Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Tripods
-- Peter Balentine, June 22, 1999
I have tried several ballheads: Gitzo, Linhof, Giotto, Arca Swiss B1. I settled on the
Arca Swiss because all the others loosen up from the center screw whenever I pan
counter clockwise. Somehow, the pan head mechanism of the other ballheads are
too tight to move freely.
-- Carlos Esguerra, June 22, 1999
We have been using the StudioBall QR ball head on a Bogen 3021 tripod. It is an
Arca-Swiss style head with arca style quick release and lock. It is the greatest thing
since slice bread. Before purchasing this, we evaluated all of the ball heads,
including FOBA, Arca Swiss, Kirk, Bogen, stroboframe. Why did we choose this
head? It was the most accurate, free and easy gliding, one touch locking, and had a
nice rotating axis that glides smoothly, with out releasing alot of friction on the ball
(this makes locking quicker). It does not jitter or stick, it does not require any lube
(unlike the bogen where when sand or dust gets kicked up, it begins to build and
the head sticks). When using a heavy lens (300 f/2.8 and above)it is a sweet. when
you have the lens center weighted, and pan horizontaly, it is right on the money.
The ownly 2 downfalls to this lens is that it is a bit heavy (about 3.5 pounds) and it
cost about $345.00. Put compare that price to a Foba, I have no where to complain.
All of the other heads that we tested, performed well (with the exception of the
Bogen ball heads). However, the did not have the ergonomics that fit our style, and
their ball sensativity was not as nice as the Studioball. Regarding the Bogen heads,
I think that the 3047 Pan head is an excellent head, however, bogen has a long way
from building a rugged and accurate ball head. Never the less, my recomendation to
all is to try out various heads, you'll find that the functionality are all about 80%
similar, you want to make sure you are comfortable with it and that your camera,
lens and your head feel like one. One note: When shooting in extreme cold
temperature with this head or any other steel ballhead, make sure you were gloves
when you handle it, other wise your hands will freeze up and joints will not
funciton well. Ouch!!!
Jeff
-- jeff guzman, June 26, 1999
I'd like to second Jack Kennealy's comments about the Canon Professional
ballhead. For the money ($55), it can't be beat. Combined with the Bogen 3401b,
it's one heck of a ballhead/tripod combination.
-- James Hicks, June 26, 1999
http://www.photo.net/equipment/tripods/philg (23 of 53)7/3/2005 2:21:13 AM