Ball Heads For LF/ULF... Gitzo GH5380S vs. Burzynski Protec

[jp80874]

So-o-o... it looks like I'll be spending more on a head than I anticipated.

Welcome to photography.

John

[David A. Goldfarb]

With a Korona 5x12, which I wouldn't really consider "ULF" being fewer square inches than 8x10", the rigidity of the camera is going to be a much bigger factor than the tripod head.

If weight isn't a factor, the Majestic gives you the most bang for the buck.

[Mike1234]

Welcome to photography.

Or most other worth-while hobbies/professions.

[Mike1234]

Thanks, David. I'll look into the Majestic. With regards to 5x12in not being ULF... I must accept my physical limitations and I really can't carry a bigger/heavier kit anymore. :rolleyes:

[Maris]

I sometimes use a Manfrotto 468MG Hydrostatic ball-head under a Tachihara 8x10 camera. It works fine except for the routine ball-head problem of making ultra fine adjustments. For these, usually leveling the camera, I tweak a tripod leg instead of fussing with the ball head.

The 468MG head uses tons of hydraulic pressure to clamp the ball. A light turn of the lock knob is all it takes. I reckon the metal parts of the head will snap before the ball slips.

[Mike1234]

Thanks, Maris. I'll look into the 468MG.

[ljsegil]

Anybody using the Manfrotto/Bogen 400 head? Thoughts and experiences?
LJS

[stealthman_1]

No disrespect intended, but that set up David shows looks like broken fingers just waiting to happen! I agree, the B2 has a very fluid pan to it, but I can't imagine putting an 8x10 or larger camera on a ball head.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Have you used a B2? There are separate controls for left-right tilt and fore-aft tilt just like a regular pan tilt head, so it isn't like any other ball head that can flop in any direction. The balls are also slightly eccentric, so they increase tension as the angle increases to prevent sudden drops along either axis. Haven't lost any fingers yet!

I agree, though, that I wouldn't use any other ballhead with a large camera.