I tried a smaller Bogen Manfrotto QR ballhead. Compared to my Bogen 3030, I found it unsatisfactory. With my 3030 (and probably the 3039 which I just got on eBay), adjusting it to precisely the right position is easy. The knobs seem to have a nice fluid variable tension. So I can loosen the tension somewhat, but not completely, precisely position he 3-way head the way I want it, the tighten the knobs one-by-one. I can do this without my position being significantly affected.
Now, if I have the ballhead loose enough to be fluidly moving, I notice a few things: (a) Because of the freedom of motion and inability to move exclusively on one plane, positioning as I want is difficult; (b) After I have it positioned, while I'm moving my hand to he locking lever, it is very easy for the position to change. Basically, my other hand has to support the cam exactly as it is, or it moves.
Now, I could adjust the tension on the ball too, so that it doesn't move as freely and stays in place with reasonable weight on it, unless pushed; but then the moving of the ball doesn't seem as fluid.
I found it easier to photograph a family of geese (who were trying to escape me), with my 3-D Bogen 3030, than with my Bogen ballhead.
Have others had this kind of issue? Are there ballheads out there that don't suffer from this? I read something about "variable tension" on the "Really Right Stuff" heads?
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