I also prefer ball heads; and I second the Manfrotto 494 ball head. IMO once you get to know your ball head ( if it is a good one) and learn how to set the tension for what you want it to do, they are very easy to use. I can set the tension for smooth motion and in a moment grab the main tension knob and lock it where I want it to stay. The 494 is effective for a light weight ball head and even works well with my 61 oz 82 mm spotter.
