BOGEN 3265 GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD WITH QUICK RELEASE PLATE Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had the tripod head over a year and really liked it.
I used it with my digital camera.
Now that I have started using longer lenses with it have noticed that it is no longer rock steady when I release the grip. Especially a problem when I have it tilted when taking vertical shots with long lenses. I have tried tightening everything I could tighten with no apparent effect.
If you want a great tripod head for use with a light camera this is the one to get. For people taking verticals or using longer lenses it just will not support the weight.

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Head only for use with a tripod / 180-Degree smooth positioning / Quick-Release camera plate / Secondary Safety Lock

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Manfrotto 3025 3D Junior - Tripod head Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For a simple basic head, it doesn't get much better than this. The 3025 3D Junior Head is another quality product by Manfrotto. The light weight sturdy black aluminum construction is built to last.
This head adjusts in three separate ways. The panoramic adjustment allows for a full 360 degrees of rotation on both the vertical and horizontal plane. The adjustment includes a dial on the top to indicate how far you have moved the head. Keep in mind this is a simple head, there is no adjustments for nodal points. The vertical and horizontal adjustments are controlled with a screw locking mechanism. Each adjustment works separately from the rest.
The camera attachment uses a 1/4" screw and attaches to a 3/8" screw. I use this head with both the Bogen-Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod and a Bogen 3231 Monopod with deatchable legs. I also added a quick release plate with leveling bubbles.
When it comes to panoramic shots, I find this uncomplicated head too basic. For that reason I use the Bogen 303SPH. Other than panoramic shots, this head has served its purpose well. If you need a starter head or a light weight quality basic head this is the way to go.
PROS:
Compact and simple to use
Light but sturdy construction
Flexible positioning

CONS:
Basic, no frills head
No leveling bubbles

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A self-adjusting conical bearing locking system allows 360° rotation on both the vertical and horizontal plane. This is the ideal head for 35mm and light to medium format work.

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Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Head with 200PL- 14 RC2 Rapid Connector Plate - Replaces 3130 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have the same head with the older model designation of 3130 (which uses the older non-notched quick-release plates as well as the newer notched 'N' plate).
This head is heavier than similar-sized heads in the model lineup but holds a 9 lb. camera well and the heft dampens vibration from below better than the lighter models (a plus for working with on-camera mic in certain environments). The fluid action is smooth and improves substantially with use. The overall quality of fit and finish is high.
When used with a Manfotto tripod the base attaches firmly with the use of the tripod's base set-screws (which secure via an inner ring of recessed beveled surfaces on the underside of this head). With that proviso, there is no problem with the head loosening as mentioned in the previous review. The size of the 3/8 inch mounting with beveled surface ring is a match for Manfrotto tripods and this unit is best used with that brand of tripod.
Considering the overall quality and modest price it is a good bet for medium-sized cameras (up to 10 lbs. or so). For smaller cameras, I switch to the Manfrotto 700RC2 which is well suiting to the new generation of "pop-can"-sized cameras (like Canon's Vixia/Ivis series). Both heads are low-cost, simple units.

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A lightweight fluid head with pan bar and quick release camera plate with secondary security, ideal for cameras up to 4kg in weight. It has smooth fluid movement, pan and tilt locks. This version is black painted. Optional Plates: 200PL- 38.This replaces the Manfrotto 3130. Attachment (bottom): 3/8- Inch female thread; color: black; - 60Degree / +90Degree tilt range; height: 4.53 in.; independent pan lock; load capacity: 8.82 lbs.; material: aluminum; panoramic rotation: 360 Degree; plate type: quick release - with 1/4- Inch screw + VHS pin; weight: 2.20 lbs.; working height: 4.53 in.

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Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm thoroughly impressed with the Vanguard Pistol Grip Ball Head! I decided to take a chance with an unfamiliar brand and am so happy I did. I inherited a Manfrotto tripod from my father and was looking to update the mount with something a little more versatile than the basic quick release.
I've been wanting a ball head for quite some time, but hated the idea of spending $200+ for the Really Right Stuff brand that Scott Kelby recommends. So I started looking at the Manfrotto Joystick that Sandy Puc swears by and realized it had a limited range of motion when using heavier equipment and larger lenses (like my Nikon D700 with 70-200mm lens)! Thank goodness I picked up a copy of Popular Photography Magazine...I noticed they had announced their POP Awards and that the Vanguard GH-100 had won one of the coveted spots on their list of top products for 2010! After reading their endorsement I decided to take chance and judge the product for myself.
For less than $100 I have a professional grade ball head with bonus trigger grip. I love how adjustable it is and I feel confident my equipment is safe and won't sag under the weight of my camera/lens or tip the tripod over. I highly recommend you give a try and see for yourself how versatile and durable it is.

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Fusing the smooth precision of a ball head with impressive ergonomic control, GH-100 enables you to position your camera or spotting scope quickly with unmatched versatility. This well-engineered ball head has the Grip Position Release System with an industry-leading pistol grip-style handle, which rotates 360 degrees and enables you to unlock, reposition and lock gear into place with ease. Its one-handed, maximum comfort and convenient operation frees your other hand to make lens zoom adjustments. Depression of the handle allows 360-degrees of panning movement and -32 to +90-degrees of side-to-side tilt and -8 to +90-degree back to front tilt movement all round. It instantly locks into place with simple release of the handle. Other impressive features include its Friction Control System which allows you to modify the level of friction on the ball to accommodate changing equipment weight such as switching to heavier lenses.The anodized center ball allows for extremely fluid movement without sacrificing precise control. GH-100 ensures the safety of your expensive equipment with a dual-locking quick shoe mechanism that prevents accidental release. It lets you attach and detach your gear quickly and efficiently. Other notable features include its 72-click point panorama, offering 72-point rotation with click-into-place positioning that moves the camera 5 degrees per click and prevents jumps in shots to ensure a perfect 360-degree panorama.GH-100 provides impressive versatility in positioning with 360-degree horizontal movement and 90-angle tilt.

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Manfrotto 496RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 486RC2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this from J&R NY through Amazon, along with a Manfrotto 055xprob tripod from Adorama. Excellent service from all parts involved and items arrived earlier than expected. These top notch Manhattan establishments have never dissapointed me (along with B&H).
Originally I was going for the 486RC2 but then I found out that this model was replaced by the 496RC2. Main addition is the friction control knob and I gotta tell you this was an awesome addition. The quality of this head and the Manfrotto tripod is outstanding, you do feel the quality components when you touch them. Friction control is great because you can fine tune it depending on the weight of your camera lens.
I was a little worried about not having a separate panning knob like the 498RC2 but the friction control allows me to have just enough friction so I can pan easily with the main knob without changing the vertical alignment of the camera so its a non issue.
Grazie mille Manfrotto per questo produtto, mi piace moltisssimo!!!
Update 01/19: after some use I just want to comment. This ballhead is all I wanted it to be! However, if you do a lot of panoramas do get the 498 model which has a separate panning head. I found out I don't miss one as I don't do a lot of panoramas, plus I have it on top of a Manfrotto 055xprob which is very tall so I don't need to extend the center column. This allows me to loosen the center column nob a little when I need to pan so it serves me as a panning knob. Also you can do it be releasing a little the friction control knob as I stated above.

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This ball head has been total redesigned for better ease of use.A new design friction control knob allows the photographer to achieve superior control when handling the camera and making micro movements without having to totally lock and unlock the ball head.The knobs have been redesigned to be more ergonomic, easier to handle and more user-friendly. The ergonomic shape allows the user to better lock the ball securely.A repositionable Locking lever allows the user to place it in a comfortable position in order to use it in the most convenient way. Just pull it outwards, put it in the best working position and then release it. This model features a RC2 quick release plate including an additional safety system that prevents the accidental detaching of the camera from the head.The locking lever securely locks the head both in the +90° -90° ball positioning and in the 360° pan movements.This ball head is strong enough to hold a 35mm SLR camera with medium weight lenses and light medium format cameras up to 13 pounds.This replaces the Manfrotto 486RC2

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