Need recommendation on a ball head

[harlequin2902]

I'm planning to get the Markins M10 in the future when I'm ready to upgrade my tripod to a Gitzo carbon fibre one as well, but for now, can someone recommend an ok ball head that I can use ? For my D70 + 400mm f5.6 + 2x TC ?

My Manfrotto 410, 3 way geared head was involved in a freak accident this afternoon and the all metal quick release button snapped :tears: ...

Actually I have another tripod head that I hardly use - it's a Manfrotto 128RC video head. Not sure if it's advisable to use it for our kind of photography ? :thinking:

Thanks.

[ccplim]

I'm planning to get the Markins M10 in the future when I'm ready to upgrade my tripod to a Gitzo carbon fibre one as well, but for now, can someone recommend an ok ball head that I can use ? For my D70 + 400mm f5.6 + 2x TC ?

My Manfrotto 410, 3 way geared head was involved in a freak accident this afternoon and the all metal quick release button snapped :tears: ...

Actually I have another tripod head that I hardly use - it's a Manfrotto 128RC video head. Not sure if it's advisable to use it for our kind of photography ? :thinking:

Thanks.

Sam, sorry to hear about your 410. On the other hand, why get a so so one now and upgrade again later? Go for the M10 straight away and you don't have to worry about the need of changing your ball head again :)

[harlequin2902]

Sam, sorry to hear about your 410. On the other hand, why get a so so one now and upgrade again later? Go for the M10 straight away and you don't have to worry about the need of changing your ball head again :) :lol: how wonderful that would be rite ? :lol: Aiyah, like I said I will want to get the M10 when I'm ready to get a Gitzo CF at the same time, but now not financially ready to execute that beautiful plan, so have to settle for something practical and use back my tripod for the time being lor :p

[Garion]

Sam,

You can get the Manfrotto 486 RC2 (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=8&itemid=1952) ballhead with quick release plate. Fairly light and compact, it can support up to 5.9kg in weight, more than enough for your combo of 400mm and D70 body and possibly an external flash as well. Its good enough to sustain your current setup until you upgrade to the Markins M10 ballhead.

Currently using a 486 RC2 as a backup ballhead fitted onto my monopod, its been abused quite a bit but still ever reliable, and can hold a 10D, 70-200mm f2.8 lens and flash quite comfortably.

Costs around $80+ from Cathay Photo Store at Peninsula.

[nickmak]

I'm gonna sell my 486RC2 quite soon to upgrade to the Markins one so if you need one just give me a holler... :)

[harlequin2902]

Thanks for the recommendation Garion :thumb:

nickmak : you've got PM :cool:

[sulhan]

Sam, sorry to hear about your 410. On the other hand, why get a so so one now and upgrade again later? Go for the M10 straight away and you don't have to worry about the need of changing your ball head again :)

Hiee...

I personally hot the Markins M10 from Mr Ma in korea. Went to his office and he went through the whole activity of tests of this ballhead. He personally assembles them and ensures high quality control.....he have few rejected balls that to your eyes.....you cant see anything wrong with it....

Mix and match is at it optimal......

Hassle free easy to use....ballhead that i would recommend to anyone anytime...worth the money....

One great thing is...its durebal yet light...once you tuned the setup to your equipment....the thing works like a breeze....

rgds,
sulhan

[benny]

Whatever it is, don't get the Arca Swiss Monoball B1. These days, they are crap and keep locking up.

Cheers,