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We have prepared three charts (broken down by load capacity) comparing
some of the most popular ball heads. We do not advertise ball heads
on our web site, but we do carry and sell several of the models listed
below. Please call us if you are interested: (888) 665-2746
Important Information for Lever Clamp (Flip Lock) Users:
If your ball head has a lever-style clamp, please click here.
— High Capacity Heads (Will support
the largest lenses: e.g. 600 f/4, 400 f/2.8) —
Ball
Head |
Weight
(lbs) |
Arca-Swiss
style QR Clamp |
Retail
Price |
Available
Through Wimberley |
Comments |
Arca-Swiss Z-1
(with Wimberley C-10 Quick-Release Clamp Installed) |
1.5 |
Yes (Wimberley C-10) |
$335.00 |
Yes ,
(please call if you are interested)
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The new Arca-Swiss Z-1 ball head will be reviewed soon. It is compatible with our Sidekick and quick release plates if purchased with an arca-swiss style quick release clamp. Warning for users of lever clamp (flip lock). We do not recommend the use of the double pan version of this ball head with our Sidekick (Arca-Swiss Mfr# 801113 or 801114). |
| Linhof
Profi III |
2.8 |
No, Must add Wimberley C-10 Clamp ($79.00) |
$615.95 |
No |
Very nice ball head. Friction control not as smooth
as Arca-Swiss, but doesn't have lock-up problems found with the
Arca-Swiss. Cons: very expensive, does not come with an Arca-Swiss
style quick-release. |
| Foba Superball |
2.6 |
Yes |
$534.95 |
No |
Excellent load capacity, average smoothness. It
uses a lever rather than a knob to lock the ball. The lever is
quick to operate, but bulky and difficult to adjust. |
| Graf Studioball |
3.7 |
Yes |
$314.00 |
No |
Excellent load capacity, very good smoothness. The
panning base uses ball bearings, and is very low-friction. If
you are not concerned with the weight, this head is a good option.
The knobs on this head are plastic and they are not captive. Broken
or missing knobs are not uncommon on these heads. |
| Markins M-20 |
1.3 |
Yes |
$390.00 |
No |
This is the lightest head in this group, but it will still hold the largest lenses. It is basically a smaller version of the Arca-Swiss B-1, but unlike the B-1, it doesn't have an aspherical ball. As far as we know, it does not have any lock-up problems. It is very nicely made and has excellent variable tension (virtually no stick-slip).
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| Really Right Stuff BH-55 |
1.9 |
Yes |
$415.00 |
No |
This is a very attractive ballhead that will hold a lot of weight. It does not have the smoothest variable friction, but the variable friction control knob is very easy to use and intuitive. The quick-release clamp has a built-in bubble level. |
— Medium-High Capacity Heads (Will
support 500 f/4 sized lenses) —
Ball
Head |
Weight
(lbs) |
Arca-Swiss
style QR Clamp |
Retail
Price |
Available
Through Wimberley |
Comments |
| Kirk
BH-1 |
2.0 |
Yes |
$355.00 |
No |
Very capable ball head. Slightly heavier and less
smooth than Arca-Swiss B-1 and holds slightly less weight. Does
not have the lock-up problems of the Arca-Swiss.
Click here for more details. |
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Gitzo
1377M
(With Wimberley C-10 QR Clamp attached Installed) |
2.0 |
Yes (Wimberley C-10) |
$224.00 |
Yes
(please call if you are interested) |
Similar to Kirk BH-1, but with slightly less load
capacity. Will hold the weight of a 500mm f/4, but not as well
as other similarly sized heads.
Click here for more details. |
— Medium Capacity Heads (Will
support 300 f/2.8 sized lenses) —
Ball
Head |
Weight
(lbs) |
Arca-Swiss
style QR Clamp |
Retail
Price |
Available
Through Wimberley |
Comments |
| Kirk BH-3 |
1.25 |
Yes |
$255.00 |
No |
Slightly better load capacity than other heads in
this category, but not quite as smooth as the Gitzo 1277M or the
Linhof Profi II. |
Gitzo
1277M
(With Wimberley C-10 QR Clamp Attached Installed) |
1.3 |
Yes (Wimberley C-10) |
$214.00 |
Yes
(please call if you are interested)
|
Excellent smoothness and very economic. Slightly
less weight capacity than the Kirk BH-3, and slightly less range
of motion (without dropping the stem of the ball into the slot)
than the Kirk or Linhof heads.
Click here for more details. |
| Linhof
Profi II |
1.6 |
No, Must add Wimberley C-10 Clamp ($79.00) |
$409.95
|
No |
Excellent smoothness but expensive and does not
come with an Arca-Swiss style quick-release clamp.
Click here for more details. |
| Acra-Tech
Ball Head |
1.0 |
Yes |
$290.00 |
Yes
(please call if you are interested) |
Very lightweight, decent smoothness, and good load
capacity for this category. Unique slanted sleeve for holding
the ball can make it more difficult to position the ball without
repositioning the pan mechanism.
Click here for more details. |
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