Ballhead Recommendation

[weekh]

Looking for a lightweight and solid ballhead at affordable price.
My heaviest setup is perphaps a 5D + 300mm f4 lens.

The Arca Swiss B1 is just too heavy. How's those China and Korea ballheads?

Also, any universal plate?

 

[matthiascr]

Not really into ballheads, but you can try a Manfrotto 488RC2?

 

[Papilio]

You may want to consider the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead. One of the lightest around, and uses the ArcaSwiss type clamps. Alternatively, the Really Right Stuff's BH-40. Both these alternatives are pro level QR clamp ballheads, compact and light.

Of course, there are the Korean and the Chinese ones that you could consider.

 

[weekh]

For the Acratech, what options should I choose for the knob and quick release clamp options?

I guess I should choose the left control so that my right hand can be on the camera right?

 

[Papilio]

Yup. That would be more convenient for you.

 

[sORe-EyEz]

+1 for d Arcatech. got it 2nd-hand. dun kno got left/rite hand ver. :sweat:

aft some time i jus got used it. wont change it till spoil, hope it will nv! :lovegrin:

 

[weekh]

So should I go for All rubber knobs; Pan, QR, Main (add $20)?

And what is this Clamp w/ detent pin (add $10)?

 

[Papilio]

So should I go for All rubber knobs; Pan, QR, Main (add $20)?

And what is this Clamp w/ detent pin (add $10)?

The softer all-rubber knobs will be easier on your fingers. I have the earlier version where only the main knob is rubberised. I would've preferred the clamp knob to rubberised, as it can be painful on the fingers when tightening the clamp.

The clamp with the detent pin is a 'safety' feature which will help to minimise the possibility of your camera/lens slipping off the clamp if it is not screwed on tight. Again, something optional. Up to you to decide if it's worth the US$10 or not.