Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Ball & Socket Head with Removable Quick Release Platform, Supports 5lbs.:

I purchased a chinese branded magnesium and carbon fiber tripod for travel purposes that was a very nice quality knock off the Benro travel Angel. I needed a head to go along with this that would be compact, light and at least hold a Canon 7D with a grip and hopefully as a much as a 70-200 F/ 2.8. Yup seems to be quite a tall order. Alas As I live close, I dropped by Adorama to check out what was available and looked at all the major brands, including the flahpoint Fp-1 (I beleive) [...] Not so with this litte guy! This thing truly locks down tight AND right where you leave it. With only a short while of playtime with it, I would thus far say it is the funtional equal to my manfrotto 488 RC 2 and actually locks in the intended position better. Fit and finish is fine if not as good as the manfrotto.Downsides? as other posters have mentioned it uses grease. Ok so wipe it off with a rag and dont run your tripod up your white slacks. Ok in all fairness that grease will likley attract grit and dirt so you may need to de grease and then use a bit of wd-40 or some light machine oil. I will update this post if I find otherwise. All said, this thing flat out rocks given its puny price. Is it is a Really Right stuff quality head? no. but it cost only a small fraction of that unit as well. In conlcusion I can legitimately say this this little ballhead punches way above its weight weight class. In the small ballhead with quick release plate catagory I didnt find any equal anywhere near this price. If it lasts me a year or two of light weight travel use it has more than paid for istself

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Ball & Socket Head with Removable Quick Release Platform, Supports 5lbs.:

Use on a tripod and on a monopod that only has a fixed screw. Very handy in either case.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Ball & Socket Head with Removable Quick Release Platform, Supports 5lbs.:

Got this for my smaller tripod while it was majorly on sale for use outdoors (hikes, etc.). No regrets, but a two-axis lock would've been better (my bad, not the head's). For instance, you can't lock the vertical and then pan. Once you release it, it goes in all directions.

I've used Bogen/Manfrotto for years and it comes with a copy of their quick release plate, which was a major point for me; I can swap tripods very quickly. It locks tight with my 50D with it's battery grip and a heavy lens, even tilted way over to do a product shot. Still, that's almost a bit much for it.

One downside is the grease on the ball. It's easy to accidentally touch and doesn't like to go away. Using it a little teaches you to avoid that.

Another minus is the plate clamp - not the smoothest action around. Also, if you need to get your camera off quickly, this ain't the one. It uses a screw mechanism, not a lever.

Overall, if used as a second head or for someone who's getting their first "real" ballhead, then it's a good buy. If you're shooting with more than five pounds, it'll handle it, but sooner or later, well, you know.

Comments about Flashpoint Flashpoint Ball & Socket Head with Removable Quick Release Platform, Supports 5lbs.:

Solidly built and good range of movement just wish it came with additional base for multi. camers owners.