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Just buying a CF tripod and have become unstuck as for what Head!! I would like to do some surfing pics with a 30D and 400 lens (action) and also some panorama type work. is there a head that has that flexability. Thanks

Welcome to the forum Markf.

I use a Markins M20, there is also the RRS BH55 and finally the Benro K2. The first 2 heads are fairly expensive compared to the Benro. They are ballheads and would suit your application admirably.

I am sure there will be others who will give their preferences

MarkF,
Depend on what's your budget?
Not the head only is required, there're many options to follow after you get the ballhead or tripod head.
As Chris said: there're few of them around.

Thanks, geez you guys are promt! Yes it does come down to how much to spend but my experience is that it is best to get the right thing in the first place. I need a head that will be smooth in opperation with about 5kg on it, lens mounted, QR plate for versatility, excelent tension adjustment to allow smooth object tracking and good horrizontal panning control. Is this to much to ask of one head?

Mark, great advice from the guys above, I can recommend the RRS BH55. Expensive but works.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html

MarkF wrote:Thanks, geez you guys are promt! Yes it does come down to how much to spend but my experience is that it is best to get the right thing in the first place. I need a head that will be smooth in opperation with about 5kg on it, lens mounted, QR plate for versatility, excelent tension adjustment to allow smooth object tracking and good horrizontal panning control. Is this to much to ask of one head?

MarkF
Here's my ideas:
- A suitable ballhead (RRS/ Arcatech/ Markins/ Benro) with Arca Swiss type.
- An L bracket for camera body which is designed with Arca Swiss type
- Arca Swiss type lens plates or replacement lens foot

I have used an Arca Swis ballhead in the past and can recommend it as being very good if somewhat expensive.

Cheers

Neil

I have a Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head. Only had it for a couple of weeks now but am more than happy with it either on tripod or monopod for surfing shots, which I take a few of.
Also it didn't cost too much.

Thanks again Guys. I have looked at the RRS & Markins gear, looks good but am gaging a bit on the price. How does the Benro comare in operation etc. Does the price saving come with a penalty?

MarkF, in life most cost savings come with a penalty I have only used the Benro for 5 minutes and own the RRS, The RRS is much better but I think the Benro seems adequate. I think someone who has the Benro would be better qualified to answer, but if the Benro was all I planned ever to spend I would buy that as it good value for money, If I thought I may one day get better I would just get better as it is better (the RRS, I don't have a Markins but people I know who do speak highly of them)

I think you would probably get great results with the 400 on a wimberley head

Bob G

Bob G wrote:I think you would probably get great results with the 400 on a wimberley head

Bob G

Hi Bob, thanks for you reply but as a beginner i guess i have the right to be a bit slow and ask you what is the "400", and I have not heard of a "Wimberley" head either. Who makes them?

MarkF wrote:

Bob G wrote:I think you would probably get great results with the 400 on a wimberley head

Bob G

Hi Bob, thanks for you reply but as a beginner i guess i have the right to be a bit slow and ask you what is the "400", and I have not heard of a "Wimberley" head either. Who makes them?

MarkF,
What BobG said "400" is the 400mm lens, it's a huge lens and heavy.
Information about Wimberley is here:
http://www.tripodhead.com/

I have the Wimberley head II + The Sidekick, althought I don't have or selling these toys but happy to give you more advice if required.

MarkF,
What BobG said "400" is the 400mm lens, it's a huge lens and heavy.
Information about Wimberley is here:
http://www.tripodhead.com/

I have the Wimberley head II + The Sidekick, althought I don't have or selling these toys but happy to give you more advice if required.[/quote]

Thanks for your patience. Well bugger me another new thing. the gimble heads look extreemly versatile and i agree that they must be the thing for tele lenses. I think i will start with the ball head however. Do you think the side kick arm measures up?

MarkF,
The Sidekick works OK with the 400/ 500/ 600mm(Required proper lens plate).
But it's not so versatile coz those size up from 400mm is so heavy, not easy to manoeuvre.
I recommend the full Wimberley Head II if you can afford it.
Ball head will work also, but at least with the RRS BH-55 (Lens plate is also required), other small ballhead may not holding and panning those beasts well or smoothly.

Thaks guys! I am now wondering if the RRS BH40 is up to the task as opposed to the weight of the BH55 (800 odd grams), or should i not be so soft and just cary the weight?

MarkF wrote:Thaks guys! I am now wondering if the RRS BH40 is up to the task as opposed to the weight of the BH55 (800 odd grams), or should i not be so soft and just cary the weight?

MarkF,

BH40, I also have it, it's too small and expensive, pricing is not much difference from the BH55, and its design far less versatile then the BH-55.
You'll hate it once you got it.

BH55 is the only one for you to consider if you don't want to become a reseller for RRS

I have decided to take onboard your advice and will look to an RRS BH55 head and accessories to start with. Thankyou for all your input.

Mark, I hope you noted how helpful we all were to spend your money

Yes thanks for that.