So What Is the Best Tripod Head?

After having [implicitly] criticized the $1,500 Arca "Cube" the other day ("Taking Technology Too Far," Dec. 31, '05), I felt it might be incumbent upon me to nominate a candidate for "Best Ball Head."

For my money (specifically, $145, less that 1/10th what the Cube costs), it's the Really Right Stuff BH-25 Pro, a small but powerful ballhead that will adjust quickly and hold up to 9 lbs. (and if you're using a camera that weighs more than 9 lbs., or need more deluxe features, they make bigger ones). As shown here, it's equipped with a locking knob to clamp a camera plate; you can also get it with a locking lever, or customize it by buying it with a tripod screw and attaching one of RRS's other mounting apparati.

Like most of Really Right Stuff's stuff, it's intelligently designed, well made, and fairly priced.

Posted by: MIKE JOHNSTON