Tripod head help

Not entirely sure where to stick this thread.
I've currently got a velbon Maxi L tripod and a QHD-41Q ball head, problem is it doesn't seem to be very steady when the K5 is on it, and manouvering is quite hard with the head being quite small and no obvious protruding bits to grab (or maybe I'm just rubbish at using tripods).
I've had a look around and found some joystick like heads, seem to be fairly convincing (by design), though I'm not sure how reliable they are as obviously I've not really heard of them before.
Or would anyone have some light to shed on that? I'm not a frequent tripod user but I'll most likely use it when I'm travelling, and probably more now as I'm starting do a bit more macro.

Cheers

The ball head should be ok, you're supposed to hold the camera rather than the head while positioning it and then turn the locking screw once you're happy. I'm not sure about the one you have, but most of the full size ones have two controls, one of which adjusts the friction on the ball (so it doesn't flop around while you're positioning it) while the other locks it in place.

I did work that out to hold the camera not the head.
I think what mine is lacking is the friction control, once I loosen the screw it just flops one way or the other, which makes it a bit of a problem.

Yep, I can see that would be a pain!

Have a look at the Red Snapper ball head, that has the friction control and with normal lenses you can set it up so that the camera stays where positioned "hands off" with a tweak of the locking control fixing it in place. It is a big, heavy head though, depending on what your tripod legs are like it may be a bit oversized. I use it with their own three section legs which makes for an incredibly solid support.

Thanks for the recommendation Matt,

I see there are two different ball heads, one does cost £20 more, I dont think I have stuff that'll weigh over 5kg so the smaller cheaper one would fit me, but is there anything different in the design?
I think if I have a big heavy lens my tripod itself won't stand so I'll need a sturdier tripod first (not like I'm getting a big tele zoom anyway).
As a carry around tripod I'd rather it be small and compact.

I bought a SLIK AF2100 Trigger head about 2 years ago. I wish I'd bought it 20 years earlier. Unbelievable how easy and rigid it is. Comes with a very good QR plate. One on ebay at present they usually go for about £40

So does mine Adrian and it's a Benbo, so not cheap

Just hold the cam until aligned then tighten the retaining screw

Mine's the larger one of the two, so I haven't tried the smaller one. I sometimes put a Bronica medium format camera on it which weighs rather more than any Pentax 35mm/digital gear, so I'm glad I bought the heavy duty head!

It does look slightly comical with my K-m and DA 35/2.4 on though...

I am currently awaiting a Slik SBH-100 ball head with a view to repairing my broken 500G lightweight tripod. The Red Snapper is great but you don't really want to carry it far due to the sheer weight and bulk of the thing.

I have a manfrotto 222 pistol grip and can highly recommend. nearly fifteen years of constant regular abuse and it only broke once (at -40 degrees), required a $10.00 part and was easy enough that anybody could pull it apart and fix it.
rugged, sturdy and affordable.... might as well put it on a good tripod though, while you're shopping...

correction, it is nearly 17 years old...

I do fancy the versatality of a ball head, but knowing myself well enough I know I need something more substantial to hold on to adjust the tripod.
I guess a joystick like grip will be on order then.
I would like a good tripod, but the only thing light enough for me would be something made out of carbon fibre, and the size of the velbon maxi L is just so small I can fit it in most of my bags so no point in changing that, despite I'd like to (when I get paid properly in a few months time )