Tripod ball heads

[andrew_touchon]

I am in the market for a ball head for a leica table top tripod. I

don't want to spend the $200 for the Leica version. Does anyone have

any recommendations on less expensive alternatives?

[al_kaplan1]

Gitzo makes some good high quality tripods and heads. I also have a Slick ball head that's given me good service for many years. I also remember when the Leitz table top tripod with the small ball and socket head had a combined list price of $16.50 ;-) Mine is still going strong!

[rolfe_tessem]

Novoflex makes a mini ball head that fits the Leica table top tripod. Not sure if this URL will

work, but here goes:

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?

O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=240740&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[lee hamiel]

Might try a Giottos mini - see:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=221096&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[stuart_richardson]

Funny, two tripod/head questions in a matter of minutes! In any case, I really like the

smallest really right stuff ballhead. Expensive, but good. It is not as much as the leica one,

but still quite expensive at 145, so maybe it is more than you are after...It is very solid

though. I have used it to support an R9 with 100mm lens and motor drive...even at an angle

and it wasn't falling over.

[andrew_touchon]

Thenks everyone for the quick response. I decided to order the Giottos GIMH1003 MH1003 Small Ball Head.

 

Andy

[peter_n1664876959]

Slik SBH-120, $29.95 from B&H. Has a panning base and a load capacity of 4.5lbs. I've used one with a Manfrotto tabletop tripod for a couple of years and it is excellent. Don't let the price fool you.

[wgpinc]

Bogen 482 supports up to 4.4 lbs. Bogen 484 supports up to 8.8 lbs $38 at adorama. For a few $ more you can get one with a quick release.

 

http://www.adorama.com/BG484.html

[Troll]

If you're too cheap to buy the Leica head, why ask here? It's the best -- anything else even close will cost just as much or more.

[andrew_touchon]

Bill,

 

I asked here because I knew I would get some helpful responses from the majority of the members. Thanks for your positive contribution.

 

Andy

[stephen_w.]

I bought a NIB 14110(?) with interchagable 3/8" and 1/4" threads on both ends for $95 CDN. The price tag on the box states $14.95 CDN, so one knows it's old.

 

I agree with Bill: it's quite good and solid.

[paulmoore]

really right stuff is great, beautifully made.

paul moore

[john_noble1]

I bought my Leica tripod & ballhead (latest versions) for $150 in used/near mint condition

from a local dealer earlier this year, so you can find deals if you look. They used tp come up

for sale here on PN fairly often for similar $$. No need to spend $200 on just the head!

[john_boyle3]

As long as we're on the topic - I've used the large Leitz ball & socket head with the Leitz table tripod for flower photography for over 30 years and would not do without the two. They're extremely well made and will last a lifetime. I'm sure that others would work, but there is a good reason why the Leitz is more expensive. You get what you pay for.