Gitzo G2220 - which ball head is best?

[rick_robinson2]

I just puchased a Gitzo G2220. Now, I am trying to buy the best ball

head that I can for this tripod. The recommended ball head is the

1276M Offset ball head. I would like to buy the best ball head I can,

but would like to keep the cost to $300 or less for the head. I would

also like to take advantage of the great flexibility provided by the

G2220 and would like to get the ball head which will allow the tripod

to be used to its fullest potential.

 

Suggestions appreciated.

[larry_underwood]

I use the Kirk BH-3 ball head with the Gitzo G2220, and really like the combo. Cost $240, and with one lens or camera plate would just about make up your $300.

[joseph_smith3]

I agree with the BH-3 or its more robust parent, the BH-1. Joe smith

[mcgarity]

Like the other two posters I use a Kirk BH-3 with the G2220. I have been using that combo for about 6 months and could not be more pleased. I have not come across a situation yet that it could not handle. I get good results with an EF 300mm f4 plus 1.4 TC mounted on it.

[rick_robinson2]

It has been recommended that I also purchase a leveller, like the Manfrotto #3502 Ball Camera Leveller, to help level the camera. Does anyone use a leveller with the 2220?

[peter_n1664876959]

Don't have the 2220 bu I have a Gitzo of roughly the same support level. Decided against the Manfrotto leveler and instead got a Hama double spirit level that goes on the camera - about 1/2 the price.

 

Also I shopped the Kirk BH-3 and ended up with a Linhof Profi II. Costs about $225 with better ergonomics than the Kirk - the lock & tension knobs are on a common spindle assembly and the lock knob is huge.

 

What I like most about the ballhead is that there is absolutely no creep when you tighten down - none.

 

Whatever ballhead you buy get an Arca/Swiss compatible quick release system - they're excellent.

[david_simonds]

Gentlemen, I have been looking at this tripod and wondered setting it up, with the infinitely adjustable legs was inconvenient in any way. Thanks.

[rick_robinson2]

I have owned the tripod for only a week, but find it very easy & straight forward to use. It

has notches to indicate the original (normal) tripod setup and the legs can easily be

adjusted in any conceivable configuration. I am amazed at the build quality of this tripod. I

use it with the Markins M-10 ballhead, but am not sure if I would be better off with the

recommended off-center Gitzo head.

[david_simonds]

Thanks Rick. I was not aware of the markings.

[david arnold eugene, oreg]

I've been using an <a href="http://acratech.net/">Acratech Ultimate Ball Head</a> for about a year and have been very happy with it. Beautifully built, light, excellent capacity, fits your budget.<p>

 

Check the reviews at <a href="http://www.photofocus.com/zine7/acratech.html">Photofocus</a> and <a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/arcatech.shtml">Luminous-Landscape</a>

[teddy_tran]

hello guys. i'm wondering if a Manfrotto 488RC4 could work? i mean i have a 488RC4 and a manfrotto leg but i'm switching to g2220 and dont know if a combo G2220-488RC4 could work as good as G2220-KirkBH3?