I have a nice new CF tripod coming for Christmas, so I need a ball head for it.

The Benro ones on ebay are tempting.
I don't want to spend more than a

 

I've been wanting to try a Markins M10 but still more than 100 GBP. Acratech? Still $$.

 

I've never used this in the field, but I've played with it a bit, and it seems ideal:
Bogen - Manfrotto 3265 Grip Action Ball Head with Quick Release - Supports 5.6 lb
http://www.adorama.com/BG3265.html

or this:
Bogen - Manfrotto Improved Grip Action Ball Head with Quick Release
http://www.adorama.com/BG322RC2.html

I'm sure you can find them locally in a shop to see how they work for you, and I'd be surprised if they weren't within your budget.

 

Thanks for the info, I will try and see one in the flesh.

I want something very solid, this one from ebay looks good but I'm unsure about quality.

Any comments or experience?

 

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http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat...20&changemode=1