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MacroLens
Joined: 06 Jul 2017
Posts: 46
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 Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 8:13 am Post subject: Ballhead |
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I am going down to Dodd Camera here in Cincinnati tomorrow to look over the Gitzo, Manfrotto, and FLM ballheads they have in stock. The lady I spoke to sounded confident she could get me something for macro that I would like between $200.00 and $300.00. If not, I will order the Arcatech online.
I know Gitzo and Manfrotto get some pretty good reviews from everywhere but they also have their detractors. I cannot find much information on FLM other than a couple of internet reviews which rave about it not creeping. Any member's have some recommendations or even a model I need to stay away from for what ever reason?
And so you know its use, I will be using this more outdoors than indoors. My camera is a Pentax K1 with a D FA 100mm macro lens. The weight of the camera with lens is under three pounds. My tripod is the Berlebach Mini Large which is rated up to 11 pounds.
I want to put the ballhead on my tripod and see how I like it before shelling out the money if possible. 200.00 to 350.00 with a plate is my budget. I would love to be able to spend more but my finances right now will not allow it. Any thoughts? |
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Saul
Joined: 31 Jan 2011
Posts: 1223
Location: Naperville, IL USA
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MacroLens
Joined: 06 Jul 2017
Posts: 46
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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I bought the 410 Junior. ChrisR also mentioned he had one in another post. I tried a Gitzo, Arca-Swiss, and FLM that were about 50.00 to 100.00 more with Dodd's price match policy; but have to tell you I like the Junior more. Money was not the problem as three fell in my 350.00 or less category. The Arca Swiss was 380.00. I tried all four at the store mounted on my tripod with camera. Service was great and the young lady definitely had a lot of patience with me.
I like the apparent precision and the quick release is easy enough and feels secure. Its the heaviest by a good pound but with my tripod only weighing two pounds, I should still be able to manage carrying it without any problems. I am still well under the tripods 11 pound limit with camera, lens, and head coming in under 6 pounds. I think this is going to work out, now I just need to get out and shoot! |
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Saul
Joined: 31 Jan 2011
Posts: 1223
Location: Naperville, IL USA
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| Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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| MacroLens wrote: |
I bought the 410 Junior...!
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You'll not regret 
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Its the heaviest by a good pound but with my tripod only weighing two pounds...
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Setup should be heavy 
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I think this is going to work out, now I just need to get out and shoot!
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I wish you best luck in the macrophotohunting, spend more time on it and have less mosquitoes !
And be very careful where are you sitting - couple years ago I had a horrible "baboon's butt" because of some poisonous grass, couldn't drive, sit, sleep, touch etc. 
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Saul
Studio, horizontal and field setups |
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