Opinions about Kaiser Ball Heads

I am in the process of getting a new tripod and head. I am planning to

get the Bogen 3021 modified by Kirk enterprizes, and noticed that they

sell a ball head by the name of Kaiser. Dose anyone have any opinions on this head, good or bad, compared with bogen/argus?

 

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Thanks in advance.

They have a pretty good reputation, but so much depends on which exact

head you chose and what you intend to try to support on it that

a more specific answer to your question isn't possible. If you

have a 600/4 and you are going to try to put it on their small

ball head, clearly it won't be good enough!

 

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BTW, you can talk to Kirk. They are very helpful and will try

to advise you which head is most suitable for your purpose.

They aren't like the NYC discount stores, they are more than

happy to talk with you (though it's probably fair to call them

on their non-800 number if you just want to chat). They are

conservative when it comes to applications. For example they

don't recommend a B1 for a 600/4, despite that fact that many,

many photographers use one. They say it really isn't up to

taking the weight if you intend to use it a lot. Arca-Swiss

would disagree I guess.

I've used the medium sized Kaiser Ballhead (TH-6 from Kirk)for the last 3 years with the heaviest lens of Nikkor 80-200mm/f2.8 & 1.4X telextender on a Bogen 3021 and have been very happy with both the results and the decreased weight on my shoulder. When I purchased a new 300mm/f2.8 lens I consulted Kirk about the Kaiser's ability to handle the lens/body weight. If I remember correctly, I believe that they told me the Kaiser was good enough for up to 12# of lens & body.