Benro B-3 ball head for use on a skimmer pod

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a ball head to be solely used on my skimmer pod, it has to able to support a 500F4IS/1.4tc/1Dmk3 ( 6kg in total ) so does anyone have experience of the Benro B-3 ball head?, unfortunately the likes of Arca Swiss and Kirk are out of my price range so any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Andy...

Andi, my suggestion is that you should wait until you can justify buying one of the better ball heads - If you think their cost is high, it will be cheaper in the long run to wait - that way you can avoid paying for two ball heads. Markins, Arca, Kirk - all great. But depending on what you are trying to do, you might want to look at a gimbal. I can vouch for the performance and value of the Manfrotto 393 - I use it with a similar setup to yours and for around $200 US you can't get a better camera support - especially if you are shooting birds or sports. I would not recommend using a ball head for subjects that you will need to track. Gimbals are the way to go on that.

Hi Gene,

Thanks for the advice, I already own a Wimberley v2 gimbal and didn't want to invest in another or keep switching between the gitzo and the skimmer, but now you have mentioned the Man 393 thats given me another option.

Cheers

Andy...

Hi Andy,

I can also vouch for the Manfrotto 393. I think it is fantastic for the price as I just could not justify spending much more than that on a wimberly head. However, mine has recently encountered a problem and on speaking to Manfrotto, it is a problem that apparently they have had before with it. Luckily, it is still under warranty, but if it wasn't I do not know how much it would cost. Basically, the head comes loose, so it is possible to move it from side to side as if it is not firmly in place - it still is perfectly safe though.

Oscar