Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

I like the head and for the money it is far more affordable than the SwissAcra or Really Right Stuff. But the one I received is not as silky smooth as those either. For portrait, event, stills, night, it is absolutely acceptable. Just not super silky smooth when the ball is in motion. I do note that with a heavier lens such as a 70-200 2.8 the mass of the system makes the imperfections less noticable. While it is probably quite fine for 95% of sports and wildlife photogs taking panning shoots, the perfectionist may still want to spring the several hundred bucks more for pure silk.... it wasn't worth it to me and we are quite happy with this ball head.

The only complaint I have is the screw in the mounting plate for the camera base requires a hex wrench which is stupid. The plates you can purchase individually will tighten with a coin which is better but why they don't use a folding wing like the Joby plate (which will fit on this head just fine) is beyond me.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

Mostly for wildlife photography and Sports.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

This is very easy to use.Will support 44lbs. which is far more than I will ever need. Price was very good.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

This ball head fits pertectly with the Flashpoint F-1428 Carbon Fiber Tripod. Will fit nicely in the tripod carry case and holds our Nikon D5000
camera perfectly. I would recommend this to all my family and friends.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

Excellent buy for the quality of the gear at a very reasonable price.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

While it is a bit heavy, it attaches firmly and provides a steady base for both landscape and HDR photography. The controls are precise and easy to use. I live in the desert, so I've already gotten sand & dust on it with no problems.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

While we really like this product, the only thing we didn't care for is the quick release plate, it takes an allen wrench to put it on....the replacement plate uses a coin...much better. If you loose the allen wrench, it's a too bad you are [*].The head goes on easy, strong and sturdy, we like the swivel head and the ability to choose what degree we want to angle it.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

Very solid ball head. I purchased this with the Flashpoint 1328 tripod and I couldn't be happier with the combo. I own Gitzo equipment and was using a Graf Studioball before buying this head, so I am comparing this to rugged photo gear. Can't believe the quality for the price I payed. Best value in photography.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

Provides stable platform for heavey set-up, Pentax K-10D with power grip and 100-300 lens.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

I bought the F-4 to replace the F-2.
Now I have the stability required for sharp shots.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint F-4 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 44 Lbs.:

I bought this ball head in conjunction with the Flashpoint 1428 tripod. (See my review in that section).

This is the largest of the Flashpoint ball heads and equivalent, I think, to the RRS BH-55, arguably the best ball head you can buy. I have a bit of RRS equipment so I have some basis for comparison. I would rate the Flashpoint F-4 at an 8 with the BH-55 being a 10. And at less than half the price.

I use the F-4 with a Nikon D90/Sigma 120-400mm zoom combo so I need a good stable ball head that can handle the weight of my equipment. So far I am more than pleasantly surprised at the quality of the F-4. It works silky smooth, locks down very solidly and pans very smoothly. It has dual lock-down knobs, one for adjusting tension in action shots and the other for a firm lock down for still landscape shots. A third knob controls the panning function. I had no trouble using the RRS plates that I have on my equipment with the F-4 quick-release clamp.

This ball head is a great buy, excellent quality and value. If you want the very best and can afford it, get Real Right Stuff. Just my opinion.