Hardware question: ball head slippage

[Latency]

I am so frustrated. I've tried two Manfrotto ball heads: 486RC2 and 322RC2

I'm currently using a D700 and two Nikon lenses: 24-120mm, 70-200mm. So my setup can be a bit weighty (relatively anyway).

No matter how I lock down the head it ALWAYS slips; enough that I have to focus far above my subject to be sure I get it the right.

I do everything from landscapes, to portraits, to still-life so I need a flexible head - that will afford me zero slippage.

I would greatly appreciate any advice you might share.

All the best,
Cat

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[kirbinster]

I have a 70-200 f/2.8 and a D300 (don't know if D700 is heavier) and have no trouble with the 322RC2. Perhaps you need to adjust it to put more tension on the ball. Do you mount the plate on the camera or on the foot of the lens when using the tripod -- foot is better. I have even used it with my Tamron 200-500mm lens with little problem.

[Elmo]

That is a ball head the all slip some. lots of folks have learned how to compensate as a second nature. For my it was arkward to have the slippage, so I shoot 3-way heads. Sadly they can also slip, but not as much. About the only thing that does not slip are geared heads, but there you loos some quickness in framing..