Arca-Swiss or RRS or ????

[venchka]

I see a new tripod in my future. Something like this........

Now that I have your attention, the new tripod will need a head. I'm thinking ball head. I'm also thinking I could spend a small fortune on Arca-Swiss plates for my motely collection of camera bodies. OUCH!

Anywho, is the self-leveling center column feature worthwhile? Seems like it would be for panoramas. OOPS, that's a tripod question. This is about the head.

So, here's what the new head has to do:

1. Support the Pentax 6x7 with one of the following lenses: 45mm, 105mm & 150mm. Maybe with extension tubes for a bit of macro work.

2. Work with the Canon 70-200 2.8 L zoom and EOS body.

3. The odd light duty SLR macro or long exposure chores.

5. M5 or VI-T on occasion.

EDIT:

6. Maybe, someday, a 4x5 field camera of the Graphic variety.

What say ye?

 

[kmack]

Why not a geared head? Something like a Bogan 405, it will be easier to level, handles up to 16 lbs and the plates will not set you back as much as the Arca's.

Just a thought

 

[venchka]

Thanks! I'll look into it.

 

[peter_n]

I would not go for an Arca-Swiss ballhead but I think you should seriously consider an AS system, as the parts are made by many manufacturers. The RRS BH-55 ballhead can I thnk take a load of around 50 lbs and their stuff is really well made. Check the link below:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

RRS ballheads are fantastic, so are the Kirk ballheads. The original Arca-Swiss have some user locking problems. Do a search for Arca-Swiss and you'll see a lot of complaints.

good luck

 

[venchka]

For better or worse, I think I'll start saving for the RRS-BH-55 LR

That should stop my lens buying for quite some time.

 

[peter_n]

I would ask some questions about the reliability of that A-S clamp with the lever, I've heard that the levers are not as reliable in the field as the old screw clamps (which RRS also sell). They may have strengthened the lever in the last couple of years so it is worthwhile to ask.