Weight ratings for heads

[robert]

I know some manufacturers will be conservative and others a little boastful....

I just ordered a new tripod (feisol CT 3441S) am saving for a markins q3 with a claimed max weight of 30kg!! this sounds ridiculous but i guess the point is nothing you put on it will be too heavy...

In the meantime I am thinking of an ultralight head to go with the 1kg of tripod. Can a head rated at 3kg's hold <1.5kg's? Thinking of a $22 (from DD) Giottos MH 1304 for absolute light weight (73g). My thought is it will be fine in landscape but struggle in portrait or will it hold acceptably with the camera out to the side. For $22 I dont mind it shifting on tightening, I just dont want creep.

Robert

[photohiker]

I'd normally say 'Buy Once', but at $22 it's not a lot to throw away...

The q3 won't disappoint. I can't verify the 30kg but it doesn't creep. I suspect that it's a lab measurement that would be impractical in the field.

Michael

[kipper]

I've had the old Markins M-20 and now own the RRS BH-55PRO (had to sell the Wimberley Head though, might get the sidekick). The latest being the best I've had so far. Puts a dent in the old hip pocket though.

[robert]

Thanks michael, and kipper i was looking at light weight...

In my searching found this article on tripods, heads, and vibration..
http://markins.com/charlie/report4e6.pdf

It seems I might as well handhold if I dont use the mirror lock up!! (almost anyway)

Does anyone think the internet is your enemy? In times past I would have gone and got a few brochures, checked the specs and then handled the products, even if it meant a trip to the city. Now i just google endless reports and opinions, and well, an opinion is only as credible as the person and anyone can say anything!!

My current dilemma is a head in between the pot luck of the above giottos or the overkill of the markins Q3. I am now looking at the RRS BH-25. Light weight, acceptable capacity and cheaper than the markins.... anyone got any experience of the RRS 25?

Robert PS I actually enjoy the research almost as much as taking photos!

[sirhc55]

I've had the old Markins M-20 and now own the RRS BH-55PRO (had to sell the Wimberley Head though, might get the sidekick). The latest being the best I've had so far. Puts a dent in the old hip pocket though.

Glad to hear you are still kicking kipper