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is this ball head any good?
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I have a manfrotto 055XPROB PRO TRIPOD http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/14791?livid=68&lsf=68&child=2
I also got a basic manfrotto head for it. its ok, but it wrecks my head for macro, as when you point the camera at a tiny object, then tighten the knobs to stop it moving, the procedure of tightening moves the camera slightly. terrible for macro.
i found this on ebay, as i cant afford a 200 quid ball head from manfrotto just yet.
is this any good at all or should i wait until santa brings me a manfrotto ballhead?
I’m always a bit suspicious of products on e-bay that don’t have their own brand in the title!
This one is probably not much better than your existing one. I have a Benro tripod that I’m pleased with and the heads look OK too. However, many of these chinese coipies are now as expensive as teh “real” counterparts.
As with many things in life, you pay for quality, you should get quality. Stick with teh Manfrotto!
Ball heads will also shift the camera ever so slightly when tightened… I have a Manfrotto 486RC2. You just have to manage the camera position right up to the final squeeze of the clamp to get precision positioning.
TBH, I’d be a bit wary of a $36 ballhead. Decent ballheads are expensive for a reason. Given their nature, they need to be really well engineered to stand up to any long term use, and I reckon there’s a good chance something this cheap will be sticking and grinding on you after about 6 months. Also take the load ratings of any ballhead (or tripod), regardless of make, with a pinch of salt. I’m not trying to come across as elitist, there are those elsewhere that’d swear you should settle for nothing less than a Really Right Stuff or Markins head, and good luck to them, it’s just this one seems a bit too good value for money. When you add on the hefty postage as well, you’ve almost got the price of a decent Manfrotto head.
Note as well that ballheads aren’t brilliant for macro, pan and tilt heads tend to be more precise
John
I would not buy something you showed.
You have got a lovely tripod. Get a nice ball head. It depend what type of gear you have. In most cases Manfrotto 486RC2 will be enough if you work with something like D3 + 70-200 VR i will recommend 488 RC4.Cheers
Bartek
Sorry for interrupting the flow of answers for the person who asked advice on the ballhead on the net.
I am seeking the following:
Tripod without all the clips, light yet sturdy espec. the very bottom legs.A ballhead: ditto
a slider – do others call this a ‘pan and track?’
As you will see I have to find easier ways of doing my photography.
Was also interested in a clamp for tables etc and eventually my electric wheelchair and scooter.
I am applying for an award soon so need to get quotes etc for the financial part of the submission so suggestions of outlets for same would be useflu.
All ideas and input GRATEFULLY received.
xAnnI use it and the flexibility is fantastic….for Panoramas it is a little bit hard to stay in line with the horizon….but with some tricks it works too.
I am very happy with it!A well engineered ball head will not move as you tighten it. It will also have a separate panning facility.
However, if your principal subject matter is macro photography, then consider something like the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head. It allows for very precise positioning and I like using this head when shooting anything that requires straight edges, such as architectural photography or even landscape photography (although when it comes to landscape I’m just as much inclined to use the ball head, it just depends what tripod I happen to grab at the time)
Get yourself a Manfrotto RC322 head (A ball head with a quick release lever grip) It.s simply the best, we’ve sold dozens and everybody comes back and comments on how quick it is to use. It is also the perfect fit for the 055 in terms of size and weight.
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2319?fullList=0|67|80|81|83&idx=83
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