By Jim from Sunnyvale, CA on 6/1/2008

I see many people complain about the supplied MH-657 QR-system not working with some Arca Swiss type plates because of the safety tab.

I'm happy to say that the safety tab can be easily removed with an Allen Wrench. I did this to make it fit my Kirk BL-D80G L-bracket.

Note that the clamp does not retract enough to allow the bracket to be dropped in. You need to slide it in.

The ball head is rock solid for me, no slipping. The panning is very smooth. I'm very happy with it!

Without the safety tab

Tags: Picture of Product

By rpcrowe from Escondido, CA on 5/12/2008

I use this head on a Giottos MT-8180 Tripod.

The head is solid and controls are easy to use and lock in very well.

I would give this head 5 stars if tye MH-657 was totally Arca Swiss-Compatible but, it will not fit all Arca Compatible Camera and lens plates.

It will fit my Really Right Stuff 30D L-plate but, it will not fit my Kirk 3" Arca Plate. The problem is the positioning of the safety tab which slides to the side rather than retracts into the QR base.

I would suggest that if you desire to use the Giottos QR System with other than Giottos Arca Compatible Plates, that you ascertain if the QR will fit the plate.

My Giottos MH-655 QR system will fit neither my Really Right Stuff 30D L-Plate nor the Kirk 3: plate.

Except for the incompatible QR system - I really like this head and would recommend it to a friend. It must be mentioned that Giottos has a line of camera and lens plates, including a L-Plate which should fit all of the Giottos QR systems

By Li from Dallas, TX on 1/22/2008

This ball head is very nice, and pleasant to the eye too. It's very soild, locks very tight, and have panning feature as well.

The only complain is that I found the little lock pin for the quick release plate is very lose and is affecting the usage of the quick release plate.

Looks like a product that's gonna last, but only time will tell.