Great Balls of Fire

I've about talked myself into dropping serious change on a new ball head. Got most of my research together and I'm leaning towards the Kirk BH-3 but recently a couple of heads have caught my eye. Anyone out there have experience with the Markins and Feisol ball heads?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Bill

I own a BH-3. Any questions? What will you put on it?

Details, always details. First, the heaviest thing I anticipate ever using it for is a 40D with a 100-400. No fancy drives or anything, just the body and lens. I'm currently using a Graf Mini-Studioball which is sufficient for ALMOST all my needs but it doesn't have a panning base which I need.

Thanks again for your response, Todd. Your posts indicate that you're pretty fastidious when it comes to gear so I'm assuming that since you own a BH-3 it is a fine piece of equipment which I gathered from my research. Anything about it you don't like or would do differently?

I use the Really Right Stuff BH-40 LR II head and clamp on a Manfrotto MF-3 Tripod. I use both my large format and Canon 20D with up to a 500mm lens (Tamron) on this head with no issues.
I really like the RRS gear, if you haven't checked them out you might consider them.

I just got the RRS BH-40 LR II to replace my 7 year old Kirk BH-3.

The BH-3 is a great ballhead and mine is still in perfect working condition after many years of use with both 4x5 and DSLR systems. But after taking a look, I couldn't pass up the RRS BH-40. I used it last weekend for the first time and I really, really, really like the lever release - very convenient and rock solid! It's also lower profile (shorter) and lighter than the Kirk BH-3 and the built-in spirit level is a nice bonus. I'm definitely a RRS fan now.

BTW, if you don't mind some cosmetic dings, my old BH-3 is for sale.

Edit: I guess I forgot to mention some other important factors with ballheads (that should go without saying for the higher-end manufacturers) - smooth operation, easy tension adjustment, solid lock, etc. The knobs and levers on the RRS BH-40 are conveniently located and have a very nice feel. This ballhead is simply a joy to use.

I'm now using the RRS BH-40 and have same comments as above. Really nice ball head. The quick release is terrific!

Ken

Thanks for all the info guys. Scott, i'm heading out this afternoon on a shooting trip and I'm kicking myself for not posting this a week ago. Anyway, I'll revisit some of my research and take a second look at the RRS head. Still waiting for someone with a Markins or Feisol to chime in.

Scott, I tried replying to you over at your thread at NPC but can't get logged in over there this morning. Yes I'm interested in your BH-3 ballhead. Look for my email.