Need advice on quality, durable tripod ball heads with arca-swiss mount, that won't break after a couple of years.  Up to $350.  Any suggestions? 

If you can live with the weight and size the Arca Swiss Monoball B1 it is bloody fantastic. I bought one used a few years ago for 99€ (cheap because a bit of the plastic on one of the gears was chipped).

 

The only time I notice a bit of "play" when focusing my images (and even then it is probably the Contax > Olympus adapter that's not that rigid or the lens tripod collar, and not the B1 fault) is when using the Contax 100-300 with a 2x on the Olympus E-M10 for a 35mm equivalent focal length of 1.200mm (for astro stuff, obviously).

 

To put things in perspective, it is the same tripod head I used to use with my Linhof Technica 13x18cm / 5x7" large format camera. Used with the A7r is rock solid.

If you can live with the weight and size the Arca Swiss Monoball B1 it is bloody fantastic. I bought one used a few years ago for 99€ (cheap because a bit of the plastic on one of the gears was chipped).

 

The only time I notice a bit of "play" when focusing my images (and even then it is probably the Contax > Olympus adapter that's not that rigid or the lens tripod collar, and not the B1 fault) is when using the Contax 100-300 with a 2x on the Olympus E-M10 for a 35mm equivalent focal length of 1.200mm (for astro stuff, obviously).

 

To put things in perspective, it is the same tripod head I used to use with my Linhof Technica 13x18cm / 5x7" large format camera. Used with the A7r is rock solid.

That does look pretty good.  Thanks. 

I am selling a Really Right Stuff BH40 with B2 screw-knob style quick-release clamp in excellent condition, if you are interested, for 200 euros.

The RRS BH-40 is the perfect compromise in the BH-xx  lineup. Another interesting choice are the Acratech ballheads. Very light, yet strong.

I use an Arca Swiss Monoball Z1 head with a Really Right Stuff B2-LR II quick release clamp for my D810.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469920-REG/Arca_Swiss_801102_Monoball_Z1_sp_with.html

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/B2-LR-II-Lever-release-clamp

 

This is pretty heavy duty and outside of your budget.

 

For my travel tripod and for a more suitable size for the Sony A7 range, I use a Really Right Stuff BH 30

 

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BH-30-LR-Compact-ballhead-with-B2-40-LR-clamp

 

I also use Really Right Stuff L brackets and lens clamps exclusively.

They make the best gear.

 

I favor Gitzo carbon fiber tripods and monopods over Really Right Stuff, purely on price.

I don't feel that Really Right Stuff adds much for the extra money.

 

HTH

I've been researching this subject for over 4 weeks and it's tiring me out!!

 

I don't want to spend a fortune, I want quality and I don't want it to be too big - so I've decided on the Cullmann Magnesit MB4.4

 

https://www.cullmann.de/en/detail/id/magnesit-mb-kugelkoepfe.html

 

Made in Germany, and around £130 here in the UK.

 

D.