If you had to choose between a new Ballhead vs new tripod...

Which would you choose if you were on a limited budget? I'm new here and just posted up a question about ballheads. I have a set budget, and won't be able to buy both at the same time. I do have a tripod and ballhead right now, but they aren't the greatest and is the reason for upgrading.

I think in few weeks I will be able to pick up the tripod. If you were in the same position and could only buy one of the two right now, would you buy the tripod first or the ballhead?

Well it would depend. If I thought my tripod was flimsy and not strong enough, I would buy the tripod first. However if the tripod is strong enough and the ballhead is the major problem I would buy that first. Sorry, that probably doesn't help you, but that is what I would do.

digishutterbug wrote: Well it would depend. If I thought my tripod was flimsy and not strong enough, I would buy the tripod first. However if the tripod is strong enough and the ballhead is the major problem I would buy that first. Sorry, that probably doesn't help you, but that is what I would do.

completely.

I would go with the tripod first

Tripod would be my first choice

I thought heads come with the tripod?

Hmm I might need to change my direction here. I was going to go with the ball head first but think I might go with the tripod first now.

If your current tripod is not real steady or if it's too heavy to carry on hikes, get a Benro carbon fiber tripod. You can get one for about $250 from BH Photo and/or Adorama. I have one and have been very satisfied. One note of caution, get a model with flip locks on the legs--not the twist lock legs. I used to have a twist lock leg model. After a couple of years, one leg wouldn't retrack. Since I paid about $130 for it, I just ordered a new one with flip locks. The price had gone up to $240 (but it's still a good deal). Benro is a Chinese knock-off of a Gitzo tripod. The Gitzo models costs 3-4 times more. The rumor is thatGitzo went to China to get their tripods manufactured there. "Somehow" their plans were used by a plant on the next mountain to make the Benro knock-offs. For a while, the U. S. companies that sell camera gear and tripods would sell benro but would not advertise them for fear of ticking off Gitzo. Now, everyone is selling Benros. The good thing is that since they are relatively inexpensive, after two years, or when you have additional budget, you can upgrade to a Manfrotto (which is really not that much more costly than the Benro) or a Gitzo (which is the top of the line along with Really Right Stuff).

Really Right Stuf also makes the best ball heads but they have a pretty high cost. Checkout Flashpoint ballheads. You can get a decent one for under $100. I use a Manfrotto three=way tilt head that cost me about $100. It's made of magnesium so it's very lightweight. But, a ball head would be more flexible. I'm like you, I'll use my three-way head until I get the budget for a ball head; but, go with a carbon tripod. Metal tripods just weigh too much; and, in cold weather, the metal really freezes your hands.