ball head recommendations

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Tekagudun

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Ian
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hi all
after posting for advice for a camera and lens set up a while ago,
I opted for a Nikon d700 with a 24 to 85 lens, which I am more than happy with,
I recently got a second hand manfrotto tripod which weighs a ton, but again im happy with it
that came with a head that I changed for a cheap ball head off amazon, mistake I know, buy cheap ,buy twice
anyway that head lasted two outings and the threads have stripped
ive looked at the price of the heads and what a price range, I don't want to re mortgage to get some thing that ill not get my use out of
so any reccomendations for a solid ball head for under £60
ive heard some good reviews on oben ball heads?
thanks
 
its not arca swiss compatible but you could do alot worse than a hahnel bh-40 - about 30 on amazon
 
If you are patient you will see one advertised on here, which will be better value than buying new.
 
Hi! I have the Kirk BH-1 and find it a very capable ballhead, heavy but sturdy.
 
Thanks for the advice
Went for hahnel through amazon prime with no delivery charge
Hopefully lasts a bit longer than than the last one
 
I agree with "Canon Bob" getting a good ball head under £60 is difficult - though not impossible.

The Sirui K X series are good (I have the K40X) and have all the usual features and controls - have a look here:

http://www.sirui.eu/en/produkte/stativkoepfe/kx-serie/

If you REALLY must stay below £60 then you will have to compromise. There are plenty of cheapo ball heads out there with all the features but not the quality - most are pretty floppy too! However I have found one exception, namely the Triopo RS3. Yes it is a small crappy Chinese head but the lockup is second to none - well certainly better than the £300 + Swiss heads that I have tried.Much as I like my RS3, it is a bit of a potch and the single control lever is not for everyone, I like it - but most don't.

I would hang fire, save a little more and get a Sirui K20X or K30X - you will be happier in the long run.
 
The old Leitz (Leica) ball heads are high quality, lock very solidly to a ridged ball that still moves smoothly, and are available in this price range. However, forget about friction control - it's all or nothing. They come in various sizes and some have reversible top and bottom bushings for 1/4" or 3/8". They are always on ebay, e.g.: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEICA-Lar...-8-LEITZ-KGOON-D-for-IIIG-3f-3b-/362030908969
 
Thanks for all the input
The hahnel came today and for 30quid it feels well built
So it will do for now
 
Phiggys said:
A friend put me onto the redsnapper RSH-12 a few years back and what a quality piece of equipment it has turned out to be
I can recommend this head without hesitation and it under £60

http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RedSnapper_Tripod_Heads.html
Click to expand...

This. Best 'cheap' ball head I've tried, nicely made, smooth and precise, Arca-Swiss compatible, bargain. Do RedSnapper still do 10% discount for TP members? Anything better, or as good, generally costs well into three figures. There are no doubt other good value heads about, but I've tested a lot of them and RedSnapper RSH-12 wins the budget contest. I wouldn't put a long/big/heavy tele on it and expect miracles, but for most normal use it's just the job.
 
Been out today with camera today and tested hahnel ball
All good up to now
Seems strong enough for what I need
 
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