Recommendations on ballhead for macro photography

[zhaowei]

Hi everyone,

I would like to get your opinions on a good ballhead for macro photography. I've searched through the forum for ballhead recommendations and the usual ones that pop up include the Arca Swiss, Acratech and Markins ones. No doubt these are good options for general photography, with prices to boot.

However, I'm looking for a recommendation specifically for macro shooting, because I'm starting on macro photography (mainly flowers) and I understand that tripod+ballhead is necessary for stabilising the camera when taking pictures at higher magnifications. I have a lousy tripod that I bought a while back that I'm willing to stick to for now, as it can hold my current equipment. Will upgrade that in time to come, but for now I want to get a ballhead that will allow me to compose and frame close-up shots much more easily.

I'm on a tight budget but I would like to just start by gathering some feedback from you guys. Thanks in advance for replying!

[Leong23]

Strong Ballhead = Good Ballhead = $$$

[Nik-enduser]

Yep, save up a bit and buy a better ballhead, no regrets later.

A slightly cheaper (bcos of weak USD) option is the Really Right Stuff ballhead series.

[giantcanopy]

Originally Posted by zhaowei I'm looking for a recommendation specifically for macro shooting,

Hi zhaowei

Actually short of them having differences in their own weight and handling specifics ( which can be easily obtained online ) , all the ballheads should function the same for macro shooting, and that is to support the setup.

My guess is you would probably need to use that same ballhead for all other shooting occasions as well ?

Like what Nik-enduser and Leong23 mentioned, a good ballhead is a good one time investment.

Ryan

[Yapster]

Originally Posted by zhaowei I'm starting on macro photography (mainly flowers) and I understand that tripod+ballhead is necessary for higher magnifications.

I agree with all the seniors on a one time investment in a good ballhead and tripod.

But i don't suppose a tripod and ballhead is gonna help you in getting a higher magnification, right?

You may need extension tube etc to increase your magnification.

[DeadEnd]

I assumed TS is using AFS 60mm micro as stated in his signature for macro photography. If 60mm, you will be better off using handheld (not that sensitive to hand shake compared to longer focal length) or monopod as the focal distance is too near to the subject using tripod especially for bugs. The bugs will probably scared off by your movement and not to mention the setting up of tripod

[zhaowei]

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Originally Posted by Leong23 Strong Ballhead = Good Ballhead = $$$

Originally Posted by Nik-enduser Yep, save up a bit and buy a better ballhead, no regrets later.

Originally Posted by giantcanopy Like what Nik-enduser and Leong23 mentioned, a good ballhead is a good one time investment.

Thanks Leong23, Nik-enduser and Ryan. I agree with you guys that I'm going to have to spend more to get something good enough to last. I am most likely going to save up to get one of the good ones. At the moment, the RRS BH-40 seems like a strong contender. Thanks Nik-enduser for the suggestion.

Originally Posted by giantcanopy My guess is you would probably need to use that same ballhead for all other shooting occasions as well ?

Yep, you're absolutely right, Ryan. If I were to spend so much money on a ballhead I'd better be able to use it for everything! I was just wondering if there were any features that make any model better or more suitable, because I haven't been able to find any specific information on this.

Originally Posted by Yapster But i don't suppose a tripod and ballhead is gonna help you in getting a higher magnification, right? You may need extension tube etc to increase your magnification.

Originally Posted by DeadEnd I assumed TS is using AFS 60mm micro as stated in his signature for macro photography.

Hi Yapster, I'm sorry that I didn't phrase it in a more unambiguous way! DeadEnd was right in pointing out that I will be using my 60mm for my macro shots, mainly of flowers and other plant features.

I meant to say that a tripod is needed when I take pictures at higher magnifications eg 1:1 because slight camera shakes will cause blurring. Using a tripod is also necessary for me to compose shots properly.

Originally Posted by DeadEnd If 60mm, you will be better off using handheld (not that sensitive to hand shake compared to longer focal length) or monopod as the focal distance is too near to the subject using tripod especially for bugs.

You make a good point here. I've tried a few handheld shots at about 1:1 (I think) and they turned out well. But that does require good natural lighting (no flash system yet) and large aperture to get a clear shot. I don't see myself doing bugs, which is why I chose the 60mm.

[DeadEnd]

Originally Posted by zhaowei Thanks for all the replies so far! You make a good point here. I've tried a few handheld shots at about 1:1 (I think) and they turned out well. But that does require good natural lighting (no flash system yet) and large aperture to get a clear shot. I don't see myself doing bugs, which is why I chose the 60mm.

Then you should invest on a flash instead of BH to freeze the flowers swaying during windy days using high shutter speed.

[Leong23]

Originally Posted by DeadEnd Then you should invest on a flash instead of BH to freeze the flowers swaying during windy days using high shutter speed.

Sorry to OT.

In outdoor flower photography, a good tripod and ball head is highly recommended irregardless of the focal length of the lens used.

A good ballhead will have the advantage for composition as it will experience less creep than the cheaper one.

In flower photography, flash is not to use to freeze motion against wind as artifical light make the flower look unnatural. Flash can be use to fill shadow, but in flower photography, reflector is a better choice.

To counter wind, you can either use pramp to stablise the subject or use a wind shield to block the wind.

Not much good book in the market on flower photography, i personally recommand "Photographing Flower" by Sue Bishop.

Happy shooting.

[lennyl]

Not knowing your budget it's somewhat hard to recommend a ballhead. Are you also interested in a quick release system (I highly recommend it)? If so, any preference?

I use a Manfrotto 488RC2. My only complaint about the head is an initial droop after tightening. Meaning that after you position the camera exactly where you want it, tighten the ball, and release the camera, it drops a little bit before stabilizing. I don't have other ball heads so can't say if they all suffer from this - the much more expensive ones probably do not, but I don't know about those in between. You'll learn to compensate for it with a little practice but if you're doing tiny adjustments it can be a little frustrating. It's about US$100. The 486RC2 is smaller and cheaper and doesn't come with the separate 360 degrees panning feature.

For cheap non ball head with quick release, look at the Manfrotto 3229 swivel tilt head with quick release. It only tilts in one axis - think about whether you can work with that limitation. The equivalent without QR is the 3232. I use it on my monopod for tilting up / down. Unless you have a tripod ring on your lens (unlikely on a 60mm) or an L plate (there's one for RC2, but it looks clunky and cost almost as much as a 486RC2), switching between landscape and portrait orientation can be a major hassle.

You can also check out Benro heads. I don't have experience with Benro heads, but I'm very happy with their tripod legs. A forum poster jack006 apparently has a store somewhere in Peninsula where you can check out different models.

[DeadEnd]

Originally Posted by Leong23 Sorry to OT. In outdoor flower photography, a good tripod and ball head is highly recommended irregardless of the focal length of the lens used. A good ballhead will have the advantage for composition as it will experience less creep than the cheaper one. In flower photography, flash is not to use to freeze motion against wind as artifical light make the flower look unnatural. Flash can be use to fill shadow, but in flower photography, reflector is a better choice. To counter wind, you can either use pramp to stablise the subject or use a wind shield to block the wind. Not much good book in the market on flower photography, i personally recommand "Photographing Flower" by Sue Bishop. Happy shooting.

Ya, I do agreed with you on that. Natural lighting still produce the best results. Flash is used as a last alternative to freeze motion using high speed shutter as some highlight will be over blown due to the reflection from the flash.

Btw, what is a pramp?

[lennyl]

Originally Posted by DeadEnd Ya, I do agreed with you on that. Natural lighting still produce the best results. Flash is used as a last alternative to freeze motion using high speed shutter as some highlight will be over blown due to the reflection from the flash. Btw, what is a pramp?

Flash, used properly, can produce good results, and with insects to me is much preferable to freezing / doping / killing and then posing them. With flowers you should be able to use natural light though, if you pick the right time, are very patient, and use reflectors / diffusers to alter sunlight when necessary.

I think he means a plamp (short for plant clamp) - a clamp attached to a tripod to stabilize a subject.

[zhaowei]

Originally Posted by Leong23 Not much good book in the market on flower photography, i personally recommand "Photographing Flower" by Sue Bishop.

Thanks for the recommendation Leong23. I will definitely try to take a look at the book. Actually, I've been trying to find flora photo books but to little success so far. I did browse through a book on mushrooms a few days ago and feel a little inspired to go mushroom hunting too.

Originally Posted by lennyl Not knowing your budget it's somewhat hard to recommend a ballhead. Are you also interested in a quick release system (I highly recommend it)? If so, any preference?

Hi lennyl, thanks for dropping by the thread. I guess my budget is "unlimited" - the difference is how long I need to wait before taking the plunge. That said, I think the RRS BH-40 seems like a good choice given the good reviews I've seen online. I actually looked at the Manfrotto 488 as well but as you said, it creeps and that could be a problem. I think a CSer also said this in a post somewhere else in the forum before. (was it you? haha.)

A quick release system seems like a something good to have, although I admit I'm not too sure what it is about and why it's so expensive. Can you explain what it's for?

Originally Posted by DeadEnd Ya, I do agreed with you on that. Natural lighting still produce the best results. Flash is used as a last alternative to freeze motion using high speed shutter as some highlight will be over blown due to the reflection from the flash.

Originally Posted by lennyl With flowers you should be able to use natural light though, if you pick the right time, are very patient, and use reflectors / diffusers to alter sunlight when necessary.

Hi DeadEnd, thanks for dropping by again. I am likely to get a flash system sometime in the future, but I guess I will have to wait for a while. BH + tripod will have to take priority not just because they are useful for macro but for general photography as well. A macro flash system like the R1C1 is specialised and I'd better make sure I am good enough to use it before I get it!
As suggested by Leong23 and lennyl, I will work with natural light for now. In place of reflectors I shall use white paper for now if I need to control lighting. All excesses must go to BH fund for now!

[lennyl]

Originally Posted by zhaowei Hi lennyl, thanks for dropping by the thread. I guess my budget is "unlimited" - the difference is how long I need to wait before taking the plunge. That said, I think the RRS BH-40 seems like a good choice given the good reviews I've seen online. I actually looked at the Manfrotto 488 as well but as you said, it creeps and that could be a problem. I think a CSer also said this in a post somewhere else in the forum before. (was it you? haha.) A quick release system seems like a something good to have, although I admit I'm not too sure what it is about and why it's so expensive. Can you explain what it's for?

With that kind of budget, I think you should pass your credit card # to me while I evaluate what is best for your needs

I don't think you can go wrong with the BH-40. I'd get the LR or the Pro II, together with an L plate for the camera, if I have the budget for it.

The quick release allows you to quickly attach and detach your camera from the head, without fumbling around with the screw and tripod mount post. It makes the tripod so much more appealing to use. You could leave the plate on the camera, or attach them just before going out. I just leave mine on. Less wear and tear on the camera's tripod post.

A good QR system has to be able to hold the camera securely (both for good photos as well as to prevent your camera from crashing to the floor). The L plate allows your camera to be in portrait orientation, while maintaining center of gravity over the center of the tripod (instead of flopping to one side). A well designed L plate will allow you easy access to all the ports on the side of the camera. There were some issues with the 1st generation plate for the Canon 40D, but I know people were very happy with their 20D / 30D plates. The Arca Swiss system is definitely superior to the Manfrotto RC2 in terms of stability and eco-system (more 3rd party stuff available).

Where do you get RRS equipment in Singapore (assuming that's where you are)?

[zhaowei]

Haha, what I meant by an "unlimited" budget was that I am willing to save up to get a good BH. Even if I pass you my card (just a debit btw, no credit card) now you can probably just buy a meal at Mac's or something.

Thanks for the concise explanation. Sounds like a quick release system is almost a must-have. Both the LR and Pro look similar - what is the difference between the two? I also understand that I will need to buy a mounting plate to go with the RRS BH-40. They only have one type, the BP-CS that's compatible with my D40X. Does that mount on both the LR and Pro?

I'm actually in Tokyo now on university exchange, but will be returning in less than two months' time. I'm not sure whether I can find RRS stuff in any stores here. I hope I have enough funds left over to buy soon, but maybe I'll order online. Are RRS products available in Singapore?

[denniskee]

1) may i suggest u get a ballhead that can hold 2x the weight of ur macro gear setup.

2) use 180mm macro lens for its working distant and tripod collar or get a 3rd party tripod collar for ur macro lens (canon ef100mm f2.8 has 2rd party tripod collar). reason see (3).

3) drop the ur setup into portrait orientation using the ballhead. with this method, it simulate a gimbal head.

[Leong23]

Why RRS? Yes, it is really good but there are other good brand around.

You can only order RRS BH online, given the exchange rate now, the price is relatively quite good.

If you had unlimited budget, Markin will serve you well, if not KangRinpoche is not a bad choice too.

I will skip Benro & Manfrotto.

My macro setup is actually very heavy (D300, 200mm Macro, Focusing rail, Wimberley Flash Bracket, up to 2 External Flash). The KangRinpoche still haven't fail me, but if i had a 2nd choice, i will go for Markin, the build and finishing is better.

[lennyl]

Originally Posted by zhaowei Both the LR and Pro look similar - what is the difference between the two? I also understand that I will need to buy a mounting plate to go with the RRS BH-40. They only have one type, the BP-CS that's compatible with my D40X. Does that mount on both the LR and Pro?

The LR = lever, Pro = knob (like the original Arca Swiss). I've never tried the lever, having a much more limited budget than you so I can't advise on which is better. Googling other forums, people say the knob is more adjustable, the lever works well with RRS plates.

The BD-40L (L plate) also fits the D40x. Both of these plates will mount on either of the clamps.

The only retail store I know of is their store in San Luis Obispo. Fly into LA from Tokyo and drive North along Highway 1. Nice scenery, and you can also stop by Hearst Castle, enjoy the breathtaking views of Big Sur, and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

[mtunlinn]

Originally Posted by zhaowei Hi everyone, I would like to get your opinions on a good ballhead for macro photography. I've searched through the forum for ballhead recommendations and the usual ones that pop up include the Arca Swiss, Acratech and Markins ones. No doubt these are good options for general photography, with prices to boot. However, I'm looking for a recommendation specifically for macro shooting, because I'm starting on macro photography (mainly flowers) and I understand that tripod+ballhead is necessary for stabilising the camera when taking pictures at higher magnifications. I have a lousy tripod that I bought a while back that I'm willing to stick to for now, as it can hold my current equipment. Will upgrade that in time to come, but for now I want to get a ballhead that will allow me to compose and frame close-up shots much more easily. I'm on a tight budget but I would like to just start by gathering some feedback from you guys. Thanks in advance for replying!

If you are on a tight buget, i would recommand foba (swiss made). They are of much higher quality than manfrotto ones but still can't match markins.

You can get second hand foba bento superball M1 ball head for the price of new manfrotto 488rc2 in bns.

If your set up is heavy like leong23, markins is the way to go.

[zhaowei]

Originally Posted by denniskee 1) may i suggest u get a ballhead that can hold 2x the weight of ur macro gear setup. 2) use 180mm macro lens for its working distant and tripod collar or get a 3rd party tripod collar for ur macro lens (canon ef100mm f2.8 has 2rd party tripod collar). reason see (3). 3) drop the ur setup into portrait orientation using the ballhead. with this method, it simulate a gimbal head.

Hi denniskee, thanks for your recommendations. I think I will probably be safe with most of the highly recommended BHs on the forum. At the moment I will only be playing with my 60mm, but I may get a longer lens in the future and I can try out your setup suggestion. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Leong23 If you had unlimited budget, Markin will serve you well, if not KangRinpoche is not a bad choice too.

Originally Posted by mtunlinn If your set up is heavy like leong23, markins is the way to go.

Hi mtunlinn, thanks for joining in the discussion! Just to verify, you guys are talking about the Markins M10 right? I'm not sure whether I have been looking at the right website, but the M10 seems to be cheaper than the RRS BH-40.

http://www.markins.com/2.0/eng/produ...heads/m10.html
http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Cust...%2D40%2DLR&eq=

Originally Posted by lennyl The only retail store I know of is their store in San Luis Obispo. Fly into LA from Tokyo and drive North along Highway 1. Nice scenery, and you can also stop by Hearst Castle, enjoy the breathtaking views of Big Sur, and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Hey lennyl, I want to go to the US to shop because of the cheap US dollar now, but if I were to spend money on flying there, I would have nothing left to rent the car and more importantly, buy the ballhead!