Ball Heads?

Peter_White · #8 01-28-2006, 08:58 PM

My biggest lens is a 300 f/2.8 and when I got in the RRS BH-55 it was clearly more than I needed. I ordered the BH-40 but with a QR lever plate having a bubble level and I'm very happy with it. It's rock steady with every lens on a Gitzo 1228.

James_Rowerdink · #9 01-29-2006, 11:47 AM

Is the BH-3 sufficient for a Nikon 300 2.8 AF? Or, would the weight require the BH-1?

Eric_Chan · #10 01-29-2006, 12:33 PM

James, the BH-3 is sufficient for the 300 f/2.8. Other heads that are worth considering in this weight range (i.e. the weight of the head, not the weight of the lens) are the RRS BH-40 and the Markins M-10.

I personally have the Markins M-10 and really like it. I have replaced its clamp with a RRS lever release clamp.

Eric

James_Rowerdink · #11 01-29-2006, 12:53 PM

Thanks Eric. I'll check them out.

John_Edwards · #12 02-01-2006, 11:00 PM

Mike, I have the Markins with the RRS lever clamp. Love the ballhead but my lever clamp is the early onewithout the bubble. No problem with the 70-200IS, smooth as silk. Were I buying another ballhead today I'd probably get the BH55 so I wouldn't have to get the lever clamp additionally.
John

Tom_Parkes · #13 02-03-2006, 06:02 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Has anyone used the Markins?

[/ QUOTE ]

Mike,

I have the Markins. It's beautifully engineered, very smooth and with no tendency to sag after locking it off or adjusting the tension. I have the standard version but would probably have bought the left handed model if it had been available. With the controls over on the right I find myself reaching around from the left to adjust the main knob. That may just be because I'm left-handed and is only a fiddle if you want to lock the ball completely, in general use you can set the tension once for the weight of lens and leave it.

Tom

Mike_Guilbault · #14 02-03-2006, 10:31 AM

Thanks for the info on Markins. I've pretty much decided on the Markins M-20. It's not that much more than the M-10 and then I know I won't ever have to replace it for something 'bigger'. I don't usually have to hike very far, so the extra weight (which isn't much either) isn't a factor. Now I just have to decide on the tripod to go with it. I'm torn between the Gitzo 1257 and 1325.