Suggestions, Ball Head For Tripod

[leon]

Hi Guys I was just wondering If anyone has used, or has a Ball head for their tripod.

I was researching and would be looking for one that could carry at least 20-30 kgs, and also where I might be able to get one of these.

I have seen many on overseas sites but have not found much on the homeland

I understand they are perfect for carrying large long lenses etc.

If anyone could suggest something I would appreciate it.

Thank You.

Leon :thumbsup:

[dannat]

20-30 kgs, what kind of lens are you going to put on it:eyepop: :screwy:

Ball heads are good though, if you have big hands you can swivel and lock sometimes using one hand

[BerrieK]

Hiya Leon. Maybe try...
https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/tripods/tripod-heads/ball-heads/photoclam-ball-head-pc-74ns-black.html

I dont have one of these but it will take the load that you are after (more in fact). If unsuitable these guys have quite a range of tripod bits and pieces and may have something suitable. Australian based online importer.

Kerrie

[gbeal]

20-30kgs? I agree, what sort of surface to air missile is it?
I have Benbo tripods Leon, and both have ball heads, and they also see use on the top of the mount with a camera or lens/camera combo. But nothing I own approaches 20 kilos.
Some of the BIG Linhof stuff would be just about suitable perhaps, old but good.
Gary

[leon]

Thanks Guys and as Kerrie points out there are some that will carry 100 kgs, so my 30 kgs is pretty well in the ball park.

Thanks Kerrie I will look into the site you suggested, not cheap though are they.

Leon

[Dennis]

Hi Leon

When I was looking at ball heads, I had a look at Really Right Stuff (http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/02.html)and Kirk (http://www.kirkphoto.com/ball_heads.html)which are both made in the USA and they were quite expensive, around the US $400 mark.

The Photo Clam brand in Kerrie’s link are not as expensive and when I had a browse around the web, they seemed to get quite good write ups. There are some posts on various Forums that bash these non-USA products, listing cheap (low quality) Asian copies as the reason, although those who have purchased and used them do seem satisfied with the performance they deliver at that lower price.

Cheers

Dennis

[leon]

Dennis i had a good browse through the links you provided and am pretty impressed with their line up and the exact bits and pieces that I would be looking for.

As you said not cheap, but if they have to carry some very expensive equipment then I feel it is wisely spent, thanks.

Leon

[Dennis]

Hi Leon

I went with a (cheaper) and lightweight Velbon B&S made from magnesium alloy and whilst it is a well designed and functional unit, it does not have clutches to fine tune the friction nor a separate lever for azimuth lock/release.

I also have a “built like a tank” Slik B&S which does have a clutch for the B&S friction and an azimuth lock for fine tuning panning, but again, its motions are a little jerky and not very smooth.

However, they were $150 and $80 respectively so I suspect those costing $300 + should give you better friction tuning and smoother movements as well as a bigger payload capability.

At one stage I considered upgrading to the Photo Clam Ball Head PC-36NS (Kerrie’s link) for around $337 but could not really justify it…

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

try a

BENRO KB-2 Professional Camera Ball Head I have two very solid:thumbsup:

[gbeal]

Hey, that's what I said.
Gary

[h0ughy]

ah yes but i gave the model number :rofl::P:whistle:

[Dennis]

…but neither of you asked for his requirements…:whistle:

Does he want separate clutches/locks on Alt and Az?
Does he want adjustable tension on the ball head for large loads?
Does he want it to be lightweight and portable?
What fitting plate does he want – OEM proprietary or Arca Swiss style?
Does he want a 3/8”, ¼” tripod bush or both?
Does he want a 180 or 90 degree slot?

Hee hee hee…we all just love a smart Pom!:lol::lol:

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

:rolleyes::doh:

[leon]

OK guys, this is what he wants, ;)

A decent ball head that will carry 20 to 30 kgs,
A 3/8" thread to fit my Monfrotto Tripod,
Dose not have to be light weight and portable,
Adjustable tension on the ball head,
And a fitting plate that will fit a large lens, which I have already picked out.

Dennis I do like the Kirk site, seems to have what I would be wanting ;)


Thanks Guys.:thumbsup:

Leon :thumbsup:

[kinetic]

Leon,

probably no help at all but I'll throw it in there anyway:
You can always make the device if you can't find a
cheap, commercial solution.
The main ingredient is, of course the ball.
While researching making gears I found a page on Steve Bedair's
website where he machines a ball using a rotating toolpost.
http://www.bedair.org/Ball/ball.html
You could easily machine a ball this way and associated clamp
to do the job.
FWIW

Steve

[Dennis]

Hi Leon

I forgot to ask (we all did!) what your intended use will be!

If you want to follow quick moving targets, such a birds in flight, racing cars/bikes, etc. then maybe a Gimbal mount (Wimberley (http://www.tripodhead.com/products/wimberley-main.cfm) Kirk (http://www.kirkphoto.com/King_Cobra.html) Jobu (http://www.jobu-design.com/gimbals.html)) might be more suited for lenses over say, 300mm?

If your subject is relatively static but you want some ability to nudge the camera/lens, then it could be that the B&S is more suited?

Cheers

Dennis

[leon]

Yea Steve i did actually consider making up something my self, thanks for the link, :thumbsup: and Dennis, I actually did look at Gimble Mounts as well, could be a good solution. ;)

My intention, in time, is for the rig to carry a very large and long Canon Lens, :whistle: and that is all I'm saying at this point in time. :lol: :lol:

The unit is not for astro work, but as you suggested, Birds and other moving objects, nature stuff so to speak. ;) Thanks for your help.

Leon :thumbsup: