Smith Victor BH2 vs Smith Victor BH5; buying first tripod - updated!

[alfa147x]

I am looking at the following heads:
BH2
BH5


The only difference I see is that 18 lb. Capacity (BH2) vs 26 lb. Capacity (BH5)

Here is my gear: Canon 30D, 20D, 24-105mm f/4 L , 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS L , 50mm f/1.8 II, 430ex, 530ex


Would I gain anything from going with the BH5? I ask this because if I went with the BH2 I could afford another quick release Plate

also does anyone know why these are out of stock?

Thanks,
Alfa147x

 

[996GT2]

I am looking at the following heads:
BH2
BH5


The only difference I see is that 18 lb. Capacity (BH2) vs 26 lb. Capacity (BH5)

Here is my gear: Canon 30D, 20D, 24-105mm f/4 L , 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS L , 50mm f/1.8 II, 430ex, 530ex


Would I gain anything from going with the BH5? I ask this because if I went with the BH2 I could afford another quick release Plate

also does anyone know why these are out of stock?

Thanks,
Alfa147x

They've been backordered at both Adorama and B&H for quite a while. I tried to get one a few weeks ago but canceled my order after waiting. I think the heavier-duty (and more expensive) BH8 is also backordered now, so you might have to wait a while to get any of the 3.

In the end, I just gave up on trying to get one of these. Luckily, I was able to find a Manfrotto 488RC2 used on POTN forums for around $50. If you had to choose between BH2 and BH5, though, I would get the BH5 just because these inexpensive ballheads tend to have quite exaggerated load ratings (i.e. they are rated with the load vertically mounted instead of at an angle). Heck, I would just pay the extra $10 and get the BH8 since you have a 100-400 L (which is not a light lens). The BH8 would probably be fine with ~10 pounds of gear on it, but I highly question its load rating of 40 lbs for actual use.

Btw, a 30D, 100-400L, and a 430EX together is not light by any means, so I would look into some heavier-duty tripod legs as well. Manfrotto 055 (3021) series and Slik 700 Pro legs are quite good for a reasonable price. I rented out a set of Manfrotto 190XDB legs from my school's media center today, and they look quite flimsy when compared to the 055 legs I have currently. The only downside to tripod legs like these is weight. I'd say that my 055CL legs and 488RC2 add up to 6+ pounds easily, which some might consider heavy. But then again, you can choose from light, sturdy, and inexpensive, but you can't have all three at the same time

Here's what I would recommend to go with the BH8:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/557127-REG/Slik_615_317_700DX_Pro_Tripod_Legs.html

That would give you a very sturdy tripod to go with your 100-400L for around $160.

 

[alfa147x]

Thanks a lot for your response! I'm going with the BH8

Ok one more question, if I chose Sturdy and Inexpensive is that still the right set of legs ?

 

[996GT2]

Thanks a lot for your response! I'm going with the BH8

Ok one more question, if I chose Sturdy and Inexpensive is that still the right set of legs ?

Yeah. The Slik 700 Pro legs are definitely sturdy and don't cost much. Just keep in mind that they will make for a heavy combination when paired with the BH8 ballhead (which itself is close to 2 pounds). Shouldn't be a problem unless you're a complete wuss...or if you plan to take them on multiple mile long hiking trips, in which case they can get tiring.

But the latter is the reason they make the $500+ Gitzo traveler carbon fiber tripods...like I said earlier, you can't have light, sturdy, and cheap all at once.

 

[alfa147x]

Awesome Thanks a lot!

 

[alfa147x]

Just to follow up I ordered the following for $97

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CK7...namitedata.com
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CK7...namitedata.com

I know the head isn't fancy but it's simple, small, looks rugged, and $12
I'll report back on it!