Tripod Head for the Leica SL

[bherman01545]

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So, a bit of background. I don't typically use a tripod very much, but I have a Leica SL and the 24-90, 50SL and 90-280 lenses and for the occasions that I need a tripod, I want it to work properly and be safe.

I currently have a Manfrotto MT055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod and a crappy ballhead which I need to replace.

 

I’m looking at the Really Right Stuff BH-40 Arca Swiss Ballhead, which I know is very good, but it is > than $400 without the camera or lens plates.

 

I’m also looking at the Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ballhead with the 200PL plates, which is rated at 22 pounds.

I’m sure that the RRS setup is better, but is it more than $300.00 better, especially if I don’t use the tripod very much.

 

I don’t want to be “penny-wise and pound foolish” with $20k worth of gear.

 

Is the Manfrotto Ballhead good enough or should I bite the bullet?

 

Thanks

 

-Brad

Edited June 22, 2018 by bherman01545

[Jeff S]

Consider the Arca Swiss P0, which I think splits the difference in cost and has been discussed by SL users in other threads. There are reviews and videos online that show its unique design.

 

Jeff

[Bill W]

I use the RRS BH40. You summed it up with why risk $20,000 worth of camera equipment for the savings of $300. You can find the RRS on eBay from time to time. FWIW

[Irakly Shanidze]

This is as good as it gets: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175122-REG/gitzo_gh1382tqd_series_1_traveler.html?ap=y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIioKQ--_n2wIVxsDACh0IzAyjEAYYASABEgJND_D_BwE&smp=y

[bencoyote]

I like the look of the Gitzo GH1382TQD Series 1 Traveler Center Ball Head mentioned above. Back when I bought my Gitzo tripod they were using those larger quick release plate and I didn’t like them because they didn’t fit my Leica M or my previous mirrorless systems.

 

I have the top of https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1277304-REG/3_legged_thing_ahsw_equinox_airhed_switch.html on a Leica ball head. It works well but if I were doing it again I’d use either the Gizo above or the full AirHed Equinox.

[Sandokan]

It is all about mechanics. The smaller the ball the more jittery will be the experience. 

 

When I had cheap tripods and heads, I hated using them so I didnt. 

 

Now, when I have to use a tripod for long exposures, it is an enjoyable experience to use good quality equipment. 

 

As Jeff said - Arcaswiss P0 (and even better the hybrid version with micro adjujstment). 

 

There was a review of ball heads in DP Review

 

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/battle-of-the-titans-top-ball-heads-tested 

 

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/mid-sized-ball-heads-tested 

[Jon Warwick]

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+1 for Arca P0, especially assuming one gets a dedicated RRS plate for the camera to attach to the ball head. That connection between the camera and head is a potential weak link, but not a prob at all with RRS plates.

The P0 is incredibly rock solid - I should know, given I often bolt a 5x4 large format camera onto it too!

If I did it again, I’d certainly look at the P0 “hybrid” to get the micro adjustments with the offset of slightly more weight.

[garypoon]

Hi jon, Which dedicated RSS plate you are talking about? So for p0, which plate release option that i should order?

 

..gary

[Jeff S]

Hi jon, Which dedicated RSS plate you are talking about? So for p0, which plate release option that i should order?

 

..gary

First, if you get the P0, buy the version without the clamp (#801211). The Arca Swiss clamp is non-standard and would be very difficult to remove. Plus, the clamp-less version is less expensive.

 

RRS customer service can advise you on compatible RRS clamp options (some have levers, some screws, etc). My guess is this will be one suggestion...

 

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/B2-LR-II-Lever-release-clamp

 

Jeff

Edited June 23, 2018 by Jeff S

[Irakly Shanidze]

I like the look of the Gitzo GH1382TQD Series 1 Traveler Center Ball Head mentioned above. Back when I bought my Gitzo tripod they were using those larger quick release plate and I didn’t like them because they didn’t fit my Leica M or my previous mirrorless systems.

 

I have the top of https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1277304-REG/3_legged_thing_ahsw_equinox_airhed_switch.html on a Leica ball head. It works well but if I were doing it again I’d use either the Gizo above or the full AirHed Equinox.

 

The beauty of Gitzo dovetail quick release is in its accepting all kinds of plates including Arca and RRS, not to mention standard Manfrotto.

[Vieri]

Definitely the Arca-Swiss P0. See my review here:

 

https://vieribottazzini.com/2016/08/arca-swiss-p0-monoball-review.html

 

hope this helps, best regards

 

Vieri

[thighslapper]

Ditto, it's a no brainer....

 

Once you have used an Arca Swiss P0 you will wonder why anyone uses 'normal' ball-head's .....

[Sandokan]

Fully agree with Jeff - use the B2-LR-II: LEVER-RELEASE CLAMP (it has a 3/8" socket) on the plain P0 (it has a 3/8" screw). For the camera, get the BSL: Plates For Leica SL also from RRS.