3 ballhead choices for Gitzo Traveler tripod for M

[Mike Lavigne]

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I'm traveling to NYC next week for business and need a new small tripod that will fit in my luggage. I've spent a few days researching both the tripods and ballheads, and read everything I can on this site and others. most of it is at least 6 months old so I thought I'd get some last minute feedback now that more tripod M 240 experience is out there.

 

I'm settled on the Gitzo GK1580GQR5 due to it's small form factor. I'm going to remove the stock Gitzo ballhead that comes standard and switch to one of 3 choices........Arcatech GPs, Arca Swiss PO with panning system and QR system, and the RRS BH-30 LR. I already have the Arcatech QR plate for my M. I'd be buying the BM 240 replacement base and L bracket for the RRS, and I'd have to buy the Acra Swiss QR plate.

 

the dollars for the 3 ball head approaches are all in the same ballpark. they all weigh a similar amount and are all apparently well built. I've read lots of positives on the Arca Swiss PO and the RRS, and the local dealers here like the Arcatrech GPs. I really like the RRS bottom plate approach and L bracket, but OTOH I appreciate the simplicity of a smaller QR bracket.

 

 

I guess I'm more interested in negatives than positives; stuff to look out for with each design. I don't plan on panning at this point; and also will likely only use this with my M 240/0.95 Noctilus and 28 f2 Cron ASPH. I do travel quite a bit and like to travel light.

[keithlaban.co.uk]

I'm afraid I can't provide any negative comment on the Arca Swiss P0 . I use the P0 with Fliplock in combination with Hasselblad H series and Leica M240 cameras both fitted with RRS L-brackets and the system just works perfectly.

 

My only other comment would be that Fliplock could be a tad fiddly if you have huge hands or wear gloves.

[Jeff S]

I use the BH-30 LR head with a RRS TQC-14 tripod. Small and light combo, with more support than the Gitzo.

 

Jeff

[Mike Lavigne]

I use the BH-30 LR head with a RRS TQC-14 tripod. Small and light combo, with more support than the Gitzo.

 

Jeff

 

thanks for the feedback.

 

what I like about the Gitzo '5 section' Traveler is it's under 14" collapsed length which allows it to work in my luggage. the RRS TQC-14 has an 18" folded length which won't work like I'd like it to with my luggage.

 

i did struggle with choosing between the 5 section and 4 section Gitzo tripods and also look at the RRS tripods. in the end the size was the most important issue. a tripod i don't take with me due to size does me no good.

 

i have a cheap larger tripod which i will upgrade at some point to higher quality for when size is not so important and that could be an RRS.

[djh63]

I use the RRS BH-55 with my Hasselblad and Nikon outfits. I can't say enough good things about that piece of kit and although you are looking at a different version, it is difficult for me to imagine that it would be anything but excellent.

[flyalf]

..

I guess I'm more interested in negatives than positives; stuff to look out for with each design. I don't plan on panning at this point; and also will likely only use this with my M 240/0.95 Noctilus and 28 f2 Cron ASPH. I do travel quite a bit and like to travel light.

The RRS 30 head has some weak points; If you tighten the rotate lock to much the head will become quite difficult to adjust with its lever. And IMO the quick handle lever always seems to be in the way of the head so that I have to rotate its base before proceeding (yes, I know that one can adjust position of the lever by dragging it outward and reposition, but even then...).

[Mike Lavigne]

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The RRS 30 head has some weak points; If you tighten the rotate lock to much the head will become quite difficult to adjust with its lever. And IMO the quick handle lever always seems to be in the way of the head so that I have to rotate its base before proceeding (yes, I know that one can adjust position of the lever by dragging it outward and reposition, but even then...).

 

thanks.

 

exactly what I'm looking for.....the nuances of use and how intuitive it works. I'm sure they all have their personalities.

[pharyngula]

I have an older version of the Gitzo Traveler (GT1541T) and I have owned several RRS ballheads including the BH-55, 40 and BH-25 - I do not have experience with the P0 or the BH-30. But, the head I now use with the Traveler is the Acratech GPs and I am quite happy with it. The tripod closes nearly completely with the head attached to the center column (well enough to fit in the tight Gitzo Traveler bag). The BH-40 couldn't do that but I don't know about the BH-30. For me, any head that won't fit mounted within the closed legs of the Traveler is a non starter.

 

I prefer the Acratech tension adjustment to the RRS (BH-40 being my frame of reference) but the panning base may have been a bit smoother on the RRS. The simple knobs on the Acratech are very intuitive and ergonomically "sure". I've always been intrigued by the P0. It appears to have an even smaller diameter and with the right clamp attached (probably an RRS or Acratech QR), might be the most compact of all. I'd be tempted to try it.

[Mike Lavigne]

I have an older version of the Gitzo Traveler (GT1541T) and I have owned several RRS ballheads including the BH-55, 40 and BH-25 - I do not have experience with the P0 or the BH-30. But, the head I now use with the Traveler is the Acratech GPs and I am quite happy with it. The tripod closes nearly completely with the head attached to the center column (well enough to fit in the tight Gitzo Traveler bag). The BH-40 couldn't do that but I don't know about the BH-30. For me, any head that won't fit mounted within the closed legs of the Traveler is a non starter.

 

the BH-30 LR is designed to allow the Gitzo Traveler to close completely.

 

http://thmb.inkfrog.com/thumbn/mikel/BH30LR-GT1541T-top.png

 

I prefer the Acratech tension adjustment to the RRS (BH-40 being my frame of reference) but the panning base may have been a bit smoother on the RRS. The simple knobs on the Acratech are very intuitive and ergonomically "sure". I've always been intrigued by the P0. It appears to have an even smaller diameter and with the right clamp attached (probably an RRS or Acratech QR), might be the most compact of all. I'd be tempted to try it.

thanks for the feedback.....and I'm leaning toward the Acrotech with the PO also very tempting with it's simple elegance.

[Dikaiosune01]

Most of it comes down to different preferences.

 

I use a benro head with an arca-swiss plate on my traveler tripod. I use a manfrotto 410 with quick release plate on my heavy duty tripod - typically medium to large format.

 

Knocking on wood, none of my cameras have fallen off my tripod yet; but i've often gotten close. Most of this was on the arca-swiss plated benro head that do not have a proper quick release handle. The problem is that there are too many knobs. One panning knob. Two tension knobs. And one more knob to lock down the plate. There were many times when i was trying to loosen a tension knob to adjust for verticles and horizontal lines when suddenly i feel the camera slipping away from my hands. At that moment I know that i didn't loosen the tension knob, I was loosening the knob to lock down the plate. My mind screams in a manic panic and cluch my camera for dear life, less it falls onto the hard concrete.

 

I've never had such a problem with the manfrotto head. The main reason is the lever design.

I do believe that the arca-swiss plates on the really right stuff heads do have a locking a lever to prevent this from happening.

 

Alas, I can't replace the quick release plates on my acra swiss onto my traveler tripod. (1) manfrotto head is too huge and heavy for traveling purposes (2) the plate is too huge and heavy to mount on a leica, such that with the plate mounted onto the camera, I can't focus.

[Manolo Laguillo]

I would go for the Arca-Swiss head. It's the most advanced design, with features only available on it.

[k_g_wolf ✝]

Out of convenience I travelled Scotland with a small GITZO and the old LEITZ-ballhead recently ...

Many photogs own one of these and should you have it sitting idle give it a try.

 

An excellent combination for a small outfit.

 

 

Best

GEORG

[thighslapper]

Markins Q3 works well and is compact and adds little to the tripod weight.

 

I'm not a fan of humping around tripods and this combo is compact and as unobtrusive as you can get for quality set-up

[Wail]

I use the same Gitzo tripod, due to its size, weight, and load capacity, and went with the RRS BH-30 for use with the Leica; more than enough for my travel needs and have worked flawlessly on every trip I've used them on.

 

I have other RRS bullheads for use with my Nikon D3x, etc., but for the Leica the BH-30 is more than sufficient and capable for all my needs.

[Ralf]

Markins Q3 works well and is compact and adds little to the tripod weight.

 

I'm not a fan of humping around tripods and this combo is compact and as unobtrusive as you can get for quality set-up

 

I use the Q3 Traveller version, it is perfect even for my Nikon D3s plus 70 -200 2.8, which I did not expect at all.

[peter_n]

You've probably made your decision by now but I'd get the Acratech GP-s or GP-ss head. I converted to an Acratech Ultimate ballhead after using several other small heads including three Markins Q3T models. The Acratech is a very simple open design, virtually no maintenance, and works really well in severe cold.

 

My experience is that 5 leg section tripods are not stable enough especially for long exposures; they have one section too many. Gitzo, Benro and Feisol make decent (and stable) travel tripods but they are all 4 leg section models and fold to about 17 inches.

[Rick]

I have the same Gitzo traveler and love it. I stayed with the stock bullhead for its size and it functions fine with the M. I also have the Arcatech ball head you linked to and it is excellent, but just too big for the Traveler tripod.

[otto.f]

I wouldn't buy a ball anymore but would go for a cube because a 'boat construction' is for more relaxed to change positions with, e.g. http://www.arca-shop.de/en/3d-Tilt/Cube

[250swb]

I wouldn't buy a ball anymore but would go for a cube because a 'boat construction' is for more relaxed to change positions with, e.g. Cube

 

LOL, even rich women accessorize with costume jewellery, not every bit of glitter needs to be an expensive trinket!

 

Its only an M240! Any medium ball head by ANY leading manufacturer will work perfectly well. A Manfrotto 494RC2 is neither more nor less than needed, for about £45. Even more of a revelation, nobody needs a Gitzo either (although they are nice).

 

Steve

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Hallo,

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