Thanks to all for the suggestions. As I mentioned, I've completely decided on the ball head. I think the Arca-Swiss p0 (zero) is a brilliant design and I wasn't even aware of it until yesterday. Using a full ring instead of a small knob to tighten/loosen the ball is very glove-friendly (and even mitten-friendly), which is important here where we definitely get a cold winter season. Also, the "upside down" design means that level panning is possible (for example, for stitched panoramas) even when the tripod legs are not level. The "upside down" design also means that dust, moisture, etc. aren't going to be pulled by gravity down INTO the ball head socket. And even with its compact design, the p0 has the typical Arca-Swiss insane weight capacities (44 lbs, for this model). Even if you cut that in HALF you are at a very generous 22 lbs which should more than handle anything you throw at it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XzqULvCfMM No one mentioned the Manfrotto 394, which this guy really likes on the p0: http://blog.mingthein.com/2013/08/20/review-arca-swiss-p0-monoball/ (although he states that he "since replaced it with an Arca-style clamp he found on eBay for about $25. No idea which one that would be.) I see that there is also a third party clamp that appears to be made for the p0 (in that it is round) but it still accepts the STANDARD Arca-Style QR's from RRS, Wimberley, Jobu, Arca-Swiss, Kirk, Markins, etc. Due to the round design, it has to do this with much narrower clamping surface than normal (presumably the reason why Arca-Swiss didn't do this themselves and introduced the SlideFix for the p0) - so that makes me a little leery of it, but the two reviews for it on Amazon are both 5-stars (small sample set, I know) http://www.amazon.com/SUNWAYFOTO-Discal-Compatible-DDY-64i-Sunway/product-reviews/B009EIQ41I/ and this guy seems very pleased with both it and their universal L-bracket. http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3120618 On Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 6:39 PM, <kwal...@peoplepc.com> wrote: > Been using 'classic' Arca-Swiss Q R system for around 15 year. Most of the > other, non Arca-Swiss Q R systems seem to be cheaper imitations. All of my > pieces have come from Kirk. All are screw clamp. Haven't had any issues with > any of it. Haven't used the lever lock but it seems it would be quicker. > > BTW, be sure to look into an 'L' bracket, that's compatible - sure makes > quick work of switching from landscape to portrait and vice versa > > > > Kenneth Waller > http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/kennethwaller > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Darren Addy" <pixelsmi...@gmail.com> > Subject: Quick Release recommendations... > > >> I'm finally getting down to shopping for a good tripod head/ball head >> and QR system. >> I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm going to get the Arca-Swiss >> P0, but I'm not wild about their Slidefix system (or getting locked >> into it). I would rather go with something a little more universal >> (like the "classic" Arca Swiss mounts). >> >> I believe that if I get the Arca-Swiss P0 without the Slidefix and >> just the 1/4" stud, then I can put just about anybody's clamp on it. >> >> So I'm looking for a little input from those of you who are using a >> Quick Release system. What do you like, and why? Anybody have any >> opinions on the knock-offs available on eBay, etc.? Also, do you like >> a lever clamp system or the more traditional screw clamp? >> >> Thanks for any input. >> >> -- >> Nothing is sure but death and Pentaxes. >> >> -- >> PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List >> PDML@pdml.net >> http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net >> to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and >> follow the directions. > > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and > follow the directions. -- Nothing is sure but death and Pentaxes. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
