Tripod Ball head and customized
quick release plates
Here I am not talking about ordinary ball head and plates,
but the so-called Arca Swiss style ball head and plates. The following
are some of examples:
Kirk BH-1
RRS BH-55
Originally Arca Swiss B1 (currently I am
using)
Acratech Ultimate ball head
Compared with other types of tripod
heads, the Arca Swiss type ball head is much compact and its clamp
is designed with a open channel feature, while the quick release plate
is firmly attached to the camera or big lens. Like
any other quick release system, it is very easy to remove your camera
from the tripod and reattach onto. However, the real beauty of the system
is that custom-made quick release plates are available for each camera
and lens, like special fitted gloves for hands. As a result,
once the ball head is tighten up, the camera will not move at all,
ensuring that you get intended precise composition and
gain best stability of camera and lens. In
contrast, any other system just uses the universal plates. No matter
how hard you try to tighten plate against camera, the camera can
shift slightly, especially shooting at vertical position.
Among all Arca Swiss-type ball heads
shown above, Acratech Ultimate ball head is the lightest and cheapest. It
seems easier to clean after shooting at sandy locations, like at
sand dunes, or at beaches. Although I have not used it, it
is worth my mentioning.
Other advantages:
Very easy to adjust angles
Pan ability
Variable tension adjustment which allows controlled movement
possible during composing without worry about camera flipping over.
Drawbacks:
Pricey. (However, once you have used it, there is no turning
back.)
Check the following links for the ball head and the
customized camera and lens plates.
Kirk Photo
Really Right Stuff
Acratech
