Tripod head advice/opinions

Myksyk

Buying a new tripod (probably a Manfrotto 055 series). After looking at various reviews I thought I had more or less settled on a ball head. However, the pro in the shop advised fairly strongly against it and favoured one of the the pan, tilt and swivel Manfrotto heads instead. I have a Canon 6d with 24-105 lens at the moment and will be using the tripod for landscape and macro. The ball head is much more streamlined but he seemed to think it would not reliably support the camera in landscape mode. may be I just need to look at more options as he didn't have a lot of heads. What would people recommend based on their experience (of the tripod as well if you have any thoughts). Thanks.

Sorry mods ... this should probably be moved to the camera and accessories sub-forum.

Farmlife

I have a ball head and it works perfectly, even with the 70-200 2.8 IS, Go up to DML where they have a good range of all the Manfrotto heads and see what you think

intolerant

I use the ball head with joystick grip and have never had an issue, generally I use the 24-70mm 2.8 on it! Not only has it caused no issues I find using it is great and very reliable!

The Doktor

Ive the 055Pro (the carbon version) and find it great. I treat it like crap and still looks like new.
Ive also the 054 ball head. I use it for macro and landscape. It holds the camera perfectly well. It doesn't move a bit.
That's with a 60d with battery grip, 100mm macro lens and a canon ring flash on it. Even with the camera out sideways its rock solid. The heaviest setup I have outdoors is a 70-200mmL and it still doesn't move a bit.
I know some people prefer to have a joystick grip on it though, but personally that doesn't suit me. I like to hold the camera, position it, and lock the head where I want it.

ado100

I recently bought the 055XPROB with a 498RC4 ball head - super bit of kit really solid - even with a D600 and 70-200 f2.8. I got a very good deal from John Gunn, would highly recommend.

Alltherage

A 6d with a 24-105 isn't going to be too heavy. Were you told that a specific ballhead would be a problem or that ballheads wouldn't work in general. If you're being advised that a particular one is unsuitable then get a different/heavier one?

I've a Sirui k-40 which I'm very happy with, I expect it will hold just about anything I'd care to mount without a gimbal but it is quite heavy at 700g. So it wouldn't be the first choice if you want to get something you can fly with.
I've had it for 5 months no problems yet and nothing jumps out as potentially becoming a problem but I might have a different story 5 or 6 years down the line.

tom tit tot

I have a Manfrotto ball head with a pistol grip (322RC2) and I really couldn't recommend it higher. Very strong and sturdy, it's never budged even with some heavier lenses!

ValueInIreland

The 322 head is my favourite also, but it's getting hard to find now as it was recently discontinued in favour of the nicer (but dearer) 327. There is a smaller and cheaper option, the 324 but only for lighter SLR's with short lenses.