Ball Heads - RRS or Kirk or ?

[dond]

I'm trying to decide on a new setup, tripod, & ball head. I've pretty much decided on a Manfrotto Mag Fibre 190MF3 tripod, at least I think I have.

The ball heads are another matter. I'm kind of leaning towards the Really Right Stuff BH55-LR head, but the Kirk BH-1 head looks good also. I realize I'll need to get some new "feet" for my lenses, regardless of which head I get. I'm also considering the Wimberely Sidekick.

If anyone has or uses any of the ball heads mentioned, please respond back with your insights.

 

[dmwphoto]

Don,
I have the Kirk BH-1 and BH-3 and the Kirk King cobra. The quality is outstand on each. I would expect the same on RRS. All I can vouch for is that I am completely happy with the performance of the Kirk products.

 

[general]

Kirk

I have not tried the RRS products although I hear good things about them but I have bought and use several Kirk products including the BH-1 and King Cobra and am quite pleased with the products and the service.

 

[Flew]

Don,

I've bought products from both companies and have been pleased with the quality and service from both, although I have neither of these items. I do have a Wimberley Sidekick, and have used it extensively with an Acratech Ultimate ballhead. IMHO, the Ultimate is an excellent product but a little on the light side for use with a Sidekick and a big lens (300 2.8 or 500 f4 and above). Last time I talked to him, Ron Reznick was using the RRS ballhead and a Sidekick for his 500 f4.

I don't think you could go wrong with either though.

 

[JeffKohn]

You might also want to consider Markins ballheads. I have the Markins M10 and it's very well made. The RRS head looks nice but is too big/heavy for my needs.

 

[jfenton]

Markins M20

I have a Markins M20 ......Smooth as silk and rock solid steady. I love it with my 500 AFSII and a Wimberly Sidekick!

 

[bravocharlie]

I asked this same question to Reznick not too long ago. His reply was the the RRS BH-55 was the best hands down.

I sold my Markins and went to the RRS. I've never looked back.

 

[DiverX]

I have an Arca Swiss BH-1. When that dies on me or gets too hard to use I will get the RRS BH-55, I hear it is a killer! I don't expect to need one anytime soon but if it happened today, no question about what I would get. I am sure the Kirk is very good but the RRS BH-55 looks superb!!

 

[dond]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'll be ordering an RRS BH-55LR ball head with lever clamp and some "feet" for my lenses tomorrow. Again, thanks for eveyones input.

 

[andreasb]

I saw Rons BH-55 with lever clamp at the Yosemite session and tried it, and i have to say it is really superb. The best feature to me is the low footprint. My head (Graf Studioball) is very high and it makes for more vibrations with a large lens. Workmanship is superb. I dont think you can go wrong with it. I went home and I'm trying to find the money to order one here for me as well.

 

[linm]

Hmmm I was trying to decide between the RRS and an Acratech Ultimate. I understand that the RRS is quite a bit heavier? At the moment, the longest lens I have is a 70-200mm with TC but I would like to add a 300mm to my arsenal in the not too distant future. Wonder if I should be rethinking this. I currently have a Novoflex Magicball but I find it slips even with my 70-200mm.

 

[bravocharlie]

Hmmm I was trying to decide between the RRS and an Acratech Ultimate. I understand that the RRS is quite a bit heavier? At the moment, the longest lens I have is a 70-200mm with TC but I would like to add a 300mm to my arsenal in the not too distant future. Wonder if I should be rethinking this. I currently have a Novoflex Magicball but I find it slips even with my 70-200mm.

RRS. You won't regret it.

 

[jfenton]

RRS Price

Price on the ball head?
I don't seem to see it on their website?

 

[dond]

RRS Price

Price for the RRS BH-55 ballhead with B2-AS II lever release clamp is $455. I ordered mine today along with lens plates for my 70-200 VR & 80-400 VR. The ballhead won't be shipping till next week.