I'm Really A 12 Year Old Boy

Yesterday, very early in the morning, I paid money for a good ballhead.

And then I giggled.

Yes, I am writing today's post about my stressful, exhilarating, and somewhat lengthy (snicker) ballhead experience.

First of all, who names something a ballhead?

Clearly a man, that's who.

For those of you who don't know what a ballhead is ...

A ballhead is a device that sits on top of a tripod, or monopod, for photography-related use.  There are websites devoted to ballhead varieties, and other websites debating which ballhead would make you happiest.

I was hilariously amused reading ballhead information.  (Proving, once again, I have the sense of humor of a 12 year old boy!)

Did you know your first attempt at getting a ballhead probably won't be your best?

Choosing the right ballhead can be a challenge.

Some ballheads cause quick release and others come with knobs and rubbers.

You can also get a screw ballhead, which is what I ended up purchasing.  Screw ballheads are slower to release which seemed to fit my particular needs.  (I much prefer a slower release.)

I'm giggling again, I can't help myself.

I was so confused by ballhead websites, I ended up calling a ballhead company to ask questions and place my order.

A very knowledgeable man took my call.

"Can you explain your favorite ballhead to me?" I asked.

:: pause ::

And then?

I giggled.

Yes, I did - right then, on the phone, I giggled.

I couldn't help it!

The nice man on the phone ignored me (after all, he has spent his entire career focusing on nothing but the best ballhead).  Then he began a detailed, informative, discussion on what he likes to see in his ballhead.  Trust me, he has very high expectations.  In fact, he has requirements that would never even occur to me.

I learned a lot.

For one thing, you can't have a discussion about ballheads without getting into detailed information about mounting them.  The mount you choose can have a big effect on the results you get from your ballhead.  

You want to have well supported ballhead or, apparently, there's no point to it.

Also?

A good ballhead is expensive.

"I'd easily pay $300 for a good ballhead," one male photographer friend told me.

Some people prefer double-action ballheads.

As one website said, "Any frustration with the head will very much aggravate you."

I could go on and on for days with ballhead quotes, but I'm going to make myself stop now.

However?

I suppose I should share this ...

I've been told the best ballhead is smooth and fast.

© Twenty Four At Heart 

Comments

[Jan]

You and Darling Daughter would get along FABULOUSLY. :)

[karen]

LOL... oh yes... I definitely agree with that last line.

[Maddie]

You crack me up.

[Tami]

If it makes you feel better, I wouldnt' be able to order ball head without laughing either.

[Pam]

LOL! Thanks for starting my morning off right! You crack me up.

[Jane]

You are hilarious! I also prefer a slow release!

[Joey Morman]

Laughing MAOFFFFFFFF!

[linda]

but what exactly does a ball head do? what exactly is a photography-related use? All the innuendo and none of the actual DEVICE? *snicker*