I just got a new Gitzo series 3 systematic tripod and I'm looking at my head options. For up to 8x10, I've been happy with my Arca Swiss B-1 ball head, but reframing after leveling the camera can be a pain. The panning control at the bottom of the head is useless unless the tripod is completely level. Replacing the clamp on the B-1 with a panning clamp looks like it might be a good solution, since the panning platform will usually be leveled. RRS sells some nice (but pricey) panning clamps, and Sunwayfoto also sells them (at less than half of the RRS price).
My hesitation is never seeing one in use by another large format photographer. Is there any reason it wouldn't be a good solution for large format shooter already using a ball head? Is anyone using the RRS or Sunwayfoto versions? Thanks.
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