Giottos MH-1301 Pro Series II Medium Socket & Ball Head with MH-656 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 lbs.

2016-01-16T21:04:39

For the last 3 or 4 yrs ive been using a Manfrotto grip with the RC2 quick release plate. The grip isnt holding like it used too so i thought id try a different ball head with a LOT less weight. I got this item and was almost immediately a little disappointed. It feels very well built. i have no problems with that. i like the feel of the knobs. What i DONT like is the Arca-Swiss plate AND this only has 1 90 degree cut out. With the Arca Swiss plate, no matter how much i tried i could NOT get it to tighten enough that when turned to 90 degrees the camera body turns on the plate. It feels like maybe the screw might be bottoming out so i might try adding a very slim washer. but, i just dont like difference between the Arca Swiss release plate and the RC2. And the only reason i got this Arca-Swiss type is so i could get a L-plate.

Howard T.

2012-12-12T19:00:00

I wished the clamp would open a little larger to receive compatible plates. For the most part it does the job. I is small, light weight, good for traveling.

TP

2012-12-12T19:00:00

Great little head, wish the clamp open larger to take compatible plates.

TIMOTHY P.

2011-12-18T19:00:00

It's hard to beat a Giotto product.

M.A

2011-12-06T19:00:00

Operates smoothly and is firm and rigid when necessary.

MIKE D.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Very stable head. I use it with a Canon 40D with Sigma 120-400mm zoom. I also use it to support my 4x5 and 5x7 large format cameras. It stays where you lock it.

DANIEL M.

2010-12-09T19:00:00

Good Ballhead for the price.. Quick release have litle barier to prevent camera from slipping. my only concern the coating not in glossy finish like arca or Really right stuff coating.

DJ P.

2009-05-03T21:00:00

Great all around ball head. Easily holds most of my heavy cameras solidly. Smooth action and doesn't kink or catch. Love the adjustable tension - a must have. My only problem is the thumbscrew that goes into the bottom of your camera. It won't go in all the way in two of the cameras I use regularly. It will go into the camera bases itself, but one camera (Olympus OM-2) has a winder that it is just too long for. My main shooter, Pentax K20D, has a battery grip that also won't accommodate it. We also tried it on my friends Nikon D60 with battery grip and it also wouldn't work. It's about 1/2 turn too long which results in a loose fit and camera droop if you're not careful. I've tried putting washers in, but that fouls it up. It also won't work on my Yashica-12 TLR.

NEIL K.

2009-03-05T19:00:00

I am very happy with this product. I shopped around for a long time before making my final decesion. The ball head is strong and very stabile. It is also easy to use and pleasing to the eye. I am a photo enthusiast, but I also do forensic photography in my profession. This product works well either way. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

Mike

2009-01-13T19:00:00

Very tough and well made quick release is everything as described, really good quality product worth every penny!!!

Vincent M.

2008-11-02T19:00:00

Fit, finish and function exceeded all of my expectations. The large knobs are easy to adjust and maintain a steady grip with little pressure. Panning is smooth and constant. This ballhead is an excellent value for the money.

Tom P.