Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I shoot 6x7 landscapes on a Koni Omega 200-Heavy camera, heavy Magazines and need a hefty tripod. The combination of this head plus a carbon fiber tipod from the same manufacturer, is great for lugging around the woods.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

found it very useful on wildlife and on shooting sunset photos very sturdy doesnt move once set.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

[...]I never expected to get a ball head in RRS-quality. I'd have to pay 8-10 times more for it.So I'm very content with what I got for less than 70 bucks.You get what you pay for - and this ball head is really worth the money!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Works great with long lenses

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I agree with other reviewers that the camera quick release plate should have a D-ring rather than the coin slot to attach to the camera. The design would also benefit with levels on the top bracket. I haven't taken long enough exposures to see if I encounter the bracket creep that some other reviewers encountered.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I think it does everything that I need it to do. But the instructions for mounting it onto the tripod were just awful. Took me two weeks to figure it out! Might be easier for old pros!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

out of the box, the lens creep from the quick release plate was severe to the point that when tightened fully, the camera would not stay in position. also the main knob stripped upon the first use. adorama was good about issuing me a credit, but i would not recommend this to anyone shooting a big body and large glass.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Very Good ...

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

This is my third one.[...] The second fell apart in my hand & this one, the third has unexceptable creep with a long lens. Total of camera & lens is less than 5 pounds. With exposure of 5 seconds the creep was so bad that on the exposed photo you could see movement of at least a half inch. And don't even think of being able to take a verticle timed photo. It works great on a short lens, no problem there. Shouldn't be rated at 17 pounds if it can't hold 5.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

The quick release clamp is not very quick. However, it incorporates a safety device so that you cannot accidentally release your camera.The panning clamp is very tight and it is not easy to pan.When using a ball head, it is useful to have a level on your camera. See [@]

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

it is very heavy, heavier than my tripod otherwise it is excellent

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

For the money i cant complain about this product. Very functional for what i do. I'm very happy with it with the 2228 tripod.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Overall, a well made ballhead. Very smooth and simple operation and very easy to adjust. I like it.

However, when shooting in the vertical position on the first time out, I found you REALLY had to cinch down the quick-release plate that you screw into the base of your camera body. The nut is slotted so you can use a dime or quarter to get the job done. If the plate was not cranked super tight, the camera and lens would creep downward due to the weight. Granted, I am using a Sony A900 with CZ24-70, about 4 lbs. of weight on that little screw that connects the plate to the camera body. Otherwise, the ballhead handles the rig well and is flawless in the horizontal (landscape) orientation.

The F-3 with 1228 tripod is an excellent combination and should meet my needs for some time to come.

I leave the quick release plate on my body fulltime and bought a second plate to put on lenses that have a tripod mount.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I bought this ball head to replace a heavy major brand ball head mated to my carbon fiber travel tripod.

The head is nicely machined and well finished. Overall head action is smooth and the controls are simple and usable. However, the head exhibits substantial creep, especially off center axis and even with a light load (5 lbs).

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Using it for tabletop photography on Manfrotto 3001BPro tripod. Knobs are comfortable and easy to adjust. Locks down very well in horizontal position but not in vertical position: plate slips/twists under camera bottom. Overall, I enjoy working with it and consider it good value.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I bought this head under the advisement of the sale person. He assured me that it would be a great deal and is comparable to giottos. Even tho he could tell me the advantages and disadvantage. At first feel it looked and felt solid. After taking it home and tried with with a camera it would bob down after cranking the ball clamp. Maybe lack of friction control. I would need to recompose after cranking down. Otherwise the overall feel of the body and plate system feels solid. I looks similar to the ebay's "fancier" brand. I returned with no problems and bought my self a cullmann 40190(30Nm). I was much more happier with this.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

This is a nice lightweight ball head and should be easy and quick for anyone to master. The only personal drawback I see is that it does not fit Arca style mounts (of which I have several) as snugly as their proprietary mount - but they do fit!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I purchased this tripod head and the Flashpoint F1228 carbon fiber tripod specifically for traveling by plane. I needed something lightweight & compact that will fit into my checked bag, but is also sturdy enough to handle a Nikon D300 with a long lens. This head worked great. I have a heavier tripod I use for local photography, but will probably start using this one locally, too.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I use the F3 Ballhead with lenses up to Sigma 120-400mm and find it works great for me. I can easily and smoothly follow birds in flight and don't have to crank down on the knobs to lock it in place. For the money I don't think you can buy a better ballhead. Until I can afford better equipment this is will work for me. I'd recommend it to anyone, best friend or not. I ordered a second plate with mine for another lens and had to exchange it, bad fit, but Adorama was quick to fix the problem, no hassle.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

very good ball head.
but before buying this ball head, double check the quick release. The one that I bought was broken already...

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I replaced a Giottos head with this one. The Giottos was just too small, and even though it said it could support more weight, when I put my 80-200mm f2.8 lens on my D300, it just wouldn't hold up. This head works great with that same setup.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Main clamp "Biggest knob" failed on first use

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I needed a stable tripod and ball head for a camera with heavy 70-200 lens and this has worked out nicely.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Attaches quickly. Lightweight enough to pack on day hiking trips.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I was suprisewd at the quality and strength of this head. I guess because the price I was expecting to have to settle for less quality/stability---NOT true! This head far exceeded my expectations.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

To support my D-700, I could have gone smaller, but better to error on the strong side for the new F-1328 Carbon Fiber Tripod. They match seems excellent.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

This is a great ball head, considering its capacity, weight and price. I have it coupled with the Flashpoint F-1228 Carbon Fiber Tripod, both of which have a 17.6 Lb capacity. Excellent Combination. Does everything I need, holds full frame SLR with big lens just fine.

Four is the highest number of stars I give to really good products. I reserve five for breakthrough products.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

It is very sturdy and meets all the needs I have with a tripod

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I bought this head and the f-1228 tripod and together make a great combo. Its a tight fit getting both in the tripod bag,but for me I doubt I would ever use a bag anyhow. Tripod does'nt do much good in a bag. To attach the mounting plate to the camera you use the supp[ed wrench. You won't have to worry about it comeing lose but you will need to keep the wrench handy.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Works flawlessly.A bit heavy but for the price it doesn't get any better.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

A perfect companion for my Flashpoint 1228 carbon fiber tripod. Solidly holds my D90 with attached 18-200 mm lens with no creep or droop. Tilting and panning actions are smooth and controlled. Latest version of the mounting plate screw has a coin slot for tightening, addresing former complaints of needing to carry a hex wrench. Sure, you could spend way more money on a "professional" ball head but as a long time hobbyist this fulfills all my needs.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I had bought a Giottos MH-1001 ballhead rated for 11 lbs and worth $95, and just returned it. It was well built but weak and would creep if I applied a little downward pressure towards the tip of a normal zoom lens.

So I got the Flashpoint F3 as a replacement, having decided to sacrifice a little quality for a higher weight rating. For $25 less and with a weight rating of 17.6 lbs, the F3 is amazingly more solid. Once tightened, it just won't move.

Sure, it's not quite as well finished as the Giottos; the lettering and bottom degree numbers are a little skewed. But I needed strength before aesthetics, and both heads are as fluid. The F3 doesn't feature a tension knob, which wasn't high on my list, but feels very sturdy.

All and all, for the price, the Flashpoint is - so far - an incredible buy.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I just bought the Flashpoint #38 tripod and the F3 Ball head...first of all the service was incredible.[...] Second of all, very decent quality for the price. I would call it a best buy in its class either the tripod alone or with the F 3. Very satisfied and I have not even taken it into the field yet.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I just received by flashpoint F-3 ball head. I am pleased to say that the issues associated with mounting to a Nikon D90 have been resolved. No need for a washer. Also the mounting screw has a large slot for a coin to be used to tighten the mount.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Works great for any dslr with small to medium lens. I am very happy with the precision build of this product, and the price is unbelievable. I am glad to see a larger version being offered now also. Now I can get one for my bigger lenses, along with another tripod. At these prices I can have support for every occasion.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Light weight and works exactly as described. I use this ball head for long exposures as well as for reducing iso noise. Would absolutely buy again.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I own a Manfrotto Midi Ball Head with RC0 Rapid Connect. It weighs more, is taller and cost more. I recently bought a monopod and decided to try out the Flashpoint F-3. My first impression was that it would not compare to the rock solid hold of the Manfrotto. I was wrong. The F-3 held the same setup (Rebel xsi + grip, EF 100mm f/2.8 w/o tripod collar) just as firm. I also tested both with the same camera setup but with a EF 100-400mm L—and they both performed well. The only downside of the F-3 is its quick connect plate. It's sometimes difficult to line up the plate attached to the camera and the ball head's receiver. The Manfrotto has a drop in style receiver which makes it easier/faster to connect the camera setup to the ball head. Some might consider the control knobs a little small, but they are fine for me. Considering the reduced weight, profile and price of the F-3, I would have bought it instead of the Manfrotto. I'll write a review later after I run the F-3 through its paces.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

This is a great ball mount for under $100. It's strong, stable and works very well. I would highly recommend this if you are a casual to an enthusiast. If you make money by taking pictures, get a Really Right Stuff mount but for 90% of the photographers, this will be all you need. It just works! I love it.

For all those people who reviewed this and said it is so hard to hit the safety release button to get the lens off the mount, how can you use a camera? if you think that is so hard to do, pressing a the safety release button to remove the lens, how do you operate a camera that is very complicated? guess you guys just keep it on auto. I don't know but you loosen the clamp, press the button and slide. How hard is that? shesh.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Tried the F2 but felt more secure with the F3 for long lens stabilization -
a perfect complement to the F1228 tripod.
Quick to set-up. Leg locks - quick and firm.
Fit my needs perfectly

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Perfect for medium-format. Quick & easy to use. Strong!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

As those who have commented previously, the "weak link" in this product is the QR plate - I needed to add a washer to reduce the length of the screw which attaches the plate to the camera body so the screw would not bottom out in the camera body orifice - this fix was suggested in another comment. Additionally, having to use the hex key to attach the plate is (just a bit of) a pain. I would say this inconvenience is justified by the much reduced price.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Simply put, this is a wonderfully solid ball head.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Having trouble getting used to the plate type quick release, especially putting the quick release plate back onto the ballhead.
I use a Canon 50D with a 100 - 400 mm zoom lens. It may be too heavy for the clamp.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Excellent and secure support, easy to use in the field.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I use it for family & landscape. It is easy to use and holds camera steady.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Hi, I've used the Flashpoint F3 ballhead as a QR with my 1D mk ii and 70-200mm f2.8L IS. I get tendinitis after raising and lowering the combination hundreds of times for 2-3 days/week.

The F3 has good build quality and stability, especially considering its low price. One of its weaknesses in my opinion is that the inner thread is larger than most tripod/monopod screws, and it therefore comes with an adapter. The adapter tended to stick to the tripod/monopod and not the head, making it difficult to move the ball head from my tripod to monopod and vice versa. The QR plate attaches via an allen wrench, which is a plus if you're using real glass like a 300mm f2.8, annoying if you're using a 70-200 f2.8 and you have to carry an allen around. Still, I don't see anything around for less $$ that I like better.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

This is a great head for the price. I've compared it to manfrotto ball heads and those seem a little more robust with the controls but this one works just fine. The only "issues" I have with the flashpoint ball head is that you need an allen wrench (supplied) to remove and adjust the screw that holds the quick release plate to the camera, which really is just a slight annoyance if you have another tripod that you will be using as well. one of the control knobs on the head doesn't seem to be centered on the pin. So when I turn it, even though it feels tight with no play, it seems to rotate around a slightly off center point. It works just fine though.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I just got the Flashpoint F-3 ballhead last week to go with the Flashpoint 1228 Carbon Tripod. They're a perfect match and all I need. It ain't brain surgery here: the ballhead does what it's supposed to do and does it well. Range of motion is good. Movement is fluid. Lock-down is solid. Controls aren't fancy but do the job. I have some big Canon L Series f/ 2.8 glass and the tripod/ballhead set up work fine mounted to the lens and/or 5D Mark II with battery pack accessory.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I received this yesterday along with the 1228 tripod. They, together are a good match. The head is nicely finished and machined. I wish the quick release were a little easier to use. Contrary to another review I read that said no way to do vertical, I found that easy. The ball locks firmly in place. The knobs are easy to use and accessible.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

This is my 2nd ballhead in use. The other one is on my monopod. I use my ballhead and tripod combination for all long exposures, macro shots, and long telephoto shots as it eliminates the problematic adjustment arms on my old 30 pound tripod no longer in use. I love this Flashpoint brand equipment.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Great head, just like the expensive swiss model. Large cushioned twist grips makes securing your equipment a breeze.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

have taken this tripod and ball head on short nature hikes - the ball head is very smooth, with good range of motion. very steady for longer duration exposures.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

this product is easy to use and keeps your camera very stable. wide range of positions this was recommended to me by my photography professor and I haven't regretted the purchase for a minute!!

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

My long lens set up is usually 5-6lb. I purposefully overbought on the max weight and it turned out to be a great choice! A simple twist (not deathly hard) of the locking knob will lock my set-up in place without creep, and friction adjustments are easy. I have tried other lesser max weight heads (up to 11lb) and they just aren't as easy to use. Panning is buttery smooth. The QR plate doesn't slide on/off very smoothly, but it serves its purpose and works. Friction locking the head onto my monopod works well, but some holes for security screws would have been even better.
In all, a great priced head that serves its purpose well.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Attachment is nice and sturdy. Ballhead requires care to lock down securely but then is sturdy and stable.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

Easy to use and great for still shots

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I like the ballhead. I haven't had a chance to use it very much yet, but I think it will be a good one. The ballhead screws onto the tri-pod with just a friction connection. This may be a problem with a heavy lens shooting vertically. Other tri-pods have three screws that fasten the ballhead to it's self.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I use for nature photography, still life shots, and advertizing photography

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

When using a long telephoto, especially with a tele-extender, the aiming point drops slightly after the locking knob is tightened. The price is pretty reasonable for a ball head but a lever lock of the camera base plate would improve the design.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I don't understand some of the negative remarks about this head (unless QC is now tighter). I can't know the long term durability but it seems very solid, well made and finished, and a great value.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

This head works well. It is in my opinion, comparable to many higher priced heads on the market. I actually own two of them and have had no problems.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

I had trouble attaching the camera to the ball head. The screw wouldn't stay tight on the plate that attaches to the camera. The ball head worked smoothly.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

OK this is a cheap ball head, so I did not expect Arca-Swiss quality. It is stable, the plates are Arca-Swiss compatible. The finish on the ball head is very poor, it was scratched by getting it out of the box. The plastic that was wrapped around the ball head was hard enough to scratch the paint. This appears to be from Benro or some similar Chinese manufacturer. I like the fact that there is only one tension control, as I have read that the other cheap ones generally you need to tighten both controls anyway to get it to lock. I have not noticed any creep, but do not have any heavy lenses. I was going to get an Arca-Swiss, but did not want to spend [$] on a ball head at this point. I have it installed on a Benro C228 carbon fiber tripod, and it appears to be a good match. tracking motion is surprisingly smooth. Pan action is smooth as well.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 17.6 lbs.:

When I read a review of the item in a photo magazine a couple of months back, I really liked the features that were described in the review. And I was “in-need” of a new ball head, and for the price, of under $100 it seemed like it would fit the need. And basically it is worth the $$ spent. Where this ball head looses is in the base adjustment / movement. It feels rough when rotated with a slight amount of tension is applied to the base locking screw. The head seems to “catch”, and the rotation is not smooth. Also when I read the review, and the looked at the pictures in the article, I was lead to believe there was the ability to make "minor adjustments" after the shot was set. This is not the case. I went back and looked at the pictures in the magazine article and compared them to the item I received, it is not the "same" item that was pictured in the magazine article, although the name on the product and the price is the same. So it seems the manufacture, changed the product it delivered to [...], toooo bad because the item that was reviewed seemed like it was going to be a real find. I do not use it all the time and it does function very well except as noted above, and for the price, it is a good addition to my Manfrotto tripod; if I were using it every day for production work, I would buy a different head. I like the "ball" adjustment very much, very smooth, and very stable. Also the quick release is solid.I would recomend this to a friend, although I would warn them about the potential rotation issues.