Comments about Gitzo Gitzo GH2781QR Series 2 Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 30 lbs, Black:

I used this ball head on a Gitzo Series 2 Basalt tripod to support a Nikon D700 with a 180mm f/2.8 lens. There is some wobble in the mount and the pan is so stiff that it is not usable. The ball drifts quite a bit when it is tightened. This is hands down the worst ball head I've ever used in my 35 years of clicking shutters.

Comments about Gitzo Gitzo GH2781QR Series 2 Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 30 lbs, Black:

I'm relatively new to photography but I'm a quick study and do know good quality mechanics when I see it. This ball head is super smooth and quick to adjust. Spent two days getting a feel on different brands and every one I liked had some detail that I found somewhat frustrating. At the last minute I spotted this and any frustration I was having....gone. Purchased it immediately even though it was $130 more than I was willing to spend.
One very cool feature is the level on the stem. Given that in portrait mode the camera will drop well past 90 degrees. this makes it fast and easy to level with the horizon, especially if the tripod is set up on uneven ground. I Will also mention that before deciding on the ball head I had already chosen the Gitzo GT2830 Basalt tripod because of the quick setup, lightweight, solid construction.
Bottom line is that I don't have to fuss with this equipment. That time is better spent having fun.