Quick release ball head

Neilmack

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I'm going to get a ball head with a quick release mechanism. Narrowed the choice to two - a new Sirui K-40X or a used Gitzo GH2780QR.
The camera is a D800 - with nothing longer on it than the 180mm f2.8 ED.

Any recommendations, one way or the other?
 
I have the sirui k-40x and can highly recommend it.

Beautifully made and very smooth operation.
 
Although I have a very good Gitzo head, I wouldn't suggest the GH2780QR - it uses Gitzo's older proprietary clamp system that isn't Arca-compatible out of the box.
 
Although I have a very good Gitzo head, I wouldn't suggest the GH2780QR - it uses Gitzo's older proprietary clamp system that isn't Arca-compatible out of the box.

An important point - I was wondering about that. The Sirui is said to be Arca compatible. Another point in its favour.
 
My Sirui K40X handles Arca QR plates from various makers happily, it also handles much longer/heavier lenses than your 180 F2.8.

Before you spend your hard earned pennies I would also look at the Sirui K30X, I think the K40X may be overkill - no harm in that but it is heavier.
 
Incidentally, there's also a decent Arca-compatible L-bracket made in China for the D800, and sold under various brand-x names, model FD800L (I assume it's the same product in each case):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QR-Quick-...t-for-Nikon-D800-D800E-D810-Acra/382080066451
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fotga-FD800L-Release-Vertical-Bracket/dp/B00Y2R00XE

It fits well (though I have to take off the plastic screen protector to use mine). I'm using it with a current Arca-compatible Gitzo head, and with a brand-X Arca-compatible clamp on a Leitz head.
 
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Incidentally, there's also a decent Arca-compatible L-bracket made in China for the D800, and sold under various brand-x names, model FD800L (I assume it's the same product in each case):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QR-Quick-...t-for-Nikon-D800-D800E-D810-Acra/382080066451
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fotga-FD800L-Release-Vertical-Bracket/dp/B00Y2R00XE

It fits well (though I have to take off the plastic screen protector to use mine). I'm using it with a current Arca-compatible Gitzo head, and with a brand-X Arca-compatible clamp on a Leitz head.


One of these can be adapted to the Arca clamp?

a.JPG
 
Sure. Just make sure you have compatible threads. I think all the Leitz/Leica heads will have 1/4" thread, and many will have either a reversible top (and often bottom) with a 3/8" screw at the other end, or a clever concentric pop-up sleeve for 3/8" compatibility. The clamp in Richard's link takes a 1/4" thread directly, but others are 3/8"-compatible. At worst you'd need one of those little screw thread conversion adapters. Note that if you don't have one already, the Leitz/Leica heads come in three different sizes. The longest one is designed to allow a Leica, which has the tripod socket at one end of the base plate, to be mounted in vertical orientation using the 'portrait slot' and still clear the legs of Leica's tabletop tripod. A shorter version might be better for some purposes unless you need the extra height. These heads are bulletproof and lock down very solidly, but have no friction control - it's all or nothing.
 
Thanks. I'm going to try one of these bolt-on Arca-compatible clamps. Not a lot of money ventured!
 
My Sirui K40X handles Arca QR plates from various makers happily, it also handles much longer/heavier lenses than your 180 F2.8.

Before you spend your hard earned pennies I would also look at the Sirui K30X, I think the K40X may be overkill - no harm in that but it is heavier.

A certain on-line bookseller is currently offering the K-40X for only a couple of pounds more money than the K-30X!
 
A certain on-line bookseller is currently offering the K-40X for only a couple of pounds more money than the K-30X!

My only concern with the K40X is the weight - if that is not an issue then go for it! It is a lump but it will hold pretty much anything - far from shabby with the Canon 600 F4 L IS that I had!
 
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So you went for the GH2780QR and swapped out the proprietary clamp for an Arca-style clamp? Looks like the best of both worlds. Some of these Chinese brand-X clamps are indeed very well made, and Gitzo make very good heads - they should have switched to Arca-style clamps long before they did.
 
I have had a Gitzo 1275M b&s head for twenty years, I guess. And now it has a new lease of life. I've just bolted the Arca-style clamp directly onto the top surface of the (non-quick change) platform. It's ideal!

Thanks very much for the suggestion!
 
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