Originally submitted at Adorama
Flashpoint Ball & Socket Head with Removable Quick Release Platform, Supports 5lbs.
Not bad for the bucks.
Pros: Attaches Firmly, Large Range of Motion, Strong Clamp, Good Stability, Used Manfrotto QR plates
Cons: QR plate release clunky, Must adjust all axis
Best Uses: Good basic photo ballhead
Describe Yourself: Pro Photographer
Got this for my smaller tripod while it was majorly on sale for use outdoors (hikes, etc.). No regrets, but a two-axis lock would've been better (my bad, not the head's). For instance, you can't lock the vertical and then pan. Once you release it, it goes in all directions.
I've used Bogen/Manfrotto for years and it comes with a copy of their quick release plate, which was a major point for me; I can swap tripods very quickly. It locks tight with my 50D with it's battery grip and a heavy lens, even tilted way over to do a product shot. Still, that's almost a bit much for it.
One downside is the grease on the ball. It's easy to accidentally touch and doesn't like to go away. Using it a little teaches you to avoid that.
Another minus is the plate clamp - not the smoothest action around. Also, if you need to get your camera off quickly, this ain't the one. It uses a screw mechanism, not a lever.
Overall, if used as a second head or for someone who's getting their first "real" ballhead, then it's a good buy. If you're shooting with more than five pounds, it'll handle it, but sooner or later, well, you know.
(legalese)
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