Please help with tripod head recommendation

I am a newbie when it comes to tripod heads. Recently I was doing on-location portrait photo-shoot work and found myself struggling with my the Manfrotto 322RC2 type head. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/303591-REG/Manfrotto_322RC2_322RC2_Grip_Action_Ballhead.html . My outfit consisted of a 5dMK2 with grip attached using 85/1.8 lens and 580EXII flash attached in a portrait configuration. As subjects would move their heads left and right, I would constantly need to reposition the shot, however, once I released the grip, the entire rig would shift and drop. It was difficult to make sideways adjustments without loosing the vertical positioning. Also, I think my portrait setup is too heavy for this head.

Can someone recommend a head that would hold this rig steady in a portrait configuration yet allow smooth left and right movements as well as quick vertical adjustments if needed? My budget is around $300.

Thanks.

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-AP_

I use the Markins M10 ballhead. A good ballhead gets rid of all those droop issues you are experiencing. Markins also do the Q3 which is below your budget and plenty strong enough for a portrait setup.

You can drop the head over 90 degrees to use a basic camera plate in portrait mode, but I find it better to use an L-plate on the camera. I use a Kirk L-plate on the camera and a Kirk Arca-Swiss compatible quick bracket on the Markins head. This is a pricey way to go but is a very good setup. Some people swear by RRS as a very good alternative.

The Markins was the best value ballhead and I have had no quality issues at all.

I'm in the same boat, the joystick head isn't that good. i'll be replacing the head too.

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Who's Keyser Soze?

Exactly what I was going to recommend!

This one is in my budget:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/650470-REG/Acratech_1155_GP_Ballhead.html

Any comments on the Acratech products?

Thanks.

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-AP_
http://www.myprofiles.com/profile/apara_business

This is what I'm going to get for myself: http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.31708.83523.0.0/MH055M8-Q5/_/055_MAG_PHOTO-MOVIE_HEAD_Q5

I have the RRS BH-55 which is very solid and has a list price of $355. The slightly smaller BH-40 is $295.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?key=cat&code=BALLHEADS

I agree. I use the Kirk ball head. Kirk products are a little expensive, but the least forever.

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bweberphotography.com

I got the instructions for the 322RC2 from Manfrotto and found out that there is a tension screw adjustment (not the tension knob) that makes the grip tight again. This adjustment must be made with an allen wrench. They explain that after some time of use, the grip will loosen and the head will not hold the equipment in locked position.

After the adjustment, it's working just as I recall. I am going to continue looking for another tripod head, but for now, I think I can live with the 322RC2.

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-AP_
http://www.myprofiles.com/profile/apara_business

I've been very happy with Really Right Stuff BH-40 ball heads. I've had two, one that accepts an Arca-type quick release plate and uses a knob to open and close the jaws of the head, the other that accepts the RRS quick release plate/L bracket and has a clamp instead of a knob. I prefer the version with the clamp because it's easier and faster to mount the camera with the clamp than the knob.

Agreed. BH40 with the lever quick release.

CampyOne said:

I've been very happy with Really Right Stuff BH-40 ball heads. I've had two, one that accepts an Arca-type quick release plate and uses a knob to open and close the jaws of the head, the other that accepts the RRS quick release plate/L bracket and has a clamp instead of a knob. I prefer the version with the clamp because it's easier and faster to mount the camera with the clamp than the knob.

Click to expand...

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Galleries: http://www.pbase.com/jon_b

i just bought RRS BH-55 ballhead and their 4 link carbone fiber tri-pod, i can say with confidence that they are very good! light, sturdy, and simple with high quality precision worksmanship, but a bit on the expensive side :|

cheerz.

BH-55 or the BH-40 you will find no finer...

i just puchased RRS BH-55 LR for $455, complete. price you are quoting doesn't include clamp/platform!

cheerz.

Peter too said:

I have the RRS BH-55 which is very solid and has a list price of $355. The slightly smaller BH-40 is $295.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?key=cat&code=BALLHEADS

Click to expand...