Ball Heads?

[Matthew_Kartch]

Mike. FWIW I have a 1325 and an 1127. I'll be using the 1325 later on a concrete patio at full height in a windy area, aimed at a bird feeder in our backyard. Will be using an ML-3 IR remote through a window, so the "apron" between the legs will contain a 2-liter soda bottle for peace of mind.

For anything else the 1127 is more than adequate. My 70-200 VR has a tripod collar, and I have an L-bracket on every body; so I never have to "flop" a ballhead. The good balance is probably worth a reduction of "one" in tripod series, depending on your needs.

[Mike_Guilbault]

I like the idea of the new CF 6x and non-rotating legs of the 1257.... but I prefer the height/weight/stability of the 1325. Maybe by the time I can afford one, a '1357' will be available? Right now I want to get the Markins M20 and for now, use it on my Manfrotto 058.

[Matthew_Kartch]

Mike. thanks so much for introducing me to Markins. Not that I need another ballhead, but I didn't know about their titanium spikes. Will be installing them on my 1325. Not even Markins had realized that the spikes for a 1228 would be a perfect fit for an 1127. If the 1325 goes well, guess what comes next.

[Mike_Sturk]

I have a friend who offered good advice on tripods and ball heads. Buy a tripod/head that will last for years rather than a tripod or head that you'll need to upgrade every other year. While smaller and less expensive heads are fine for everything up to a 300 2.8, things change when you attach a heavier lens. I discovered this when I attached my 400 2.8 to my old Leitz Tiltall tripod. Actually I tried the Acratech ball head and noticed some "drift" especially if the lens was pointed up. In fairness, this lens is a juggernaut and I usually use it attached directly to a monopod for sports. But for tripod duty, I conclude that there are only expensive possibilities for a lens this heavy and I will likely purchase an ArcaSwiss but have been looking at the Wimberley as well.

[John_Luke]

If you are well heeled, try the Burzynski.

http://www.naturfotograf.com/burzynski.html

I have the Arca Swiss B-1, and on my small CF travel tripod, an older compact Benbo (w/o the panning feature)

[John_Luke]

[ QUOTE ]
.... my old Leitz Tiltall tripod.......

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey- I've one of those too! Hasn't seen the light of day in over ten years. Its the black model. I've a friend who has the silver one. I was considering giving mine to an artist friend who takes digital point and shoots of his paintings for galley submissions.

[Matthew_Kartch]

FWIW I was setting up under a raincover a tripod collar lens on one of my Kirk BH-3's. (Instrument flight rules definitely in effect.) I had never before really appreciated that Kirk builds both of its ballheads with the ball tension knob directly in line with the main locking knob. Made things much easier. Thank you, Kirk.

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