Bh-55 or bh-40 head

[RichF]

I have both plus probably a dozen other makes and models that I've tried over the years. I keep going back to the BH-55 for general use on my Gitzo series 3 & 5. I use the BH 40 on my series 2 but I'm not overly fond of it. I do prefer heads with the lever lock plates. I also like my Acratech long lens/panorama 1160 head. It's almost as good as using a gimbal head and doesn't have the ball head flop over when loosened.

I used to be a member of the bag of the club, I have finally meet someone is a member of the tripod head of the month club

 

[Deleted member 115]

. . . I also like my Acratech long lens/panorama 1160 head. . .

To me that looks nicer than the flexshooter people seem to like so much. I think that might be the way to go for a pan/tilt head.
Am I missing something?

 

[Rogereh]

Well w

I used to be a member of the bag of the club, I have finally meet someone is a member of the tripod head of the month club

Well, we are actually talking about 60+ years of collecting equipment. I'm 75 and been shooting since I was around 10. More like Tripod head (and most photography items) of the Decades Club... So do you want to talk about bags?

 

[Calson]

I prefer the Kirk ballheads for general use and with the Wimberley Sidekick their BH-3 was able to handle the 200-500mm lens with ease. For a 500mm f/4 lens I needed the BH-1 ballhead. For landscape photography nothing compares to the Arca-Swiss D4 GPin performance and overall design and build quality.

I tried the BH-40 but found it was not easy to operate with gloves on and that is important to me for my own use. The BH-55 has the same limitations which is why I use Kirk balleads and the D4 GP instead.

 

[RichF]

Well w

Well, we are actually talking about 60+ years of collecting equipment. I'm 75 and been shooting since I was around 10. More like Tripod head (and most photography items) of the Decades Club... So do you want to talk about bags?

I was put on a 12 step program to break the habit. I still have too many bags (backups just in case or ordered the same bag because I forgot I ordered it or could not find it). Mostly now try not to let equipment too out of hand (just a little).

 

[Deleted member 115]

I prefer the Kirk ballheads for general use and with the Wimberley Sidekick their BH-3 was able to handle the 200-500mm lens with ease. For a 500mm f/4 lens I needed the BH-1 ballhead. For landscape photography nothing compares to the Arca-Swiss D4 GPin performance and overall design and build quality.

I tried the BH-40 but found it was not easy to operate with gloves on and that is important to me for my own use. The BH-55 has the same limitations which is why I use Kirk balleads and the D4 GP instead.

I am not a salesman and it sounds like you are happy with your setup. That said, I think you would like the BH55 while wearing gloves especially with a lever release. It has a giant knob for the head, and a fine adjustment knob that is flattened out a bit and easy to turn.
Like I said not trying to push anything...

 

[EricBowles]

One comment on load limits. They are good for comparing within a brand, but it's a relative comparison. There is no standard for what a load limit actual means or how it is tested, so you can't place much value on a load limit for two brands with unknown testing methods. The RRS tripod heads and legs will support the weight of an adult male - and there are videos of the company's owner being fully supported by their ballheads. The reality is the weak point in a kit is usually the smallest leg section. The top of the line tripods are normally going to be great in terms of clamping power. Balance will vary - when you overload a small ballhead its a lot more work.

 

[Roy]

I am considering purchasing a new ball head. I use a d800 and a Z6ii with a 70-200 currently and will likely purchase a Nikon 200-500. Is the bh-40 from RRS enough or do I need the bh-55?

I'm not a fan of ballheads - especially on long glass.
Although I do also use a BH-55 in the studio and landscape, Its not worth its weight for wildlife and a gimbal head works better.

 

[RichF]

One comment on load limits. They are good for comparing within a brand, but it's a relative comparison. There is no standard for what a load limit actual means or how it is tested, so you can't place much value on a load limit for two brands with unknown testing methods. The RRS tripod heads and legs will support the weight of an adult male - and there are videos of the company's owner being fully supported by their ballheads. The reality is the weak point in a kit is usually the smallest leg section. The top of the line tripods are normally going to be great in terms of clamping power. Balance will vary - when you overload a small ballhead its a lot more work.

I wonder if some ball head manufacturers have a method to measure or estimate their load limit. Or do they simply guess or even Pull It Out Of Thin Air (perhaps part of their body)>

 

[EricBowles]

I wonder if some ball head manufacturers have a method to measure or estimate their load limit. Or do they simply guess or even Pull It Out Of Thin Air (perhaps part of their body)>

Each of them does have a method. I think I recall RRS used a 50 pound weight mounted perpendicular to the camera plate - completely off axis. It supported the weight with no problem and that far exceeded any gear combination, so they called it a day. They don't test maximum weight.

I've seen others that don't post the weight off axis - it's posted in a normal orientation. So yes - it supports a given weight, but it's largely related to balance and does not stress clamping power or stability.

 

[jhorsch]

I use BH-55 with (heavy) Nkion 200-500 - steady as a rock. Get it.