Posted by Jamie Simone on January 28, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Which ballhead has the better bang for the buck? I have been leaning towards the arca-swiss. I'm wanting to hear opinions on each. Thanks Jamie
Posted by Gene Lugo on January 29, 2009 at 5:29 AM
When I bought my Arca Swiss Z-1 for over a year ago, the choice was between the Arca and the Markins M20. Outside of the slight weight advantage of the M20, I found that there was no significant advantage of one over the other. Since I often backpack with my gear, I dismissed the Kirk BH-1 which is 1/2 lb heavier and physically larger.
In use, the Arca has not disappointed me. On a solid tripod, the Feisol CT3472, it has provided clear unblurred images using a Nikon D200, 500 mm lens, and 1.4x and 2x extenders. It is easy to lock down, has a huge sweet spot (the point at which you can still move the camera/lens but will stay put without creeping after you release it, and just does not move if you tighten things down. I have used it at 5 degF, which apparently could cause issues with the older B-1, without issue, and never experienced the lock up that some have described. In short, no regrets.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of these - they are quite similar in function and intended use, and its just a matter of features - I really like the quick release plate on the the Kirk, I use a standard clamp on my Arca.
One thought - if you are purchasing this for use with a long lens and wildlife photography, you would be better served with a gimbal head. The de-facto professional's choice is the Wimberley, but it is very expensive. A better value in my opinion is the Bogen 3421/Manfrotto 393 which is just as solid and is 1/4 the price. It is not as pretty, but it accomplishes the same thing - allowing you to freely move a telephoto vertically/horizontally to be able to track movement. At $200, it's hard to beat.
Posted by Darren Huski on January 29, 2009 at 9:53 AM
They are both excellent ballheads. The Arca-Swiss models are the standard all other ballheads are measured against.
I have the Kirk BH-1 and BH-3. They are both fantastic ballheads. Both work well with with my 50D and 70-200/4 lens. They also work with my Arca-Swiss 4x5 view camera, which is one of the bigger, bulkier cameras.
See the attached pic to see the Kirk BH-1 holding the camera. This position was rock solid!
It really depends on what you biggest lens-camera combos are. But really any Kirk or Arca ballhead will work.
Posted by Jamie Simone on January 30, 2009 at 8:40 AM
Thanks guys . I'm really leaning towards the arca-swiss . I have been wondering about the tension adj. on both. Right now my biggest lens is 100-400 F4/5.6.
Posted by Darren Huski on January 31, 2009 at 7:27 AM
The tension control on the Kirk is decent but I think Arca has the market cornered on precision control.
Here is a good review of the Z-1
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Arca-Swiss-Monoball-Z1-Ballhead-Review.aspx
There was another very good review of ballheads done by the short lived Magnachrom (no e) web mag. You might try to Google to find a copy.
Posted by Jamie Simone on February 1, 2009 at 9:39 PM
Thanks for all of your help. I pulled the trigger and ordered the arca swiss z-1 from B&H today. I think i will be pleased . The tension control was the biggest factor. Does anyone know if there is a captive replacement knob for the Z-1
Discussion
5 repliesIn use, the Arca has not disappointed me. On a solid tripod, the Feisol CT3472, it has provided clear unblurred images using a Nikon D200, 500 mm lens, and 1.4x and 2x extenders. It is easy to lock down, has a huge sweet spot (the point at which you can still move the camera/lens but will stay put without creeping after you release it, and just does not move if you tighten things down. I have used it at 5 degF, which apparently could cause issues with the older B-1, without issue, and never experienced the lock up that some have described. In short, no regrets.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of these - they are quite similar in function and intended use, and its just a matter of features - I really like the quick release plate on the the Kirk, I use a standard clamp on my Arca.
One thought - if you are purchasing this for use with a long lens and wildlife photography, you would be better served with a gimbal head. The de-facto professional's choice is the Wimberley, but it is very expensive. A better value in my opinion is the Bogen 3421/Manfrotto 393 which is just as solid and is 1/4 the price. It is not as pretty, but it accomplishes the same thing - allowing you to freely move a telephoto vertically/horizontally to be able to track movement. At $200, it's hard to beat.
I have the Kirk BH-1 and BH-3. They are both fantastic ballheads. Both work well with with my 50D and 70-200/4 lens. They also work with my Arca-Swiss 4x5 view camera, which is one of the bigger, bulkier cameras.
See the attached pic to see the Kirk BH-1 holding the camera. This position was rock solid!
It really depends on what you biggest lens-camera combos are. But really any Kirk or Arca ballhead will work.
Here is a good review of the Z-1
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Arca-Swiss-Monoball-Z1-Ballhead-Review.aspx
There was another very good review of ballheads done by the short lived Magnachrom (no e) web mag. You might try to Google to find a copy.