Head for Manfrotto 055xprob

[DB]

But the OP wants a head for indoor real estate - so presumably he will be using 14mm or 16-35mm lenses and not telephoto, so a good sturdy ball head with quick-release plates would be better for moving tripod + camera from room to room, as well as upstairs/downstairs.

[TrumpetPower!]

But the OP wants a head for indoor real estate - so presumably he will be using 14mm or 16-35mm lenses and not telephoto, so a good sturdy ball head with quick-release plates would be better for moving tripod + camera from room to room, as well as upstairs/downstairs.

You just described the Really Right Stuff BH-40....

b&

[neuroanatomist]

Agreed. My point is that the AS quick release system is sturdier than Manfrotto's offerings, with no play between clamp and plate.  Manfrotto's plates are the weak point in their otherwise very robust midrange products.

Also, as a previous poster pointed out, with the 488/498, there's a bit of sag after you tighten the ball (this occurs even with normal/wide lenses).  Can't speak for the 055 (but I have a Manfrotto 468MG - no sag there). 

But the OP wants a head for indoor real estate - so presumably he will be using 14mm or 16-35mm lenses and not telephoto, so a good sturdy ball head with quick-release plates would be better for moving tripod + camera from room to room, as well as upstairs/downstairs.

You just described the Really Right Stuff BH-40....

+1

[TexPhoto]

I recently picked up a Benro B-3 Ballhead and am VERY happy with it.  Happy enough that I have ordered a 2nd for my 2nd tripod.  $129 from eBay.

[scrappydog]

The RRS BH-40 and Markins Q3T ball heads are good options.  Both are solid, quality heads that won't droop.  I use the Markins on my travel tripod and it is great.  For macro, you may want to consider a rail.

[brad-man]

I recently picked up a Benro B-3 Ballhead and am VERY happy with it.  Happy enough that I have ordered a 2nd for my 2nd tripod.  $129 from eBay.

I agree. I have a B0 ($79) on my slik pro that stays in my trunk, and a B2 ($110) on my Traveler. Excellent heads for the money...

[paul13walnut5]

I have the 498RC, but I actually hate it.  It now lives on my desktop caddy.

I'm just more used to 3d type heads.  A lot of folk get on fine with ball heads.  I am not amongst their number.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I use a Kirk Ball Head, and have a Manfroto horizontal joystick for my light table (bolted to the table).  I've had a couple of the Manfroto vertical joystick units, they had a lot of play, the more expensive pro models have no play.  Our local Pro Camera shop has a different brand of vertical joysticks that are low priced.  I played with them in the store, and they were worlds better than Manfroto, too bad I already have the expensive pro model.
  I also have two Benro Ball Heads,  total junk, they won't hold even a ordinary camera and lens still unless you really reef on the lock.