Why A Ball Head??

[Muttt]

I have been looking at ball heads for tripods and don't really understand why it would work better for a rifle? The whole concept is to keep the rifle level and the scope level with the rifle. This way the scope tracks correctly at extreme distances. So, what is the draw of a ball head? Doesn't this introduce cant into the equation? I suspect that a standard tripod head would give you the same amount of swing and tilt as a ball head ..... while keeping your rifle more level.

I can understand the need of being able to adjust to a non level surface. But, the adjustable legs allow for that. And, the tripod has a bubble level to ensure it's level before even mounting the rifle.

I guess I just don't understand the reasoning. Can someone explain??

 

[AMTeam4]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

I think a ball head works best for rapid cant adjustment with a rifle or optic.
Adjusting the tripod legs to fix cant at distance would be difficult and time consuming.
Fluid heads are also more difficult to adjust cant on uneven ground compared to ball heads in my opinion.

Another big reason ball heads are popular is because the ball design is capable of supporting the weight of heavy rifles better than other head designs such as fluid, pan/tilt, or geared heads.

 

[Wintermute]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

Just to throw this out there, I went down to the camera shop today and got to fool around with a fluid dampening Manfrotto head...ordered one before I left. I think from a smoothness standpoint and for providing just enough resistance without jerkiness to easily track and sight with a rifle, that it will be the way to go.

--Wintermute

 

[Sandbogg]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

I am running a Manfrotto 701 hdv mini video head with a hog saddle and it works great.

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

What do you mean by "standard" tripod head? Are you referring to a pan head like what they put on the little plastic jobbers sold @ walmart for holding your camcorder?

In the photography world, the ballhead IS the standard.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

I have not tried to mount a firearm to my tripod, but in my photography experience a ball head allow for much easier, quicker, smoother, and more accurate adjustments. Ball heads also lock down very quick. After shooting pictures with a ball head, I would not want to use a tripod without one.

 

[DCR]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

Loosen one screw and you get instant 3 directional (up/down, left/right, cant) adjustment. I think that's the biggest benefit.

 

[Rthur]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

I think the answer is in the tripod itself. The terrain will almost never afford level placement, thus the ballhead can correct this much faster.

 

[sandwalk3r]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

Well the tracking and fluidity are correct.

I use Really Right Stuff for my photography, as they make great ball heads.

If you don't use a ball head, you're talking about a mount that has two hinges. So you're firing a heavy rifle with decent recoil on a mount that has two weak points - each hinge.

There are few good hinged systems, largely b/c nobody wants them.

 

[Muttt]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

I'm still not sold on ball heads. But, some of the input so far makes some sense. I just don't see that much benefit ..... not enough to justify the extra cost.

As for the "two hinges have two weak points", wouldn't a ball head have "one" weak point? All the recoil being absorbed by one main point. Where the recoil is spread out between the two points.

The reason I asked this question was because I was given a Velbon Videomate III tripod by a buddy. I was suprised at how heavy duty it was when I took it out of the case. It's an older model that they don't sell anymore. I think it was designed for those really enormous video cameras they used to have in the 70 and 80's. Anyway, the pan head that is on it is so heavy duty (stronger and better made than any i've used or seen in the past) I can't see where a ball head would be stronger or more stable.

I wish they still made this model. I'd buy another so I have one for my rifle and my spotting scope. They sure don't make them like they used too. I don't know how many of the walmart style tripods I've busted in the past.

 

[AMTeam4]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

User preference trumps everything else as long as you're putting rounds on target.
If cost is your number one priority then it would be tough to beat a tripod from the 70's compared to a modern tripod/head kit.
Sounds like you found a keeper.

 

[Muttt]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

You're absolutely right about user preference.

The tripod was free ..... so, cost isn't really the issue here anyway. This aint the cheapest sport to begin with.

Since I would only be using my tripod with the rifle from a stationary blind or something of that nature, I don't see myself needing a ball head. But, if I were actually a military or LE sniper I could see the need for the ball head for expiditing setting up the platform on uneven terrrain, where you can't always choose the ideal location.

 

[DCR]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Muttt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Since I would only be using my tripod with the rifle from a stationary blind or something of that nature, I don't see myself needing a ball head. But, if I were actually a military or LE sniper I could see the need for the ball head for expiditing setting up the platform on uneven terrrain, where you can't always choose the ideal location. </div></div>

This is probably good for competition too. If you do that sort of thing.

 

[Muttt]

Re: Why A Ball Head??

Are you talking about the run and gun type of matches where you would be timed? I've never shot any matches like that ... even though I would like to. Too old and broken now. Bad back and really bad knees.

I could see it being an advantage in that case too. Might be more useful than I initially considered. Thanks for the input. I'm starting to see how it could more of a benefit.