Which ball tripod do you recommend? I'm looking for 100% quality not look alike junk.?

Question

Well 1st things 1st
I have a heavier well built CN DSLR (not consumer grade) & some zooms & tele converters & extension tubes.
Whatever I buy will have to be tough enough.
I've been looking & browsing at the auctions & the internet.
I'm very suspicious of the quality & decided not to buy fake brands.
I would prefer a metal ball made of steel VS aluminum or plastic.
I'm not 100% sure I want a well known brand name with a phenolic ball. It sounds a like special plastic that my bowling balls is made of.
Also someone reviewed & tore apart a $120 less priced, yet popular name brand making look alikes & proved it was total junk showing photos as proof.
Some popular auction merchants don't even offer or imply a warranty.

ACTUALLY I MEANT BALL TRIPOD HEAD

Answer 1

You don't mention your budget so I will make certain assumptions. You could spend a small fortune and purchase an Arca-Swiss or you could get a bogen/manfrotto that is extremely well made and won't cause you to re-mortgage your home. I have a 488RCO which will support 17.6 lbs and has served me very well for quite a few years. B&H has it for around $107. Here is a link to the B&H web page:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=272989&is=REG

As far as the tripod goes I have a bogen/manfrotto 3021BN which is a great all around tripod and is extremely well made. link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/217261-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3021BN_3021BN_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

Answer 2

A couple of points to consider:

1: There are three main materials used for quality tripods-aluminum, wood, and carbon fiber.

Wood tripods tend to be the heaviest, most expensive, and most bulky. A lot of people swear by them because they also slightly springy, which allows them to absorb and dampen vibrations. Wood tripods aren't used too much anymore, because they are extremely inconvenient.

Aluminum tripods tend to be fairly heavy, very stiff, and relatively inexpensive. The only problem is that they tend to transmit and amplify vibrations, and the only real way to remedy this is to use sheer mass(ie heavier tripods) to supress it.

Carbon fiber is a type of high-tech reinforced plastic. It's very sturdy, lightweight, and also slightly springy. To be just as sturdy as an aluminum tripod, it can be about half the weight. Plus, the springyness gives it the same vibration-supressing property as wood.

Overall, carbon fiber is probably the best choice for tripod legs. It's more expensive than aluminum, but is significantly lighter and offers more support. You'll be more likely to haul out a carbon fiber tripod than an aluminum one-I speak from experience.

I don't know of any company that makes steel legs-they would be heavier than aluminum and no sturdier. Plus, they would also rust if they weren't kept painted or galvanized, and rust would harm their integrity significantly.

2. Brand-Gitzo is probably the top #1 brand, but also the most expensive. You could easily spend $500 for a set of carbon fiber Gitzo tripod legs.

The next choice after Gitzo would be Bogen/Manfrotto, and then Slik.

I personally wouldn't bother with any other brands.

Now, as far as heads go-good ball heads are also expensive. I've used both the Really Right Stuff and the Arca-Swiss ball head, and both are excellent, although expensive. I can't comment on any others on the market, although there are some which are less expensive.

A good tripod and head is never a bad investment. You'll probably be ready to toss your DSLR in the garbage in 5 years to get the newest, latest and greatest thing. You'll probably still be using your tripod in 30 years, though.

Answer 3

Benbo, or any tripod for a medium format camera will do just get a ball head mount, visit a proshop

a

Answer 4

ARCA-SWISS monoball Z

Plan on paying at least 10% to 20% of what you paid for your camera body for a quality tripod and head. It might be closer to 30%.

Answer 5

I recommend Really Right Stuff ball head or a Foba Ball Head

Really Right Stuff
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?Cc=Ballhead40&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?Cc=Ballhead55&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

Foba
http://www.sinarbron.com/foba/ballheads/superball.php

Answer 6

manfrotto and slik both do a range of very well made tripods that last the course

Answer 7

one word: manfrotto