Which tripod head do you prefer...ball or three way head?

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nolano55

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So I've decided its time to upgrade my three way tripod head as it has started to slip and is rather frustrating when itcomes to trying long exposure and multiple exposure shots. I've been looking at ball heads, and they interest me because of their ease of use and set up, but having never tried one am interested to hear what others think?

Also any suggestions for a new head greatfully accepted!

I've been looking at the Really Right Stuff heads, but realistically don't want to be paying the extra import tax ontop of the purchase price.

Thanks
 
Arca Swiss Z1, Robert White stock them, or I like the look of the Arca Swiss Monoball P0 (but not tried one), HoppyUK did a comparison in a Photography mag not long back, he didn't give much away at the time, and I don't buy photography magazines so I don't know what his conclusion was.

Another option would be Markins heads, they have a good reputation.
 
I bought a Giottos tripod and 3-way head a few months back. For me, the head was just way too fiddly, I like to set up quick, get to the point. I don't need to be twisting and turning handles simultaneously to get it straight. Though it does have 2 spirit levels - I see it as having 2 just means it's harder set up straight. I bought a simple manfrotto ball head that fits both the tripod and my gorillapod focus [though you have to change screw fittings, supplied] - once on, it's a simple matter of turn, set, tighten - by eye - I prefer this quicker method and it actually seems steadier once tightened up than the 3-way. If it's off a bit, how easy to straighten in post?
 
Markins would be my choice, I have the M10 (now known as Q10)

Never had any movement problems and can be set up so that the camera can be adjusted slightly and still stay rock steady once moved
 
I always used 3 way heads but decided to try a ball, took a little getting used to but once you do I find it MUCH better. I only use it on landscape both normal and long exposure and I couldn't go back to 3 way now. I'm using a Giottos head as I was on a budget and have to say its been brilliant. Rolls around in back of my van and has been everywhere. I don't see point of upgrading to a more expensive one as this fills my needs.
 
Like Mark, I'm a convert to geared heads rather than balls when accuracy and stability are more important than speed of aim. I've tried 3-ways and don't like them - fiddly to set up and creep like cheap balls (unless the clamps are screwed very tight!) My favourite ball head is my Manfrotto 322 RC2 grip type.
 
Martyn... said:
Arca Swiss Z1, Robert White stock them, or I like the look of the Arca Swiss Monoball P0 (but not tried one), HoppyUK did a comparison in a Photography mag not long back, he didn't give much away at the time, and I don't buy photography magazines so I don't know what his conclusion was.

Another option would be Markins heads, they have a good reputation.
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Ball heads are the default choice for general work - fast, compact, usually lighter. Good ones are excellent, cheap small ones sometimes useless.

The best ball head is probably the superb Arca Swiss Z1, and within budget if you're talking RRS money. Though I've tested a lot of heads, far from all, I can't imagine any ball head beating that one.

Stand-out bargain from the Advanced Photographer mag review (Oct 2012, back issues available from the website) was the Feisol CB-40D at £109. I also liked the SunwayFoto DB-44 very much and good value. In fact, apart from the B-series Induro/Benros, they all performed pretty well - which is why I chose them :D

One head I couldn't get hold of in time for the review but have since used is the Arca Swiss P0. Very impressive and super-light - put a Sunwayfoto round clamp on it (from CameraGearUK) - sorted, though you really need a camera L-bracket to use it for vertical framing.

On a budget, RedSnapper BH12 is exceptional value.
 
HoppyUK said:
Ball heads are the default choice for general work - fast, compact, usually lighter. Good ones are excellent, cheap small ones sometimes useless.

The best ball head is probably the superb Arca Swiss Z1, and within budget if you're talking RRS money. Though I've tested a lot of heads, far from all, I can't imagine any ball head beating that one.

Stand-out bargain from the Advanced Photographer mag review (Oct 2012, back issues available from the website) was the Feisol CB-40D at £109. I also liked the SunwayFoto DB-44 very much and good value. In fact, apart from the B-series Induro/Benros, they all performed pretty well - which is why I chose them :D

One head I couldn't get hold of in time for the review but have since used is the Arca Swiss P0. Very impressive and super-light - put a Sunwayfoto round clamp on it (from CameraGearUK) - sorted, though you really need a camera L-bracket to use it for vertical framing.

On a budget, RedSnapper BH12 is exceptional value.
Click to expand...

Cheers Hoppy ... that should help the OP :thumbs:
 
Nod said:
Like Mark, I'm a convert to geared heads rather than balls when accuracy and stability are more important than speed of aim. I've tried 3-ways and don't like them - fiddly to set up and creep like cheap balls (unless the clamps are screwed very tight!) My favourite ball head is my Manfrotto 322 RC2 grip type.
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I got a Manfrotto 410 geared head only yesterday. Slow, heavy, but very precise and just what I need for the critical studio work I mostly do, as opposed to the Arca P0 I actually wanted LOL :D On the other hand, the M'frotto 322 is an equally acquired taste - very fast to use, but frustrating if you need really accurate framing and the sprung ball clamping mech isn't up to much weight.

If we're talking high end, then budget aside I would simply get an Arca Swiss geared D4 for studio, and non-geared D4m for location. Works of art, super solid, not too heavy, and the D4m is almost as fast to use as a ball head but with better fine control.
 
Did you test any of the Markins heads Richard?

Only asking because I wonder how they compare to the Arca and RRS versions

Been very impressed with mine and thought it was comparatively good value
 
tijuana taxi said:
Did you test any of the Markins heads Richard?

Only asking because I wonder how they compare to the Arca and RRS versions

Been very impressed with mine and thought it was comparatively good value
Click to expand...

Yes, test of the Markins Q3T LR was published. That was excellent, though getting pricey. Good for folding traveller-style tripods with slim base but as a general comment I don't like lever-release AS clamps, any of them. They're supposed to be better, but they're not and have some quite serious drawbacks. I also had a Markins Q10 (not published - ran out of magazine space) that was actually not quite as good as the smaller Q3T and heavier and more expensive.

RRS wasn't included. They promised to send a BH-40 but it never arrived. FWIW, I think RRS gear is superb but horribly expensive after shipping and duty. BH-55 is also getting very heavy.

Biggest disappointment is Acratech. Love their style and low weight, but the GP head shifts noticeably sideways on lock-down. They concede this :( Fine for landscape but drives you mad for critical framing for close-ups or table-top work.

Gitzo make good heads, though I've only tried a few, but not cheap and they have their pointlessly complex QR plate mech. Why they don't all standardise on the Arca Swiss type dovetail system like most other high end brands I don't know.
 
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Thanks for the reply Richard, have to agree about the RRS gear pricewise

Not heard or read anything great about Gitzo heads, not up to their tripod standards or so it seems
 
Guys thanks v much for all your detailed responses, whhich have given me much food for thought. I've been looking at Gitzo as one that has caught my eye, but at the same time at the induro and benros.

One final question which really has me wondering after using my old head. How many folk here actually use a quick release plate? I know pretty much all manufacturers supply them, but looking at the gitzo heads, I'm wondering if since we have gone to the time to set up the tripod in the first place, whether the extra minute or so to place camera directly onto the head is worthwhile to ensure of even less chance of movement of the QR plate on the head?

Thoughts? QR or no QR?
 
I always use a quick release plate, have tried the small and large Manfrotto plates, but am moving to arca type plates. With heavy loads the Manfrotto plates seem to have a little "play" and the lock arm does not have a positive feel. I prefer the ability to lock an arca type plate via a threaded lock and the bigger contact area makes for a much firmer feel.
 
I would take a ball head every time if I was just doing stills. I currently used a two-way birding head, because of the amount of filming I do (for panning) but for sheer ease-of-use a ball-head takes some beating
 
nolano55 said:
Guys thanks v much for all your detailed responses, whhich have given me much food for thought. I've been looking at Gitzo as one that has caught my eye, but at the same time at the induro and benros.

One final question which really has me wondering after using my old head. How many folk here actually use a quick release plate? I know pretty much all manufacturers supply them, but looking at the gitzo heads, I'm wondering if since we have gone to the time to set up the tripod in the first place, whether the extra minute or so to place camera directly onto the head is worthwhile to ensure of even less chance of movement of the QR plate on the head?

Thoughts? QR or no QR?
Click to expand...

Gitzo heads are good. Not cheap, and they look a little chunky because they use cast magnesium rather than machined 6061 aluminium, and not so popular I'm sure because of their QR system. They do Arca Swiss adapters, and you can get full AS conversions, but why mess about when there are alternatives?

Get a QR plate for sure. Speed apart, if you're messing about screwing on the camera, sooner or later you'll drop it. Sooner with cold fingers :nono: And it's hard to get it tight enough for vertical framing in the field.

AS plates are quite slim and unobtrusive. Best of all by far is an AS-type L-bracket - just fit and forget. Makes switching to vertical a pleasure rather than such a PITA that you don't bother ;) And AS is the only way if you need things like nodal rails and pivots and gimbals etc.
 
Always QR. All my usual supports share the Manfrotto RC2 QR system - most of them were bought with that apart from the 410 geared head which uses a larger plate as standard; that has had a converter plate bolted on to allow it to accept the PL-200 QR plate. The lighter and more compact Giottos Vitruvian has its own QR system and I shall be buying another plate or 2 so the travel cameras all have a plate fitted to suit that head.

I've never had a problem with a plate twisting loose or slipping but have had a camera start unscrewing itself from a head with no QR system!
 
nolano55 said:
...the induro and benros.

QR or no QR?
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QR! And Arca-Swiss compatible! And! :D since ~30% of all shots are vertical, it also must be a L-bracket...

Had a PH-31 three-way head, found it too fiddling to work with (no video) and got a Benro B2 ball-head. Much, much better and a pleasure to work with. Then found it a bit too "small" (visually speaking) and "upgraded" to current Benro B3.

Still happy! :)
 
HoppyUK said:
Yes, test of the Markins Q3T LR was published. That was excellent, though getting pricey. Good for folding traveller-style tripods with slim base but as a general comment I don't like lever-release AS clamps, any of them. They're supposed to be better, but they're not and have some quite serious drawbacks. I also had a Markins Q10 (not published - ran out of magazine space) that was actually not quite as good as the smaller Q3T and heavier and more expensive.
Click to expand...

I know this thread has gone cold, but I'm new here.
I'm a happy owner of a Markins M10 (with screw clamp) for my 5DII kit on Gitzo GT 2531, but looking for a second, lighter ball head, for a lightweight CSC on a Feisol CT 3342 tripod.

Richard, I would like to know in what way you found the Markins Q3T to be better than the Q10?
I'm also considering the Sunwayfoto FB-36, at 305g. (I think the Feisol CB 40D, at 430g is getting back up to the M10 weight region, though the same price as the Sunwayfoto.) Any other lightweight, yet good, recommendations welcomed.
 
Tim Ball said:
I know this thread has gone cold, but I'm new here.
I'm a happy owner of a Markins M10 (with screw clamp) for my 5DII kit on Gitzo GT 2531, but looking for a second, lighter ball head, for a lightweight CSC on a Feisol CT 3342 tripod.

Richard, I would like to know in what way you found the Markins Q3T to be better than the Q10?
I'm also considering the Sunwayfoto FB-36, at 305g. (I think the Feisol CB 40D, at 430g is getting back up to the M10 weight region, though the same price as the Sunwayfoto.) Any other lightweight, yet good, recommendations welcomed.
Click to expand...

As I recall, the Markins Q3T had fractionally less shift on locking down than the M10, though we're talking degrees of excellence here.

Feisol 40D is still light for a high grade head. If you're a weight fetishist :D then you could save a few grams by replacing the solid Feisol clamp. I've not used the newer Sunway FB-36, but suspect it is excellent and has just one drop-slot in the right place :thumbs:

As mentioned above, my lightweight choice would probably be the Arca Swiss P0 with Sunway clamp. You really need an L-bracket to make that work properly in vertical format, though if you want a quality set up then you'll have an L-bracket anyway.
 
HoppyUK said:
As mentioned above, my lightweight choice would probably be the Arca Swiss P0 with Sunway clamp.
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Thanks Richard. Not sure that the Arca Swiss PO qualifies as lightweight though, it weighs 400g with Swf clamp. (280 + 120g, or + 80g for circular clamp)

Looks like the Swf FB 36 is going to win for me, 305g and £110 at cguk
 
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