Ballhead for extreme weather

[chughtai]

<p>Hi,<br /> <br /> I am seeking recommendations for 'the ballhead' for extreme conditions**. Now, instead of asking for comparisons or "<em>should I get it?</em> " kind of question, I have a very simple query.<br /> <br /> Have you used your ballhead in Extreme conditions, and how well it performed when it was exposed to elements? Please mention the ballhead model and any accessories attached to it at the time of using.<br /> <br /> <em>p.s. **Extreme Conditions = -25C (-13F) or lower, 80% or higher Humidity, Sand, Snow.<br /> <br /> </em> Cheers.</p>

[ellis_vener_photography]

<blockquote>

<p><em>**Extreme Conditions = -25C (-13F) or lower, 80% or higher Humidity, Sand, Snow.</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>If I found myself in -13F weather with above 80% humidity , blowing sand and snow all at the same time the lastthing I'm going to be thinking about is pulling out a tripod :-)<br>

I've had really good experience with my Arca-Swiss B1 and B2 Monoball heads in almost all of those conditions but I've never been in -13F weather . But the head yo uprobably want is the one Bjorn Rorslett uses, the Burzynski: http://www.naturfotograf.com/burzynski.html <em><br /> </em></p>

[bobar57]

<p>What about this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=548305&is=REG ?<br /> It is not with a ball head,but surely enough look though enough to me,I have it in my wish list and will buy it soon. But I don't plan in using it in extreme weather conditions,but again,the foam legs wraps looks really handy in extreme cold weather and the two way swivel head seems well constructed too,and the brand is well recognized too.</p>

<p>RA</p>

[chughtai]

<p>Ellis, i meant <em>one of those</em> extreme condition, mutually exclusive. ;-)</p>

<p>I don't want to question the legend as there's cult following of AS-B1 but on their website there is an explicit note about <em>protection from the elements</em> (<a href="http://www.precisioncameraworks.com/Pages/monoball_core.html">link</a> ). It leads me to believe that it is NOT weather proof. (??)</p>

[nodrog]

<p>I've used a Kirk ballhead in 0 to -5 without problems.</p>

[ellis_vener_photography]

<p>No doubt about it, <em>all</em> high quality ballheads are precision devices just like your cameras and they need to be taken thought of as such. Having said that my 12 & 14 year old Arca-Swiss heads are pretty beaten up and I've used them in some relatively harsh conditions. I just try to keep them clean. Stay away from any head that uses lubrication.</p>

<p>For working constantly in really harsh climates, Bjorn's recommendation is probably better. Among other things it is much simpler design. Also notice what he uses as a tripod legset.</p>

[SteveH]

<p>I'll put in my bit for the Really Right Stuff BH55 ball head. It's been to Antarctica, the high Arctic and Yellowstone in -15 conditions. I've had it several years and it's still going strong. I have seen one nibbled by a polar bear. Mine did get a little sticky lately, but the RRS folks put it right for free when I sent it to them. </p>

[vinny_walsh]

<p>I'd stay away from the arca swiss B1. Mine locks up a bit in below freezing temps. I regret buying the B1, one of the few photo items i've bought new. I've sent it in for service 3 times in about 4 years. </p>

[derrickdehaan]

<p>I have used my Bogen 322RC2 grip ballhead in those low temps many times. I would not use anything but a grip ballhead in those conditions because I'll be damned if I am taking my gloves off to fiddle with the little knobs of a ballhead in -20° weather. This is of course not used with really long lenses. I usually have a gripped 40D with 17-70 Sigma or 70-200 2.8 IS. Sometimes a prime in between the two. This settup is mounted on a Manfrotto 055MF3 carbon fiber tripod. I think the long grip also gives a person more "leverage" to rotate the assembly on the ball in extreme temps.</p>

<p>Derrick</p>

[howard_m]

<p>I wonder if the more open Acratech designs might work well here.</p>

[chughtai]

<p>Thanks folks for all the great input, I just got Markins Q3T after got some input from hikers who found it performed well in subzero temps. Going to get RRS quick clamp later though.</p>

<p><em>Ellis: Thanks for the tip, </em> <em>Burzynski is now in my wish list. :-)</em></p>

[stephan_wei]

<p>I don't use any ballheads in this climate before, but you can try this:http://www.sunwayphoto.com/Tripods%20&%20Accessories/Tripods%20heads.html This is a new brand ballhead, I hope this can provide you another choice.</p>

[stephan_wei]

<p>FLM is a good choice.solid,anti-abrasive design, and can work smoothly in very cold weather, but fovgive me i don't remember the temperature that day. but i am very surprise that i saw a new brand ballhead that said can work in the weather condition from -40°C ~ 50°C. who can test it for us?<img src="http://www.sunwayphoto.com/UpLoadFile/Images/200908311155081251877431.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="600" /></p>