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

2013-01-28T19:00:00

The only thing is that doesn't have a bubble level.

Henry M.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Still trying to get used to the layout of the tension control, etc.

Tonia G.

2012-05-06T21:00:00

I bought the FT4 head to replace the FT3 head I was using with my Nikon D90 and the 18-200mm telephoto lens. The FT3 had significant drift issues with a camera of this weight when trying to lineup some shots. I've found the FT4 to be quite reliable and very steady. I needed to get used to the ball friction adjuster and ball lock setup. There were no instructions with head. Once you understand the friction adjuster and ball lock, it makes the FT4 a great head. In a quarter of a turn I can lock/unlock the head for adjustments. Very handy and stable. I've used this head for landscape and portrait photography. Great value for the price. I would buy again.

Ragnar A.

2012-03-12T21:00:00

I've used this product for a little more than a year and for the most part have enjoyed it. Its definitely not the smoothest head or easiest to work with but its accomplished what I wanted it to for the most part. The ball head does in fact support heavy lenses, but the flaw is the toll it inflicts on the head. I was shooting wild eastern turkey's this morning with a 70-200L IS II which isn't exactly light, but its a lot lighter than some of the fixed lenses I use. The screw that attaches the head to the tripod itself stripped and broke off in the tripod, and the head itself seemed to just fall apart. This happened while the camera was at rest, its not like I was wrenching against the screw trying to break it off. Thankfully I caught the camera and lens before they hit the ground, but that could have been an extremely costly venture. I can't exactly pinpoint why it fell apart and the screw itself is in good condition, I've maybe used this head / tripod setup a dozen times with the same lens. I would simply say user beware its a good product for most I'm sure but if you're going to be using high end cameras and lenses you're probably better off spending the extra money to get a better setup. Its simply not worth taking the risk of expensive equipment randomly falling to the ground.

manderson

2011-12-19T19:00:00

If you are looking for a solid ball head this is good choice.

JOHN V.

2011-09-04T21:00:00

THis head performed better than the Flashpoint tripod that came with it. It was stong and steady.

WILLIAM K.

2011-09-04T21:00:00

I use this for Night sky photos and it works great... I suppose it would work for any kind of photography, its very well made.

RICK B.

2011-02-19T19:00:00

Mostly for wildlife photography and Sports.

Norcol

2011-01-24T19:00:00

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

DENNIS B.

2011-01-13T19:00:00

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.

GERRI T.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

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

thomas g.

2010-11-20T19:00:00

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.

HOWARD S.

2010-10-10T21:00:00

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.

Tom t.

2010-09-17T21:00:00

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.

Gvn2Fly

2010-05-23T21:00:00

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

bill

2010-01-09T19:00:00

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

KARL B.

2009-12-17T19:00:00

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.

Pat