resulting in increased stress and pain in the fingers. Please correct me if I’m off base on any of these points.
DISADVANTAGES:
- The disadvantages of the Burzynski are weight and cost, but I rationalize that the long-term cost of healthcare will exceed any incremental cost of the ball head. And then there are quality-of-life issues.
- Can any of you who have used or tried the Burzynski ball head shed light on other disadvantages? For example, will it work OK with only 8 lbs (4 kg) compared to other ball heads?
- Any concerns shipping from Isarfoto’s Partner in France to the U.S.? Any estimate on shipping and add-on costs? I read that parcel post will reduce costs somewhat.
- How well does this ball hold up after years of usage? Any required maintenance?
Curious to know if the Burzynski is also susceptible to falling out of the Gitzo spider mount if the bolt is slightly loose. Of course this is not a problem with the head, per se.
To summarize my requirements (stated relative to other ball heads):
- Easy on hands to make fine adjustments to ball head position.
- Able to tighten ball head with low to moderate force.
- Less chance of flop when the head is not tightened.
- Less chance of creep after locking.
- Works well with 6 - 8 lbs (~3 – 4 kg) load.
I’d appreciate any additional comments on how the
BH-55,
Acra-Swiss Z1 or
Markins Q20 performs and possibly compares based on these requirements and constraints.
It would be great if you could indicate whether your feedback applies to handling medium loads of 6 lbs ~ 3 kg.That’s all I can think of (as if this is not already lots)
. As you can see, I’m quite motivated (desperate) and have been distilling what I can from the Internet. Thanks for reading through this long-winded thread and thanks in advance for your help.
Cheers, Charlene