heavy ballhead, Arca B2 vs. Linhof Profi III?

I am considering the purchase of a heavy duty ballhead for my largest tripod.

I understand that the Linhof Profi III is a simple ballhead, whereas the Arca B2 is really a three way pan tilt head disguised as a ballhead.

Has anyone ever had a chance to compare them side by side? Are the quality and stability of the Arca B2 and Linhof Profi III ballheads comparable?

Thanks in advance,
Henry

Try the Arca B1. It is a true ballhead (unlike the B2). It is very stable and easily supports my 8x10 view camera.

Henry Carter said:

I am considering the purchase of a heavy duty ballhead for my largest tripod.

I understand that the Linhof Profi III is a simple ballhead, whereas the Arca B2 is really a three way pan tilt head disguised as a ballhead.

Has anyone ever had a chance to compare them side by side? Are the quality and stability of the Arca B2 and Linhof Profi III ballheads comparable?

Thanks in advance,
Henry

Click to expand...

Hey,
I would certainly trust the quality of either option to be first rate. I have a very old ARCA B1g (at least I think that is the correct nomenclature). It is, at any rate, much larger than the standard B1. I have used it under a Korona 12x20. The Korona needs a second tripod under the lens standard but that is not the fault of the ARCA. In my opinion the more complex mechanism of the current ARCA seems somewhat prone to "pilot error". It is however a beautifully built and finished jewel. I would find someone who has them in stock and make sure to see first hand how the ARCA mechanism works before making a decision.
Celac.

I use a B1 for my monorail. Not sure if that helps you at all as you say you're looking at the B2 (quite an investment!) but I have been happy with mine.

For the record though, I think one of the main reasons I like mine is just that it has the adjustable tension (which I'd imagine most ballheads have, at least the heavier duty ones), it looks nice, and because I use an Arca-Swiss camera, so it's the same brand (I tend to remain loyal to certain companies!) but moreso, my monorail clamps on in place of the quick release but the bigger advantage is I can slide the monorail (couldn't do that with any quick release) which means I can keep the monorail on the tripod and carry the camera in a backpack.

I wish I could comment on the Linhof, but I haven't used or even heard much about it. Personally, if you don't have an Arca-Swiss camera, then I'd recommend going with the cheaper one, unless you think you might always wonder, "what if I went for the Arca, or what if I went for the Linhof."

Just my two cents. Of course, I just started large format a few months ago. Hopefully I was able to provide some sort of valuable information. If not, I'm sure many others out there will!

Arca makes a great ballhead. I've used the B1 and currently have the B2. With large format, I much prefer the B2 for its two controllable axis. Hope this helps.

When I started with LF, I already had a massive Unilock head, and put it to use right away. While not the most "high-profile" head, it is very capable of handling anything I've tried on it. The only limitation is that it needs some weight to move smoothly (!), my 9x12cm folders are at the lower limit. But it's great with the 7+ kg Technika III 5x7", even with the 1kg 300mm Xenar racked out to the max.

When I use the 4x5" Linhof Color I leave the mounting block on the tripod head, and pack (or hand carry) the camera itself.

Thanks to all who contributed their valuable input.

For lighter loads I already use an Arca Swiss B1 ballhead or a Linhof 3-way levelling head (3663).

It would appear that a better comparison for heavier loads would be between an Arca Swiss B2 and a Linhof Levelling Pan/Tilt head 77 or 90 (3667, 3668). The Linhof Profi III ballhead is probably more comparable to the Arca Swiss B1.

The biggest tripod that I have is the Linhof Profi III, and the heaviest camera that I use is a Linhof Master Technika.

The Profi III tripod's top clamp would directly accomodate the Linhof Levelling Pan/Tilt head 90 (90 mm base). I could attach a RRS Arca Swiss style quick release clamp to the Linhof quick-change plate (for the Pan/Tilt head) so that it is compatible with the RRS Arca Swiss style plates mounted on my cameras.

So it is down to the B2 or the Linhof Levelling Pan/Tilt Head (3668)...

Regards,
Henry