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Bob Macdonald did make an interesting point regarding ball heads; or any equipment, for that matter. I have to agree with his basic point, which is, "if it isn't broken, don't fix it". If anybody is satisfied with the performance of their tripod and head, meaning it is rock-solid and the probability of slipping resulting in a catastrophic crash is very low with the heaviest camera body/lens combination in use, I see no reason to change. His second point is cost; $300 vs. $100. If the cost of any equipment is beyond being reasonable, whether it would be good for one to have or not is a moot point if one can't afford it. You have to make due with whatever is within your means. On the other hand, I tend to view equipment like tripods and heads as portions of an insurance policy. I use a Graf Studioball on a heavy Bogen tripod (I am too lazy to get up and look at the model number.....besides, it doesn't matter). The combination weighs about 12 pounds, which isn't a lot when lifting out of the vehicle, but gets pretty old after a good climb and hike. Still, I consider the rig insurance. It has never blown over whereas I lost a Pentax 6X7 on Sherman Hill because of a gust of wind when I thought I was using an adequate tripod. For the sake of argument, consider Bob's $300. That is about 1/6 the value of most of my bodies. When I couple the heaviest telephotos to those bodies, that fraction drops to about 1/20 or less. It is these fractions which make me consider the "insurance" analogy. It is a small price to pay for performance and peace of mind. John C. Lucas ======================================================= -> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects' -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/ -> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved =======================================================
