Pulled the trigger on a ball head!

manbou

Placed an order today for a Really Right Stuff BH-55 with Pro II clamp and an L-plate for my D700. I still have to get a tripod for it... but the first step has now been taken!

Seemed like the top names for ball heads in my online research were RRS, Markins, and Arca Swiss. I went with RRS because of their full range of accessories (plates, brackets, etc.) and their nice website that lays out all their stuff and helps you decide what you need.

kdog

Get a Gitzo and be done with it. Which one depends on what lenses you primarily shoot, and what subjects. Since you got such a monstrous ball head, you should be looking at the 2xxx or 3xxx series. Again, exactly which one depends on you. I went with the GT3530 LSV, because I wanted something solid enough for big telephotos, forgoing frills like center column and 4 section legs which are a liability for that kind of work. Also, I don't mind carrying the extra pound when I hike. Since you already went overboard with your ball head, you evidently don't mind either. :giggle

manbou

kdog wrote:

Get a Gitzo and be done with it. Which one depends on what lenses you primarily shoot, and what subjects. Since you got such a monstrous ball head, you should be looking at the 2xxx or 3xxx series.

What, not the 5xxx series?

kdog

manbou wrote:

What, not the 5xxx series?

There's a 5xxx series? :wow

Tango

kdog wrote:

Get a Gitzo and be done with it. Which one depends on what lenses you primarily shoot, and what subjects. Since you got such a monstrous ball head, you should be looking at the 2xxx or 3xxx series. Again, exactly which one depends on you. I went with the GT3530 LSV, because I wanted something solid enough for big telephotos, forgoing frills like center column and 4 section legs which are a liability for that kind of work. Also, I don't mind carrying the extra pound when I hike. Since you already went overboard with your ball head, you evidently don't mind either. :giggle

+1 (i dont own yet, but its on my list after mucho reading and asking too)

Pindy

Agreed on the Gitzo. You'll get one eventually after trading up and up, so save yourself some money in the long run and get one now. 2530/40 or 3530/40 are great choices. Bigger if you have large lenses.

Great article:

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

manbou

kdog wrote:

There's a 5xxx series? :wow

http://www.adorama.com/GZGT5531S.html?searchinfo=gitzo&item_no=10

Gitzo GT5531S Systematic Series 5 6X 3 Section Carbon Fiber Tripod, Maximum Height 52", Supports 55 lbs.

jkellerman

Where did you order from?

ziggy53

OK folks, no more discussion in this thread beyond the scope of equipment. Any further discussion beyond equipment will be deleted.

Andy

ziggy53 wrote:

OK folks, no more discussion in this thread beyond the scope of equipment. Any further discussion beyond equipment will be deleted.

Seriously. My stuff is on my blog for a reason - not on Dgrin

cdub

Andy wrote:

Seriously. My stuff is on my blog for a reason - not on Dgrin

Apologies... My mistake.

Been spending too much time on dpreview.

manbou

jkellerman wrote:

Where did you order from?

I ordered the head directly from RRS via their website; I am getting the Gitzo 'pod from a local dealer here in Japan (it's not in stock yet and I probably could have saved time and money by ordering overseas from Adorama or some place; live and learn!)

Cameron

manbou wrote:

Placed an order today for a Really Right Stuff BH-55 with Pro II clamp and an L-plate for my D700. I still have to get a tripod for it... but the first step has now been taken!

Seemed like the top names for ball heads in my online research were RRS, Markins, and Arca Swiss. I went with RRS because of their full range of accessories (plates, brackets, etc.) and their nice website that lays out all their stuff and helps you decide what you need.

You'll love it - I have the BH-40 with the same clamp and an L-plate. I never thought I needed a setup of this quality until I had one. Enjoy your purchase!

VE6AB

As has already been stated, go for the best tripod in the beginning and save a lot of heartache and expense working your way up to the top of the tripod heap. In my case that is a Gitzo GT3530 LSV that I use with a combination of a Acratech ballhead for my smaller lens work, and a Jobu Black Widow gimbel head for my long lens work. My thoughts anyway.

RKnecht

I've owned the BH55 for a while now and don't regret my purchase at all. Is it pricey? Sure, but it is well worth it. I'd also recommend a Gitzo tripod for all the reasons the others have stated.

manbou

VE6AB wrote:

As has already been stated, go for the best tripod in the beginning and save a lot of heartache and expense working your way up to the top of the tripod heap. In my case that is a Gitzo GT3530 LSV that I use with a combination of a Acratech ballhead for my smaller lens work, and a Jobu Black Widow gimbel head for my long lens work. My thoughts anyway.

Why did you choose Jobu over Wimberly; just curious.

manbou

I got the Gitzo GT5531S this weekend, with the optional center column. Here is the complete setup:



clap:ivarclap:ivarbarb

Tango

gorgeous.

kdog

manbou wrote:

I got the Gitzo GT5531S this weekend, with the optional center column. Here is the complete setup:

Wow! Congrats!