Advice on Ball head for 100-400 + 30d

[airchinapilot]

I'm a beginner and am looking to upgrade my camera support in the next bit. For budgetary reasons I want to do it in phases.

I have a 100-400L and a 30D + bg and teleconverter. I don't believe I will get a heavier lens than the 100-400. I can see myself upgrading the body to a 1d mkIII or a 5D, though.

I've started shooting birds but also I have a general nature interest. I do some landscape (Sigma 10-20). When I do macro I usually handhold (bugs). My main purpose is to try my hand at birding.

My current setup is a Slik Pro 340DX (not the greatest but it is light -- I will upgrade that in the new year) with the Manfrotto pistol grip (vertical). I like the quick setup of the pistol grip but when it comes to birds I take the lens off. I cannot pan with that thing.

This is what I have been able to get hand-holding:
http://flickr.com/photos/airchinapilot/2061605784/

For stationary I think upgrading my sticks is my better option. This is what I can get with my original setup:
http://flickr.com/photos/airchinapilot/2061545424/

I am looking into ball heads and have been researching the Markins M-20 and the RRS BH-55. I've read lots of positive comments about the BH-55 but I don't know if I can ever justify spending that kind of money.

I'm intrigued by the Wimberley Sidekick option. Can you mount that on the Markins? I know you can do it on the BH-55. Would it be worthwhile putting any of these on the legs I currently have? If I have to spend a bit more money should I just keep hand holding and save to get a whole new setup?

[matt4626]

Take a look at Tom Hogan's Tripod 101.
bythom.com

[airchinapilot]

Take a look at Tom Hogan's Tripod 101.
bythom.com
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=156187\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Thanks, I have a few times.

But for my specific question about the Markins vs the BH-55. Is that your short form answer for, buy the BH-55?

[airchinapilot]

Anyway, I've ordered an Arca Swiss Z1 and quick release plates for my 100-400 and 30D.

Now I need to upgrade my sticks ...

On the off chance someone has an opinion on this: any feelings about the Gitzo 1220? A local seller here has one. I can't find much on Google.

[Bill Chambers]

Anyway, I've ordered an Arca Swiss Z1 and quick release plates for my 100-400 and 30D.

Now I need to upgrade my sticks ...

On the off chance someone has an opinion on this: any feelings about the Gitzo 1220? A local seller here has one. I can't find much on Google.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=157942\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I would recommend staying away from the older model Gitzos.  On the other hand, the newer models rock!  The  anti-rotation leg feature on the newer models is wonderful, as are the new gaskets that don't expand and freeze up when wet.  I would recommend looking at the GT2530LSV model.  Equivalent to the older 1325 model.  Very sturdy and should last a lifetime with halfway decent treatment.

[airchinapilot]

I would recommend staying away from the older model Gitzos.  On the other hand, the newer models rock!  The  anti-rotation leg feature on the newer models is wonderful, as are the new gaskets that don't expand and freeze up when wet.  I would recommend looking at the GT2530LSV model.  Equivalent to the older 1325 model.  Very sturdy and should last a lifetime with halfway decent treatment.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158173\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Thanks Bill. Looks like prices are above $500. Time to save my pennies.

[airchinapilot]

I would recommend staying away from the older model Gitzos.  On the other hand, the newer models rock!  The  anti-rotation leg feature on the newer models is wonderful, as are the new gaskets that don't expand and freeze up when wet.  I would recommend looking at the GT2530LSV model.  Equivalent to the older 1325 model.  Very sturdy and should last a lifetime with halfway decent treatment.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

According to [a href=\"http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=203]the Naturescape page on it[/url], this model should be used up to 300mm lenses. But the load capacity seems well within my kit (30d + BG + 100-400 + flash) = 7.6lbs / that Gitzo's load capacity is 26.4 lbs))

[Bill Chambers]

According to the Naturescape page on it, this model should be used up to 300mm lenses. But the load capacity seems well within my kit (30d + BG + 100-400 + flash) = 7.6lbs / that Gitzo's load capacity is 26.4 lbs))
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158206\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I apologize.  My typing skills are not the greatest.  The tripod legs I MEANT to type in were the GT3530LSV, not 2530.  Sorry about that.  They will hold most anything you'll ever want to put on them without any hesitation.

[airchinapilot]

I apologize.  My typing skills are not the greatest.  The tripod legs I MEANT to type in were the GT3530LSV, not 2530.  Sorry about that.  They will hold most anything you'll ever want to put on them without any hesitation.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Oh I think you typed it in right. I just searched for it without "LSV". I found it on the same site.

[a href=\"http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=202]http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=202[/url]

Looks good. Thanks for your help.

[DougMorgan]

Sorry, guess you already bought one!   Happy shooting...............................

[airchinapilot]

Sorry, guess you already bought one!   Happy shooting...............................
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158306\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I haven't bought anything yet. I have to wait for my bank account to catch up to my research

[CatOne]

I haven't bought anything yet. I have to wait for my bank account to catch up to my research
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158335\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Well, in that case, another strong word for the RRS BH-55.  Worth the $ :-)

[airchinapilot]

Well, in that case, another strong word for the RRS BH-55.  Worth the $ :-)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=158361\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Oh that I've already bought  I got an Arca Swiss Z1.

Now I'm looking for sticks

[airchinapilot]

I got my Arca Swiss Z1 yesterday (customs dinged me for $70 duty sheesh). I stuck it on my existing sticks (Slik PRO AMT) and wow this is nice. The one thing I really notice right away is how rock solid the QR plate on the head feels when I tighten the ball. Really cuts my vibration down from when I had my 100-400 mounted on the Manfrotto pistol grip 222 and Manfrotto's QR.

Panning is quite smooth. I mean it is already a step up since you couldn't really pan with the pistol grip.

I'm really looking forward to taking this out now.