When selecting a head, one wants to pair the legs with a head that will not compromise the stiffness of the system as a whole. On the other hand, a head that is too big adds diminishing performance increases and just adds weight.
Below is the optimization result for selecting a ball head. This chart plots the stiffness to weight ratio for this tripod and each ball head that I have tested in blue dots versus the stiffness of those heads. The red line is a generalized model for a strong performing ball head. The higher up on the this graph the higher stiffness/weight performance of the system. More information on this analysis can be found in the ball head choice optimization page.
This chart is telling us that we want an ultralight ball head for the LS-254C. This makes complete sense. The whole point of the LS-254C is to shed weight, and so pairing it with a mid to large size head would be nuts.
Recommended Heads
Note that these recommendations are limited to the tripod heads I have tested. The more general discussion above should provide adequate guidance if your head of choice is not listed. I give this disclaimer on every review, but it is particularly of note in this case. I haven’t tested that many heads that I can recommend in the appropriate size range for the LS-254C. Some heads that would work well with these legs such as the Sirui C-10X, are only available as part of a kit, and not for purchase separately.
Sirui K-10X: The K-10X has excellent build quality, excellent stiffness, and a very reasonable price to with it. My only hesitation in this case is that it is slightly too large for the LS-254C.
RRS BH-30: If price were not a factor, the BH-30 would be my top choice for the LS-254C. It is exactly the right size, has plenty stiffness, and handles well. That said, it is rather expensive for tripods at this price point.
RRS BH-25: From purely a stiffness/weight perspective, the BH-25 is the best head to pair with theses legs. It isn’t my top choice because it is a miniature head and the ergonomics are poor. The head does its job though, and if you are counting ounces, this head is likely your top choice.