Comments about Giottos Giottos MH-1300 Pro Series II Extra Large Socket & Ball Head with MH-657 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 Lbs.:

The Giottos MH1300 ball head has nice, smooth movements in all directions with a useful friction knob. When you tighten the lock knob, you can confidently know that it's not going to move anywhere... rock solid! I really like the arca-swiss mounting with the safety catch. It's nice peace of mind if you were to inadvertantly not tighten down your camera or long lens, knowing that there's a safety catch there. Press the little red button at the mount and your camera slides right off when you want it to for a sweet release. The attachable mount for the camera is nice... with the little red tabs (Anti-Twist Levels)that pop up to keep your camera from slipping downwards when you have a heavier lens mounted. Having the bubble level on the very top where the camera or lens is mounted can be kind of annoying. You either have to set up your tripod first and level it, then mount the camera; or you have to remove the camera, find the sweet spot and replace it. Or...get a tripod with a bubble level on it instead. Not a big deal, but if leveling is your top priority, it may be something to consider. Overall, I've got this ball head matched up with the Vanguard 284 Carbon Fiber Tripod for all kinds of versatility to get any macro shots needed. It supports my 500mm lens and Canon 7D mounted on a Wimberly Sidekick nicely. It's money!

Comments about Giottos Giottos MH-1300 Pro Series II Extra Large Socket & Ball Head with MH-657 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 Lbs.:

I bought this Ballhead to replace a Bogen head. This one is rock solid and smooth. No play when locked down. Panning function is very smooth.

Comments about Giottos Giottos MH-1300 Pro Series II Extra Large Socket & Ball Head with MH-657 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 Lbs.:

This was my first purchase of a Giotto Ball Head I love it! I photograph lots of flowers and need my tripod on the up close shots. I feel secure in leaving my camera on the tripod when moving from place to place for the first time.

Comments about Giottos Giottos MH-1300 Pro Series II Extra Large Socket & Ball Head with MH-657 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 Lbs.:

I got this head to put on top of a Giottos 9780 monopod and in the future a set of legs. I've never used a monopod before and didn't really think I'd like it all that much but after 2 outings with it I'm really impressed a hooked. I was skeptical about putting a ballhead on a monopod as I thought all the extra movement angles would be distrating. But after using it I'm glad I went the ball head route and have been very happy with this head. This is my first ball head. All my other tripods are cheap legs and pan/tilt heads.

Comments about Giottos Giottos MH-1300 Pro Series II Extra Large Socket & Ball Head with MH-657 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 Lbs.:

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!

Comments about Giottos Giottos MH-1300 Pro Series II Extra Large Socket & Ball Head with MH-657 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 Lbs.:

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

Comments about Giottos Giottos MH-1300 Pro Series II Extra Large Socket & Ball Head with MH-657 Quick Release System - Max Load: 20 Lbs.:

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.