Topic: Need to buy a Ball Head (Read 19378 times)

bgbs · « **on:** February 02, 2011, 06:51:50 pm »

Hi, I bought a Manfrotto 055XB that will hold my D700, but I still need to buy the right ballhead. I have only about $100 to spend on it. Can anyone recommend a good ballhead for that price.
The heaviest size it will carry is D700 w/ battery grip + Nikkor AF-S 80-200mm F2.8

Your replies appreciated

-Ben

davidewers · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2011, 07:01:42 pm »

I really do not know if a good ballhead that will for this under $100. I would possibly look at some of the cheap heads sold on ebay, but as every one konws, buyer beware

Slobodan Blagojevic · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2011, 07:01:57 pm »

I have the same problem. I just bought a Ferrari, and I am taking Scarlett Johansson out on a date tonight, but I still need to buy car tires and I have only $100 to spend on it. Can anybody help?

Dennis Carbo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2011, 07:02:06 pm »

not for that price - but if you want an awesome head and can rustle up a bit more ...Really Right Stuff BH-55 is awesome

bgbs · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2011, 07:06:41 pm »

Ok, so how much do I need to gather to get the next best thing? I spent $135 on Manfroto, I don't consider this a Ferrari, maybe a C Class Mercedes, I need a C Class Ball Head, not Ferrari.

Thanks

Ken Bennett · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2011, 07:17:38 pm »

I think you'll find plenty of $100 ball heads that will end up being very frustrating to use in the long run. The head is much more important than the legs.

If you can spend $200. the Photo Clam PC-36 seems decent, though I haven't used one. Good specs, though. Remember that you'll need a plate for your camera.

Slobodan Blagojevic · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2011, 07:40:34 pm »

Quote from: bgbs on February 02, 2011, 07:06:41 pm

... I spent $135 on Manfroto, I don't consider this a Ferrari, maybe a C Class Mercedes, I need a C Class Ball Head, not Ferrari.

And I was not referring to Manfrotto legs, but to the whole Nikon outfit, that goes for approximately $3,500 in the U.S. And the reference to Ferrari is just a hyperbole, to make the point.

AlastairMoore · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2011, 08:32:12 pm »

I was looking for the same thing, for a temporary measure and the best I've found (and have ordered) is the Giottos MH-1301, which is a little over your price but I think there's a slightly smaller/cheaper one. By all reports, it's a very decent ballhead for the money.

This is the one I ordered: http://cgi.ebay.com/Giottos-MH1300-657-Pro-II-Large-Ball-Head-Quick-Release-/360337228082?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e5c5c132#ht_5505wt_1141

It's Arca-Swiss compatible, which I thought getting into that system was essential for future upgrades. It comes with a standard camera plate too.

Here's a few reviews of the head.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/45654-ball-head-review-giottos-mh-1301-656-a.html

http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-MH1301-656-Professional-Calibrated-Release/product-reviews/B000OQIODU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I'll add mine when I receive it (hopefully tomorrow judging by the USPS tracking site!)

JBerardi · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2011, 08:45:08 pm »

What kind of photography are we talking about using this tripod for? This being a landscape forum, people tend to be in the mindset of seeking Ultimate Stability, but if you're doing, say, portrait, it's not so important.

In general, I'd recommend a heavy-duty used three-way head. A ballhead that can really handle a D700 + 80-200mm is going to seriously exceed your budget. This looks like a solid option.

vandevanterSH · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2011, 08:55:34 pm »

.....but I still need to buy car tires and I have only $100 to spend on it..
*********
That's a problem, my last set was about $1600 and don't ask about the cost of belt changes. :>(

Steve

bgbs · « **Reply #10 on:** February 03, 2011, 10:45:26 am »

A plate? Ballheads don't come with plates?

Quote

I think you'll find plenty of $100 ball heads that will end up being very frustrating to use in the long run. The head is much more important than the legs.

If you can spend $200. the Photo Clam PC-36 seems decent, though I haven't used one. Good specs, though. Remember that you'll need a plate for your camera.

bgbs · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2011, 10:50:55 am »

Spending about $150 sounds not bad. Thanks for the info.
UPDATE: I have bought the Giottos-MH1300-657-Pro-II-Large-Ball-Head-Quick-Release

WOW, this forum is helpful.

Quote from: AlastairMoore on February 02, 2011, 08:32:12 pm

I was looking for the same thing, for a temporary measure and the best I've found (and have ordered) is the Giottos MH-1301, which is a little over your price but I think there's a slightly smaller/cheaper one. By all reports, it's a very decent ballhead for the money.

This is the one I ordered: http://cgi.ebay.com/Giottos-MH1300-657-Pro-II-Large-Ball-Head-Quick-Release-/360337228082?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e5c5c132#ht_5505wt_1141

It's Arca-Swiss compatible, which I thought getting into that system was essential for future upgrades. It comes with a standard camera plate too.

Here's a few reviews of the head.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-field-accessories/45654-ball-head-review-giottos-mh-1301-656-a.html

http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-MH1301-656-Professional-Calibrated-Release/product-reviews/B000OQIODU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I'll add mine when I receive it (hopefully tomorrow judging by the USPS tracking site!)

wkramer · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2011, 11:54:23 am »

http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Ballheads

I am using a Feisol CF tripod and their CB-40D ball head for my D7000 and 70-200VRII lens. At $129 it does everything I need in a ball head. If you go for $159 you can get their CB-50D ball head. I also have a Feisol mono pod. Feisol has Giotto quality without the Giatto prices. I bought mine from reallybigcameras.

bgbs · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2011, 12:46:59 pm »

I use my camera for all kinds of photography as a hobby, but my main purpose of using my camera is for commercial work. My main profession is Graphic Design and I use my camera to take pics of things my clients need because the pics are not found on photo bank sites. For example, I shoot dental lab stuff, such as; equipment, instruments, products and processes. This type of shooting requires a tripod, and the one I currently have is a piece of junk made to punish you rather than aid you in your work.

Quote from: JBerardi on February 02, 2011, 08:45:08 pm

What kind of photography are we talking about using this tripod for? This being a landscape forum, people tend to be in the mindset of seeking Ultimate Stability, but if you're doing, say, portrait, it's not so important.

In general, I'd recommend a heavy-duty used three-way head. A ballhead that can really handle a D700 + 80-200mm is going to seriously exceed your budget. This looks like a solid option.

Paul Sumi · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2011, 01:12:14 pm »

Quote from: bgbs on February 03, 2011, 10:45:26 am

A plate? Ballheads don't come with plates?

It depends. Some may come with a generic camera plate (meaning the plate will work, but probably not very well).

With many brands that use the Arca Swiss standard such as Really Right Stuff, Kirk, Markins, Acratech, etc, the camera and lens plates are extra cost. The plates are usually custom designed to fit particular camera bodies. Ditto for lenses with rotating tripod rings.

Paul

AlastairMoore · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2011, 03:28:29 pm »

Quote from: bgbs on February 03, 2011, 10:50:55 am

Spending about $150 sounds not bad. Thanks for the info.
UPDATE: I have bought the Giottos-MH1300-657-Pro-II-Large-Ball-Head-Quick-Release

WOW, this forum is helpful.

I just received mine and I'm actually really pleasantly surprised by it. It feels absolute solid and far better made than the $150 it cost. Came with a nice cloth bag to keep it in, everything is well finished and it looks the part. Well pleased!

feppe · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2011, 03:37:47 pm »

Quote from: DENNISCARBO on February 02, 2011, 07:02:06 pm

not for that price - but if you want an awesome head and can rustle up a bit more ...Really Right Stuff BH-55 is awesome

Trust it to LL to provide a suggestion for gear costing over three times the requested budget

Paul Sumi · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2011, 04:13:29 pm »

Quote from: feppe on February 03, 2011, 03:37:47 pm

Trust it to LL to provide a suggestion for gear costing over three times the requested budget

Just trying to save the OP money in the long run

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

AlastairMoore · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:05:06 pm »

For those who might be interested, this is the Giottos ball head I talked about above. It really is a lovely piece of equipment (out of the box and untested!). At the moment, I see no reason why this isn't as capable a tripod head as the more expensive Kirk or RRS heads but time will tell. So far, so good. I'll be trying it out in anger this weekend.

Ken Bennett · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2011, 10:28:29 pm »

Quote from: AlastairMoore on February 03, 2011, 08:05:06 pm

For those who might be interested, this is the Giottos ball head I talked about above. It really is a lovely piece of equipment (out of the box and untested!). At the moment, I see no reason why this isn't as capable a tripod head as the more expensive Kirk or RRS heads but time will tell. So far, so good. I'll be trying it out in anger this weekend.

I had a Giottos ball head, I think it was the next size down from that one. It was a perfectly nice ballhead with one tiny flaw: when tightening the main lock knob, the camera would move ever so slightly. Just enough to throw it out of level. Just enough to be totally and completely maddening.

I sincerely hope your larger version of the Giottos does not do this. My RRS BH55 does not.

Author Topic: Need to buy a Ball Head (Read 19378 times)