Best Ball Head for S2

[Printmaker]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm looking at the Leica Ball Head 38 for my Berlebach Tripod. Does anyone use this head on their S or S2? Or would another ball head work better?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Tom

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[John McMaster]

I prefer the Arca Swiss Cube...

 

john

[alainD]

I'm using the Arca Swiss D4 (geared version) and I love it.

 

Alain

[darylgo]

Hi Tom,

 

The choice of head is (like many things) an individual choice and it's suitability to the intended work. Almost all ballheads will work (if they meet the load specs), they are not as precise in their movements as geared heads, however in my use they are quicker.

 

When I look at a ballhead these are my preferences: long stems on any controls for easier loosening or tightening, especially if using arca swiss plates, the preference is for a long tightening knob rather than quick release. The head should allow the camera to go full 90 degree vertical with ease. On many ballheads this is a real chore and can be rendered unnecessary if using an L plate, nonetheless I want the capability because carrying an L plate is one more item in the chain, it adds weight and I want the option to (not) use it. The stem from the ball should not be too short, this is my individual preference, a longer stem avoids pinched fingers and allows room to wrap the cable release around it to isolate any movement toward the camera. Other things to look at are how easy are the controls to work when your camera is mounted, are they accessible, is it difficult to release or tighten etc.

 

One of my favorites is the Foba M-2, the lock/unlock on the ball is a lever rather than a screw type knob, until I tried it I didn't realize how nice the lever is. The Acratech line is really nice with lots of thought into functionality. The issues I see with the Leica head are small knobs, cork, lack of arca swiss plate.

 

Good luck!

[aboudd]

I'm also using the Arca Swiss D4 geared with my S2. It has a gear-release function that is useful for quick set-up in the field. Get an approximate position with the gears released and then fine tune it with the gears engaged.

[Jon Warwick]

Arca Swiss P0 with a Really Right Stuff L-bracket for the S2 would be very lightweight and very solid indeed. Indeed, after using RRS plates for many cameras (including Leica M, Mamiya 7 and large format 5x4) I'm always impressed by how wonderfully well they work (i.e., zero twisting or slippage) with an Arca compatible head. I much prefer the P0 over the B1 head that I had for many years -- the P0 feels as solid as the B1, but is easier to use, and about half the weight.