Lightweight tripod & ball head

I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking.
The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice
the weight and offers no advantage for me - the camera I'll be
using on those trips weighs about a pound. My question is on
ball heads. Unfortunately (maybe), B&H seems to be out of
stock of most of the Arca-Swiss ball heads. They have the
Gitzo heads in stock. I was hoping to use this tripod/head
combination for another assignment next week. What is the
collective wisdom regarding the Gitzo heads? They are light
and relatively inexpensive. However, I could buy a junk
tripod for my work next week, which will only be used to
support a flash.

Take a look at the Kirk ballheads. I have the smaller of the two and it is
bulletproof. Doesn't weigh much and matches well with my Gitzo Explorer
tripod while costing much less. Don't know anything about the Gitzo heads,
but looking at them, they just don't seem to be of the "right" design for
easy use.
Scott

"Andy Williams" wrote in message
...
I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking.
The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice
the weight and offers no advantage for me - the camera I'll be
using on those trips weighs about a pound. My question is on
ball heads. Unfortunately (maybe), B&H seems to be out of
stock of most of the Arca-Swiss ball heads. They have the
Gitzo heads in stock. I was hoping to use this tripod/head
combination for another assignment next week. What is the
collective wisdom regarding the Gitzo heads? They are light
and relatively inexpensive. However, I could buy a junk
tripod for my work next week, which will only be used to
support a flash.

Andy Williams wrote:

I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking.
The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice
the weight and offers no advantage for me - the camera I'll be
using on those trips weighs about a pound. My question is on
ball heads. Unfortunately (maybe), B&H seems to be out of
stock of most of the Arca-Swiss ball heads. They have the
Gitzo heads in stock. I was hoping to use this tripod/head
combination for another assignment next week. What is the
collective wisdom regarding the Gitzo heads? They are light
and relatively inexpensive. However, I could buy a junk
tripod for my work next week, which will only be used to
support a flash.

Have a look at:

http://acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM

I have their ball head (just got it recently), and it works well. Not
quite as smooth as my Linhof Profi II, but a lot lighter.

Andy Williams wrote:

What is the
collective wisdom regarding the Gitzo heads?

Servicable but you'll end up buying an AS or clone eventually. The
offset head of the Gitzo is funky. The AS is a joy.

Tim Smith wrote:

ave a look at:

http://acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM

Damn, $14 for a film can!

The Acratech ball head is VERY nice. I've been using it for a little over 6
months. The Arca-Swiss clamping system is the way to go if you use any long
telephoto lenses. Focal length seems to be at least as important as camera
weight. Replacing a bunch of quick release plates when you find your tripod
head isn't good enough is very expensive. I went through 3 Bogen heads
before deciding the quick release was a big part of the stability problem.

A lot of trails have weeds/bushes that might be too tall to see over with
the G1028. Also consider a 3 section leg rather than a 4 section leg. It
saves weight and is generally more stable. (I use a G1026 and a G1227 ...
both have their pluses)

Finally read through the reallyrightstuff.com manual. It has some good
thinking put into it.

Good luck,
-jeff


"Tim Smith" wrote in message
...
Andy Williams wrote:

I've pretty much decided on Gitzo G-1028 legs for backpacking.
The next step up would be the G-1228, which is almost twice
the weight and offers no advantage for me - the camera I'll be
using on those trips weighs about a pound. My question is on
ball heads. Unfortunately (maybe), B&H seems to be out of
stock of most of the Arca-Swiss ball heads. They have the
Gitzo heads in stock. I was hoping to use this tripod/head
combination for another assignment next week. What is the
collective wisdom regarding the Gitzo heads? They are light
and relatively inexpensive. However, I could buy a junk
tripod for my work next week, which will only be used to
support a flash.

Have a look at:

http://acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM

I have their ball head (just got it recently), and it works well. Not
quite as smooth as my Linhof Profi II, but a lot lighter.

Servicable but you'll end up buying an AS or clone eventually. The
offset head of the Gitzo is funky. The AS is a joy.

The offset head of the Gitzo IS kind of funky, but on the Explorer tripod
mentioned earlier in this thread, it is just the thing. Because you HAVE to go
horizontal with the center column to get down low with the explorer, having the
ability to rotate where the notch is on the ball head makes it easier to get
the camera in position.

Dukephoto

MDCORE wrote:

Servicable but you'll end up buying an AS or clone eventually. The
offset head of the Gitzo is funky. The AS is a joy.

The offset head of the Gitzo IS kind of funky, but on the Explorer tripod
mentioned earlier in this thread, it is just the thing. Because you HAVE
to go horizontal with the center column to get down low with the explorer,
having the ability to rotate where the notch is on the ball head makes it
easier to get the camera in position.

The OP was talking about the Mountaineer, which I have, and it certainly
doesn't need the Gitzo head, which I used to have. Personally, I
wouldn't buy an Explorer but whatever suits you.

(Clyde) wrote:

Tim Smith wrote:

ave a look at:

http://acratech.net/PRODUCTS.HTM

Damn, $14 for a film can!

Yeah, isn't that something? Precision-machined aluminum film cans for
your 120/220 rolls.

Anyone know of a source for cheaper 120/220 film cans?

Thanks to all who replied. It seems the bottom line is that this is
not a decision to be made in haste based on retailers' stock. I will
buy a cheap tripod to use with my flash next week and mull over the
decision on the ultimate choice for my backcountry equipment.