Let's Talk Ballheads -- Really Right Stuff?

[D-B-J]

So, while my vanguard SBH100 does well enough, it's really kinda lame. I can rarely use it for verticals as it shakes a lot (especially when a leg is in the stream/river/ocean), and it's lock isn't very sure. What I REALLY want is a proper L-bracket and arca swiss compatible head. But the real question is, is there a big difference between the $400 Really Right Stuff BH-40 and the $200 3LT ball head? I want quality, as I use my tripod for about 80% of my shooting. I'm not to worried about the legs for now, as they are sturdy enough.

Really Right Stuff BH-40
Mid-sized ballhead with B2-40 LR clamp

3LeggedThing AirHead
3 Legged Thing AirHed 1 Magnesium Alloy Ball Head (Blue)




Or, are there any other options available? Anything you suggest?



Jake

 

[D-B-J]

Nobody?


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[astroNikon]

I use SLIK stuff .. but people say it's not pro caliber .. so what do I know.

My one ball head a model Slik Ball Head 800 which has a circular plate sucks the big one.
My other one which has a rectangular plate is rock solid SBH-320 is fantastic.

But I know there are better ones out there.
I also have a SLIK professional with one of the 3-way heads for LargeFormat cameras. That one is rock steady too.

Going with the L bracket would be really nice as you maintain the lens location while rotating. But it's one of the luxury things for me right now.
Food vs L bracket ... mmmmm .....



ooh .. ignore the "sucks the big one" if you are looking to buy a 800, as I'm selling mine. In that case it has alot of positive attributes.

 

[tirediron]

I've seen some good reviews of Three Legged Thing, but aside from that, I know nothing about them. I can't imagine however that they could be a patch on RRS gear.

 

[CameraClicker]

I have Slik legs with a Manfrotto head, which for me is a good combination of weight and function. If you want sturdy, RRS seems an excellent choice.

 

[D-B-J]

I've seen some good reviews of Three Legged Thing, but aside from that, I know nothing about them. I can't imagine however that they could be a patch on RRS gear.

I know they can't hold a flame to RRS... but being twice the price, it's hard for me to justify... I would love input from anyone who owns RRS and has used others. Is it worth double?

 

[runnah]

Have you tired shooting without your battery grip? Less weight and lower center of gravity.

 

[D-B-J]

Have you tired shooting without your battery grip? Less weight and lower center of gravity.

Honestly, no. I ALWAYS leave it on... haha.

 

[runnah]

Honestly, no. I ALWAYS leave it on... haha.

Try it. No need for it on landscape shoots.

 

[D-B-J]

Honestly, no. I ALWAYS leave it on... haha.

Try it. No need for it on landscape shoots.

Definitely true.. and it saves me $50 on the L bracket...

 

[astroNikon]

I take my battery grip off most of the time when on the tripod.
Just less weight to jiggle around.

I've also looked into those rotating brackets --> http://www.adorama.com/LHRCB.html

 

[D-B-J]

I take my battery grip off most of the time when on the tripod.
Just less weight to jiggle around.

I've also looked into those rotating brackets --> http://www.adorama.com/LHRCB.html

Interesting....


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[snerd]

I'm with runnah. I've taken my grips off, well, because I had to. It's been way too hot yet to get out, and my shoulder is coming along, slowly. But I'm getting ancy after 6 weeks of sitting in the house! So I put each setup on the tripod, the 5D with a 50 1.4 and the 7D with a 17-55, and it is a LOT lighter. It knocked 2lbs off of each without grips + smaller lenses. I can almost handhold the 5D3 with no grip and that lens! Try it and see what you think. Maybe save some coin.

 

[D-B-J]

I'm with runnah. I've taken my grips off, well, because I had to. It's been way too hot yet to get out, and my shoulder is coming along, slowly. But I'm getting ancy after 6 weeks of sitting in the house! So I put each setup on the tripod, the 5D with a 50 1.4 and the 7D with a 17-55, and it is a LOT lighter. It knocked 2lbs off of each without grips + smaller lenses. I can almost handhold the 5D3 with no grip and that lens! Try it and see what you think. Maybe save some coin.

I'm all for saving monies!


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[astroNikon]

I take my battery grip off most of the time when on the tripod.
Just less weight to jiggle around.

I've also looked into those rotating brackets --> Lindahl 171300 171090 Rotating Digital Camera Bracket 171300 171090

Interesting....


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Yeah, I like the rotating brackets better ... wish I had one of them.