you need more than stability. if your lens/camera combination weighs more than a certain amount and you don't have a tripod collar, there will be flex and twist in the tripod screw and its pad. cork pads, unless they are very carefully designed, will flex enough that when you position the camera while holding the lens, it will droop after you tighten the head and let go. how much it does depends on head position and how well balanced the camera/lens is about your mount point. similarly, if you don't have a rotating tripod mount on the lens, you will get movement if you flop the head on its side for a portrait shot. since you are using Pentax bodies, your best options are an Arca-Swiss-style quick release head with Kirk plates and brackets specifically for the body and lens you are using. this is after you have chosen the sturdiest set of legs you can afford.
Herb... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Eriksson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, July 28, 2003 01:31 Subject: Tripod head? was(Re: Tamron 300/2.8 SP LD IF Ex+, $1000) > Well now I have to pay the price, my > tripod & head is totally inadequate a bogen 3001/3031 setup. First step > will be a new head, I looked at the Kirk BH-3 (right name?) and it looks > promising but I'm sure there are other options. Anyone feel like making a > suggestion? The leg set will have to wait a couple of months thou.
