Tripod ball head suggestions

Want to replace my tripod head with a ball head but am confused by what I have been reading. My application is Canon Rebel with 100-400 zoom lens used mostly for wildlife photography. Wimberly seems to be the gold standard but not sure I need to spend that amount to satisfy my needs. Suggestions or comments? Many thanks.

I've been using the AcraTech Ultimate for my Nikon 80-400mm VR. It's just about perfect. Because of its open design it never, ever jams. Easy to use, have had zero issues with it for past seven years, hard use.


Kent in SD

Bob: A lot depends on how many $$$ you want to spend as well. Bear in mind that if you buy a good one it will last for a long time. I have a Kirk BH-1 that is about 8 years old and still going strong. I'm toying with upgrading to an RRS BH-55 when I finally pull the trigger on a set of carbon fiber legs. Knowing what I know now if this was my first purchase I would go with the RRS since the tension controller is more effective than on the Kirk. I've heard good things about the AcraTech and it does seem to have a really good cost/features ratio. >=))>

I have a Markins M10 which is pretty good, but in cold weather it locks up sometimes. I use 3 acratech's in my day job, and I've been very impressed with the cost/feature ratio, particularly the low weight. I have not used them in the cold though, but given their open design, there's not much that can go wrong! For a 100-400 the wimberley (either the full rig or the sidekick) is overkill, I'd suggest sticking to a ball head.

I'm very happy with my AcraTech Ultimate ballhead for 35mm/digital cameras. It's been abused on many backpacking trips and I've never had a problem with it.

Cheers,
Mark

I have used a Kirk BH-1 for many years with good success with several Canon bodies and a variety of lenses including the 100-400....noooo problem. I added a Really Right Stuff BH-55 to a second heavier duty tripod when I got my 500 f/4. The Kirk could not hold that weight. The BH-55 has a larger ball for more gripping surface and has been flawless. I like both ballheads very much and would recommend either for your rig. If by Wimberly you meant their gimbal type head, you really don't need that for only the 100-400. Those are mainly for large, fast and heavy 400, 500, 600 lenses. I got around it by using a Wimberly "sidekick" along with the BH-55 and have had no problems. Good luck.
JR

Another fan of the AcraTech Ultimate here. Never had a problem with it and would buy it again in a heartbeat.

For me it depends on where I'm shooting from. From the blind , I like my Wimberly Sidekick and Markins Ball, because I sometimes have to wait a long time for action to come to me. If I want to be more mobile like walking along the shore or especially shooting from a moving boat. I use my Manfrotto Mono Pod and Ball and Cup, this combination gives me the freedom of movement and stability I need. The ball and camera separates completely from the Cup and Mono Pod instantly allowing the BIF shots I like, and it carries the weight in the intermittent times between the shots. It's great while sitting in a boat waiting for that moment for an Osprey to fly from his perch. I can hold on the subject and keep my focus and exposure because the fulcrum and flexibility of the ball and cup moves with me and the moving boat. It's a great combination. To see the results go to www.branhamphoto.com
Randall

Floris--

I've used the AcraTech Ultimate in temperatures from -30 to -42F. Had absolutely no issues with it. I think it's physically impossible for that ballhead to lock up or stick. I once had it in the bottom of my duckboat while out on a big lake in a winter storm. Waves topped the boat and filled it with about 6 inches of water. It was about +5F. The water froze all around the ballhead--it was pretty much encased in a block of ice! I banged it against a rock, the ice all fell away, and tripod was 100% functional. For use in harsh winter climates, I think this is the very best ballhead available and is why I bought it. The only way I can conceive of making it lock up would be to smash it with a heavy sledge hammer.


Kent in SD

A lot of great advice here. I too agree that for the 100-400 a Wimberly or side kick is overkill. I use a side kick on my RRS BH 55 but with my pro body and 500 f4. For the 100-400 my wife and I either use the BH 55 alone or a Markins Q 10. The nice thing about these ball heads is you can upgrade to a side kick if you get a larger/heavier lens without buying again. I have not used the Arcatech, but have heard great things about it as well.

Many thanks for sharing your experiences and suggestions. The topic has come into focus (pun intended) and I feel I now have enough information to make an informed decision on a new tripod head. Once again the value of membership has been reinforced by the willingness of members to provide guidance.

Really Right Stuff 'BH55' ...........it will do everything you ever ask ...IMHO

I second the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead. Haven't had it for too long, but it put my previous Benro ballhead in the shadow.

I'm also using the acratech ultimate and have been using it for a couple years with 35mm and 4X5 gear in temps from 110F down to -10F and conditions from sandy slot canyons to freezing fog. I have treated it rough and have NEVER had a malfunction or lockup. For that matter, it even looks pretty good. The light weight and ability to manage the 4X5 are critical for me.

That said, I think that the Acratech V2 would have worked better for me and the GV2 would probably be a better fit for your needs.