Anyone use a ball head/ quick release combination for leveling ?  Something similar to a Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2  or 488RC4? They have a quick release so you can take the panhead off.  The TCPshort has a quick release to remove the camera.  Would mount a Mrtoator TCPshort pan head on top.

I know Smooth uses a handgrip/ball head.

Ball heads are rated in support weight in Kg or Pounds.

Manfrotto/Bogen 488RC2 or C4 are rated for a panhead/camera weight of 17 pounds.

I mounted a TCPshort with the Canon 5d/Sigma 8 (2.57kg 5.5lbs) on a mini ball and found that while I could level it alright.. it would drift off center.  Guess I need a bigger ball head to support weight of around 15 lbs (or 3 x pan head weight).

What are other folks using?

Dave,

I have a Manfrotto 488RC2 that I use also (apart from my #222 pistol grip) I don't have any issue with slippage and I run the extra battery pack also.

Using it with the MrotatorTCPS I don't think this is the ideal set up. The #222 is better for this purpose. Also look at the Manfrotto #322RC2

322RC2

Manfrotto #222

Manfrotto 486RC2

Regards, Smooth

Thank you for your response.  Functionally, I wanted a device that is short. I plan to use the head with the other two cameras 350d and 20d.  I decided on a 468RCO which looks like this.

Canon Rebel XT 485g
Sigma 8mm 320g
NodalNinja 475g
Total weight 1280 grams = 2.80 lbs

Hmm well our weights go like this:

Canon 5d Body      1.66 Lb
Sigma 8                   0.71
Mrotator TCPshort  3.17
Total                          4.90 Lbs

Added weight factor 3x  5lbs = 15Lbs

488RCO Ball Head load support 17.6 Lbs

The "tilt down" load force moment of the camera and bracket is 3" off center so there is a tendency for the ball to rotate backward and down because of the bracket/camera weight. The clamp on the smaller ball head would not tighten enough to hold it.

I just decided that 7 lb ball's would not handle the load.

Agreed that the 222 is shorter however, while rotating it has a handle that seems to extend into one or more images.

The Ball head appears to perform better than the 4" diameter Kaidan 3 wheel thumbwheel quick leveler.  Ball head has a smaller foot print.

I think if it was me with those considerations I would go for the 322RC2.

The handle would not appear in any shots. Also the 322RC2 can be stood upright like the #222 if needed.

I find the ball head clumsy with a lot of weight on it when compared to my #222. Still all will work.....

To answer Kevin, You don't have to use a Manfrotto tripod (so long as it has a removable panhead) in fact there are better and less expensive models and brands available.

I chose to use the #222 and 486RC2 because all have the same quick release adaptor. The same that is supplied with the Agnos MrotatorTCPS and the same as the one I fitted to my video camera and Agnos MrotatorC panohead and my MrotatorA and B that I use with my Nikon Coolpix cameras. Now I don't have to worry about having the right base plate (they are all the same).

Regards, Smooth

Bogen / Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ballhead is awsome!!!

Super fast to set up specially with the quick release plates.

And the built in bubble level is very handy.

Just my 3 cents. let us know what u ended up buyin and how

it worked out.

the 468rco will probably occupy less space and the little knob is a good idea to avoid the lens from capturing handles and stuff.  but the 3265 has no handles either.