Tripod Ball Heads........ my mistake.

I learned a valuable lesson just prior to unnecessary spending.

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a Dolica tripod with ballhead. It was rated to support 17 pounds, so I figured it would be fine for my D700.

Well, every time I mounted the D700, and cranked down on the tension knob, the camera became a victim of gravity and the ball would move/slip. I'd tighten down even more and the camera would still slip. :mad-new:

I was not a happy camper. I started shopping for a replacement.

I don't know how, but I discovered that the tension knob only needs to be turned lightly. I generally don't do anything lightly, so it seemed unnatural. :dread:

I am new to ball heads and there were no instructions indicating the proper tension technique.

So, now I'm very pleased with my tripod, ball head, and D700 set-up. :unconscious:

I'm passing this on for other ball head newbees. Remember: Easy does it. I know it isn't logical, but that's how they work. :friendly_wink:

Thanks!
Just got a new tripod and would have done the same thing as you... unfortunately I am not a 'gentle' person..

ABN Panzer said:

Thanks!
Just got a new tripod and would have done the same thing as you... unfortunately I am not a 'gentle' person..

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Yep. That's why I posted the story. If I had known, it would have saved me a lot of aggravation. Good luck with yours.

It's the Dolica GX650 with the B204 head. It's 65" tall. I am very pleased with it now that I know how to use it. The D700 is a heavy camera and it handles it just fine.

This is a public awareness announcement.....

Well, by the previous over-tightening, I did ruin the Dolica B204 ball head assembly. Took it apart and couldn't make it work correctly... either it locked tight and had to be forced loose, or it wouldn't tighten at all.

Over all, even if it did work, I think it was too lightweight for the D700 with heavy lenses. I think it would work great with lighter DX cameras, or even the D600.

I bought a new ball head assembly for my tripod..... The Smith-Victor BH-8. It is rated for 40 pounds. 40 pounds!

The ball is about the size of a handball, much larger than a golf ball and the assembly dwarfs the B204. It has two ball-tension adjusters and a pan tension adjusting knob.

I am very pleased with this ball head and it secures my D700 very well. It doesn't budge even with my heavy metal 24-120 Street Sweeper.

For around 50 bucks, I consider it a bargain.

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Not for lightweights. The assembly weighs more than a pound and a half. With my mitts, it has to be durable.

good idea, I nearly ruined a D700 due to a tripod release failure,, I am still nervous sometimes, once bitten, always aware of the risk. but with that new ball/head, hard to believe you have any issues.

Good to buy at a local pro shop, and have them demo the proper usage.

Look at the size of this ball head assembly with my D700. I love it!

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Ted - good read. I have not tried that particular ballhead but from what I have researched, the higher end Really Right Stuff, Arca-swiss Z1, and Markins provides better hold without creeping especially when using heavier rigs in an angled position. I know they are a little bit more expensive but they provide much better support but I like to buy things right the first time.

Thanks. This Smith-Victor doesn't budge even with the 70-300 hanging way out front, and any angle.

TedG954 said:

Thanks. This Smith-Victor doesn't budge even with the 70-300 hanging way out front, and any angle.

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That's a good find Ted. What I like about it is that it uses an arca-swiss mount which is what I use.

For camera plates that has an anti-twist flange, try the Markins PG 50 but that's another expense for you which is almost the same price as the ball head.

http://www.ppsna.com/product_info.php/cPath/27_131/products_id/74?osCsid=5gqsalsful1cghbhjnvhs72f76

For $50 that looks like a real good deal, Ted. Looks heavy duty, too.