Advice needed on light tripod ball head

[Bernard_Languillier]

Dear all,

I am currently considering buying one of the very light Gitzo Carbon tripods (in the 1.2 Kg range), but haven't yet found the perfect ball head to match it.

I am aware that Arca-Swiss is probably the best available, but at 0.8 Kg, I find them too heavy.

I am looking for something in the 0.3-0.5 Kg range. It seems that Gitzo and Foba have something in that range. Anyone with experience on those? Any other suggestion?

- Gitzo: G1177M Magnesium Center Ballhead 1 - Supports 8.82 lb (4.00 kg) - weights .3 Kg + plate support,
- Foba: Mini Superball Ballhead with Quick Release (Requires Plate) - Supports 15.00 lb (6.80 kg) - weights .59 Kg including plate support.

I guess that the ball head should be able to support around 3.5 Kg (large digital SLR + 80-200/300 f4 + converter).

Thanks,
Bernard

What about the grip head? Not sure about the weight though? I don't think it too heavy and it will support the weight your talking about.

[ThomasRyan]

Acratech. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

You can even purchase them without their quick release (and then put your own on).

B&H sells them, or you can go direct. I think they come in just under one pound (0.45 kg if memory serves) and locks up TIGHT when you set it.

Tom

[Robert_Millard]

Take a look at a head from Bogen called the 410. It is not a ball head but a small geared head. I got one of these a couple of years ago and will never use a ball head again. Geared heads are so accurate for framing. You just dial in the framing you want. Every ball head I have ever used has some 'lash'. This 'lash' causes the framing to go off when you tighten the set screw. Geared heads don't do this.

Robert Millard

[GreggLaiben]

I'll second Robert's advice on the Bogen mini-geared head. I've used it for several years and the framing is a breeze and is rock solid without any give once set. However, a few months ago, I decided I wanted something even more compact and less obtrusive, so I picked up a Gitzo 1275 [offset] ball head. It looks beautiful, is lightweight, and has quite a low profile. Unfortuantely, it sucks as a head - the offset does not provide any degree of balance for the camera/lens and, despite a relatively robust lock knob, has very visible lash. Hence it takes much longer to achieve proper framing.

I'm back to the Bogen mini-geared head. Of course, if you are interested in a Gitzo 1275 ball head, I know where one's available....<g>

....gregg

[GregScheidemann]

I bought the Bogen 410 geared head, and it is GREAT. Very solid. BUT, it is definitely not compact or light. I would look into Kirk Photo's smaller heads.

Kirk Photo Homepage

the BH-3 is just over a pound.

greg

[michael_gunawan]

I've been using leica ball head for more than 10 years and never look for another

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh3.sph/...ID=F6249A703E0