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Review Summary
2013-12-09T19:00:00
Nice, sturdy and easy to use. This is valued priced and gets the job done. Handles my camera body and 70-200mm lens with no issues.
Aaron
2013-12-02T19:00:00
The Pistol Grip Ball Head works great. Is easy to use and well build. Would buy again.
STUART P.
2013-08-26T21:00:00
I was very suprised at how well built this was. I honestly wasn't expecting too much when I ordered it, but the reviews were good, and I wanted a ball head, so I gave it a try. Let me just say that this ball head is amazing for the price. I love how easy it is to use, and how smooth it is. I used it with my D80 and my 70-300 VR and it was rock solid. It didn't matter what orientation I had it in there was no creep. Once I realeased the trigger it stayed put and I could fire away. So much nicer than what I have had in the past. The quick release plate works wonderfully and actually uses a locking system to make sure your camera doesn't fall off if you accidently bump the lever. I am very happy with it. It's very easy to use and worked flawlessly. One thing I wish is in the description they would put it uses a 3/8" thread for attaching. But as far as the product goes, I don't think you can go wrong here. It's stable, well-built, and just works.
JUSTIN B.
2013-06-24T21:00:00
I haven't done any long exopsure with it, but this item is great. Way better then a ball head. And at it's price can't be beat. It is a bit heavy, but you'll have it on a tripod/monopod so wait shouldn't matter
Mbalka
2013-06-19T21:00:00
If you're used to have a game controller in your hand, you'll feel right at home with the Flashpoint on your tripod. It's not flimsy or loose in any way.
Barrel B.
2013-01-07T19:00:00
I had 4 tripods and 5 monpods and someone gave me a seriously heavy duty tripod with no ball head. My camera with my favorite lens weighs over 5 pounds so I needed a head that would hold tight where I aim it for a 4 day concert/video shoot I have coming up on Thursday-Sunday. After reading all the reviews it was pretty easy to pick out the pros vs. the amateurs and it seemed like exactly what I needed. When it arrived today it went straight on the tripod and locked on tight. The 3/8 threads were made for an exact fit on a pro tripod. I easily figured out the locking system on the plate and mounted my camera. I played with it for about an hour and am totally comfortable using it on this important shoot. When my tripos is cranked all the way up with the grip and camera on it it puts my shots above the crowd at 7' If you are person who has difficulty with gadgets this probably isn't for you. There are no instructions and this is a far cry from the types of ball heads that normally come on amateur tripods. Personally, I couldn't be happier! Thanks Adorama!!!
A P.
2012-09-09T21:00:00
I have used this on a quality momopod doing travel photography. It was convenient to use once I got the hang of it. It is a little heavy and tall so I needed to adjust my monopod accordingly. Place the handle in the back of the camera towards your face so you can use it with one hand while making any camera / lens adjustments with the other. I have read a nother review that said it cant be tilted to 90 degrees. Not true. It can if you look at the slot in the base for just that. The female base for a tripod or monopod is 3/8s". If your tripod of monopod comes with a 1/4 / 3/8s" adaptor screwed into the baseplate, you will need to use it so the Pistol Ball Head will fit. One should have been included in the Ball Head base plate. The Ball Head uses grease for lubrication so it could be a little messy if you touch it just above the base. They should have used a dry lubricant or a synthetic material like nylon or derlin etc. which whould also make it lighter and self lubricating, but that would increase the cost. The unit looks as if it is made of aluminum or some other metal which is why it is heavy and clunky. They could have used a lighter material, but depending on what other material was used, it would likely increase the cost also. The locking mechanism on the top for the camera base plate is a little difficult to figure out and remember if this used only occasionally. These concerns / observations notwithstanding, however, overall I like the product for its value and versatility and the fact that it is also fun to use if you are not in a hurry to shoot.
H J.
2012-08-26T21:00:00
I can't tell the difference from the Manfrotto one, identical in appearance. I even tried a Manfrotto 3157n plate on it and it fit fine. Very rugged and easy to use. great for macro photography and portraits in low light.
THOMAS M.
2012-06-24T21:00:00
When I ordered this head, I thought that it would be limited in its ability to carry weight...When I opened up the package, I was delighted to see how rugged and well built it is. It is hard to beat the quality and price!
Gino P.
2012-05-24T21:00:00
I have two very heavy cameras and when I use long lenses they are even heavier. Guess what? I never had a problem with this joystick grip and my Boggen tripod. I have read some of the reviews from other "photographers" and some of them mention not being able to tilt this grip to 90 degrees. I guess they never saw the cutout portion in the lower part of the grip that allows you to tilt the handle to any angle. Others mentioned that it is only good for light equipment. I use Canon EOS 1 Mark II and a Mark IV with 85mm f/1.2 or my 70 to 200 f/2.8 all Canon lenses and guess what? Never had a problem. I always place the quick release plate first on the camera and make sure that it is tight. I have photographed objects with the camera at 45 degrees or at 90 degrees and never had a problem. But them again I know what I am doing.
IGNACIO A.
2012-01-15T19:00:00
Awesome Grip, Heavy duty, works well, I use it at home to heavy to carry in camera bag.
ltcameraman
2011-12-04T19:00:00
I use this on my monopod and it works great. I use it in place of a tripod when I am hiking. I wish it would move 90 degrees in one plane so I could us it to shoot both landscape and portrait frames.
Gary
2011-09-19T21:00:00
I would have to say this joystick exceeded my expectations and price is great compared to 150 or more at stores I shop, and the Service from here was excellent too product shipped on time. already recommended to fellow hunting buddies
Hunter4yu
2011-09-03T21:00:00
I use this on my monopod and it allows me to increase the stability for my shots. I has a very rigid construction. I wish it would pivot a complete 90 degrees to aid in portrait orientation.
Gary
2011-09-03T21:00:00
I was worried it might not be robust enough to handle my EOS 7d and 70-200mm lens. Worries gone, solid piece of equipment. Definitely the best value I found.
PAUL M.
2011-08-02T21:00:00
Very well built, fits the Manfrotto plates and legs, which works for me since I have manfrotto legs and a ball head. But will work with any other standard tripods. I am left handed and the bubble level keeps hitting my hand, but If I use my right and hand its not a problem. That and its kinda heavy. I wouldn't take it hiking but for everything else this is perfect. If your shooting a lot on sticks and need be quick getting shots, get this. I was shooting a wedding last week wish I had this then. Great for video too.
Tyler S.
2010-11-25T19:00:00
While the tripod head is pretty decent for the price, it is very limited in how much weight it can handle. [...] However aside from the fact that it could not hold my camera up at all (and dished out some bruised/crushed fingers in the process), it would have been a good choice for a lighter set up.
Tod S.
2010-10-31T21:00:00
much more solid than i expected, i use it with a Mamiya RZ67. so i dont ever have to rotate virtical since the back rotates. i could see it being a pain if you mount to camera and need to shoot portrait. i only use it with a 70-200 lens if im using a DSLR since it can rotate from the base. other then that its solid as hell. (though Plate is a pain to get on and off)
Travis T.
2010-10-15T21:00:00
Beautiful grip, Superb hold. I use a 7D with 150-500mm and a battery grip. Adds up to almost 3.5 Kg. ( about 7 pounds ). The grip holds the entire kit very firmly. In fact, I had to change my tripod with a heavy one. cons. the threads are different size than the standard tripod / cam size, so I had to get a convertor fabricated from an external agency. Thanks
naikmanish
2010-09-06T21:00:00
The only thing I couldn't understand about this producet, was the remale connect. Why make this connection 3/8's when all of the camera and tripod male connections are 1/4. I almost sent it back for this reason. Just add the reduser and charge a little more. I had to pay another 10 dollars for a reduser [...].
Ed
2010-09-04T21:00:00
This is a really great pistol grip head. It is really built strong and should last a long time. I would reccommend to anyone.
St4Ever
2010-08-21T21:00:00
I use this for horse shows. This ball head with the pistol grip allows for quick adjustments when you need to move fast in sport situations. The only downside is that is not as smooth as I would like but this is not a real problem. A great buy for the price and very sturdy. Holds very tight.
MARK G.
2010-02-20T19:00:00
I'm using it for Wildlife photography on a tripod and a monopod it's easy to reset and to get great shots and there are less missed shots.
ltselling
2010-01-11T19:00:00
Pistol grip is great for quick adjustments. Rugged and durable, if a bit heavy. Recommended for any SLR camera (I've used it with f/2.8 70-200mm lens) , but make sure your tripod is rated for at least 8+ pounds. Has a tendency to unscrew from tripod legs when panning. Also the ball-joint movement isn't super fluid.
Anthony C.
2009-12-13T19:00:00
Great Pistol Head! Extremely well-built and the movement is very precise! The trigger is also pretty stiff and requires a bit of hand strength to engage/move the grip. The mounting female thread is 3/8" so make sure your tripod also has a 3/8" thread. I had to "jimmyrig" a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer to make it fit on my Velbon Maxi 343 tripod!I've seen this exact same grip on other websites selling for [$]. This is a awesome buy. Thanks ADORAMA!
Alex P.
The Flashpoint Pistol Ball Head weighs 1.88 pounds and is 8.27 inches high, with a removable QR platform. It features a horizontal rotation of 360 degrees. Comes with bubble level. Supports cameras to 8 lbs.