Really Right Stuff Ballhead
What got me started on the Really Right Stuff products was just the idea of committing to a system that would work with everything. Their tripod head consists of three components: an L-bracket custom made for your camera model; a standardized Arca-Swiss-style quick-release clamping plate; and the ballhead base, itself. Committing to this system is a big expense. The fact that each new piece continually adds more value makes it easier to justify. This system’s advantages over something such as a simpler Manfrotto ballhead with a quick-release plate are increased stability and quicker changes from portrait to landscape mode.
RRS is big on system synergy. They are top-notch, beautifully made, perfect products. I have a BH-40 Ballhead on a Gitzo tripod as my main rig and a BH-25 on a Gitzo Traveler for an ultralight rig, perfect for backpacking. Each of my cameras -- Nikon D200 and Canon G9 -- has an RRS L-plate, which makes for a quick and solid connection atop both tripods, either in landscape or portrait mode.
Of the two ballheads, the BH-25 is my favorite for its super compactness. When I’m traveling or backpacking, I need a lightweight, minimal setup. The BH-25 paired with Gitzo’s Traveler is it.
I’ve been using the RRS products for about five years now, and I have to admit that part of the appeal is simply the joy of using perfectly made gear. Sometimes the tools can inspire us.
Manufactured by and available from Really Right Stuff
Favorite (15)
cisko
RRS makes great stuff and I have their L-plate on my Canon 5D. However I chose the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead instead. The design is unusual but very tough and lightweight, and its open design will be easier to keep clean and functional when backpacking. The Acratech clamps fit just fine with the RRS plates.
I can't find out how much the RRS clamps weigh, so it's hard to compare weights. The BH-25 looks too small to me, but I use a bigger camera than the D200 so I won't try to judge how well it works for you. It should be perfect for the G9 however.
BJ Nicholls
I have a lot of Really Right Stuff equipment, including the small ball head above. I personally don't care for RRS ball heads (although they are indeed very well made). The high end models are overbuilt, heavy for their capacity, and very expensive. The low end models like the one pictured have no fine control over tension (to make precise composition easy) or separate panning capability.
I personally prefer Markins ballheads that provide exceptional capacity vs. ball head weight. Markins clamps work with RRS brackets and other components, along with those from Kirk Photographic, Acratech and others.
The_other_bill
I've never really been a ballhead guy, only having dabbled with them over the years. Their advantage--total freedom of movement--is exactly what I'm afraid of. That's partly because, in my estimation, there is no better tripod head than the Bogen/Manfrotto 410 compact geared head. http://www.adorama.com/BG3275.html
The term "compact" is all relative; I wouldn't want to hike with it. But for the studio and location work that I do (mostly portraits, some products, some spaces), it gets around just fine. The ability to make minute compositional changes via the gears is... I hate to say priceless, but I can't imagine ever again choosing to purchase a head without gears. That said, some would say it's because I've yet to find the perfect ballhead; perhaps this RRS is it.
Andres
Have had my eye on the top of the line RRS ballheads from the moment I laid my eyes on them. Finally was able to budget for one just recently and am in seventh heaven. The BH-55 Pro functions faultlessly, is a joy to touch in a Leica kind of way and is so beautifully made you wouldn't believe it. Yes, it's heavy. Yes, it's expensive. But it is worth every ounce and penny of it.
The L-place is marvelous - never again shift your tripod just because you want to change composition. The rotating plate with a bubble lever is just brilliant for panoramas, no more minutely adjusting leg sections to get the darn head level.
The head itself is rock solid with all the knobs in exactly the right places and turn in just the right way. The only snag I have is that the button that adjust pre-tension on the ball tends to come loose on its own when working in the field, but that's minor.
Oh, and you can go and add panorama and macro equipment that sort of plugs just in.
No, I do not work for RRS, I just love their stuff.
c-dub
"Right Stuff Ballhead" was my nickname in high school.
morcheeba
other_bill -- you read my mind! I've got the 410, too, and love it. Can you tell I'm an engineer that specializes in macro shots? ;-) I'm not a ballhead guy, but my friend's RRS larger-ballhead was amazing. These are some beautiful tools.