Medium size ball heads: RRS/Kirk/Markins

[QT Luong]

I have been using an Acratech for a couple of years. At the time the Acratech was released, it was quite unique in its support/weight ratio. However I am not that pleased with it, because of the limited tilt in one direction, the lack for real friction control, and the fact that it takes a lot of force to fully lock. On a number of occasions, I have had camera flops when I though (mistakenly) that the set-up was locked.

I have noticed that there are now at least 3 alternatives, the RRS 40, Kirk BH3, and Markins. From my research so far, here are the drawbacks I see for each:

- RRS: smaller ball diameter, pan and main knobs are on opposite sides (does that make it more difficult to operate with one hand ?)
- Kirk: heavier, not much of a progressive tension control
- Markins: some complaints of it becoming sticky in cold weather

Any experiences ? The ball head would be used both with a Canon series 1 and up to 400/5.6, and a Canham 5x7 on a Gitzo 1227. I also have a 1325 with the Arca. Price and original clamp are not a deciding factor.

PS: I noticed that Acratech came up with a new design that addresses limitations of their original head, but at that point I'd rather try something else

[M Salhuana]

QT,

I own the Markins M20 which I have on a Gitzo. I live in Arizona so I have not had it below 50 degrees fahrenheit. I have used this ball head with a Nikon D200 with 70-200 VR lens, Arca swiss 4x5 and and Arca Swiss 8x10 and have never had a problem with it. I am delighted with this ball head and it has performed as advertised in all situations I have put it in. Hope this helps.

Regards,

Miguel

[Dave_B]

I have been using a Markins ball head with a Gitzo 1257 for about 6 months. I am very happy with it. It has been a flawless piece of equipment-a real joy to use. However, I have not ever used it in very cold weather and so can't comment on its performance there.
Dave B.

[tim atherton]

I've been using the Markins M10 (I think) for about a year and so far it's done very well (and improves the things you mention over the Acratech). For a toyo 45A, Technikardan and Phillips 8x10

It only went out a few times in the cold weather - not really cold, probably only -10/15c. I didn't note any problems then (of course now it's been mentioned I'll give it a good cold weather try out this winter... mind you, the Arca B1 could get pretty stiff in cold weather too)

[Jack Flesher]

Two comments:

1) I had the same issues with the Acratech and bought the Kirk BH3. For a smaller, lightweight head it performs superbly. Good for up to and including DSLR or field 4x5.

2) However, if price is not a concern and you don't mind living with a bit more weight to get the ultimate tripod head, take a look at the Arca Cube. It is probably the single best acessory I have ever bought for positioning of my cameras. Excellent for up to and including 4x5 or field 5x7 cameras, but marginal IMO for 8x10.

My review with images: http://www.getdpi.com/cube.html

[tim atherton]

aka - "Arca-Borg"

[QT Luong]

-10/15C sounds plenty cold to me, but I am a Californian. The Cube is one of the most impressive pieces of gear I've seen, but probably a bit too much on the 1227, which is used so much for 35mm that I prefer a BH design :-)

[davidb]

I've used the Kirk BH-3 with a full Hasselblad kit and a Linhof 4x5. Never a problem. I recommend it without hesitation.

[Bob Salomon]

Look at a Novoflex ClassicBall 3.

[QT Luong]

The Novoflex is much closer in weight to the AS B1 that I have than to the medium ball head I am looking to replace.