Used Flashpoint F-3 Magnesium Alloy Tripod Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, Supports 17.6 lbs.

2012-07-30T21:00:00

I purchased the Flashpoint F3 bullhead to replace the head on my 30 year old Bogen model 3011 tripod. I use my tripod primarily for landscape photography since I retired from my photography business. The F3 easily holds my Canon 50D and 70-200 F4 L lens. The clamp is secure and there is absolutely no movement once the F3 is locked in position. This is an outstanding product and I highly recommend it.

The G.

2012-07-03T21:00:00

Find the release could be a bit better designed. However, everything else is great with it.

Chris

2012-06-24T21:00:00

I have been happy with the heavier F-4 model with my Manfrotto tripod and my D7000, but needed less weight to hike with so I got the F-3 and a carbon fiber tripod to complement my D5100. The combination weighs half of the F-4/D7000/Manfrotto gear and rocks!

JOSEPH O.

2012-05-06T21:00:00

The F3 is not strong enough to hold the Nikon D90 using a 18-200mm telephoto lens. Even though it says its rated for 17lbs. I had to upgrade to the F4 head and that worked great. The F3 would be better suited for the Nikon D40 or D3000 with the lighter 18-55mm lens or the 55-200mm lens

Ragnar A.

2012-01-29T19:00:00

Great light weight head. The ball was a bit rough so I added a little spot of silicon grease to the ball. Which made it run smoother BUT it wouldn't hold, my error. the grease has worn off now and the head works great. Its rated at 17 lbs but a Canon d7 and 100-400 is a bit much for the ball to hold relaly tight

clickinaway

2012-01-29T19:00:00

I bought htis for me and the more expensive giottos for my wife. The Giottos broke early and the company has not repaired it. The flashpoint continues to be a workhorse for our shoots.

sunrisesunsetphoto

2012-01-09T19:00:00

Holds a decent amount of weight. Good for beginning photographers.

MARY J.

2011-12-11T19:00:00

Good match for my Flashpoint carbon fiber tripod.

Mia J.

2011-10-02T21:00:00

It takes its own quick release plates which don't work with other tripod heads. Decent value for the price.

STEPHEN R.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

It' a good value for the money but I wish there were two improvements. When the head doesn't tilt to a full 90 portrait orientation making it necessary to adjust the tripod legs and panning is not smooth.

Chuck

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Matched to my Flashpoint Carbon Fiber Tripod it made my work easier and on the "level"

TJ

2011-03-12T19:00:00

found it very useful on wildlife and on shooting sunset photos very sturdy doesnt move once set.

MARK R.

2011-03-12T19:00:00

I shoot 6x7 landscapes on a Koni Omega 200-Heavy camera, heavy Magazines and need a hefty tripod. The combination of this head plus a carbon fiber tipod from the same manufacturer, is great for lugging around the woods.

Bruce m.

2011-02-02T19:00:00

[...]I never expected to get a ball head in RRS-quality. I'd have to pay 8-10 times more for it.So I'm very content with what I got for less than 70 bucks.You get what you pay for - and this ball head is really worth the money!

KLAUS M.

2011-01-26T19:00:00

Works great with long lenses

Fred

2011-01-21T19:00:00

I agree with other reviewers that the camera quick release plate should have a D-ring rather than the coin slot to attach to the camera. The design would also benefit with levels on the top bracket. I haven't taken long enough exposures to see if I encounter the bracket creep that some other reviewers encountered.

Tom

2010-07-25T21:00:00

I think it does everything that I need it to do. But the instructions for mounting it onto the tripod were just awful. Took me two weeks to figure it out! Might be easier for old pros!

Michelle

2010-06-19T21:00:00

Very Good ...

Mr R.

2010-06-16T21:00:00

This is my third one.[...] The second fell apart in my hand & this one, the third has unexceptable creep with a long lens. Total of camera & lens is less than 5 pounds. With exposure of 5 seconds the creep was so bad that on the exposed photo you could see movement of at least a half inch. And don't even think of being able to take a verticle timed photo. It works great on a short lens, no problem there. Shouldn't be rated at 17 pounds if it can't hold 5.

On D.

2010-06-08T21:00:00

The quick release clamp is not very quick. However, it incorporates a safety device so that you cannot accidentally release your camera.The panning clamp is very tight and it is not easy to pan.When using a ball head, it is useful to have a level on your camera. See [@]

Chuck

2010-05-24T21:00:00

it is very heavy, heavier than my tripod otherwise it is excellent

Dantheman

2010-04-23T21:00:00

For the money i cant complain about this product. Very functional for what i do. I'm very happy with it with the 2228 tripod.

doublg

2010-04-19T21:00:00

Overall, a well made ballhead. Very smooth and simple operation and very easy to adjust. I like it. However, when shooting in the vertical position on the first time out, I found you REALLY had to cinch down the quick-release plate that you screw into the base of your camera body. The nut is slotted so you can use a dime or quarter to get the job done. If the plate was not cranked super tight, the camera and lens would creep downward due to the weight. Granted, I am using a Sony A900 with CZ24-70, about 4 lbs. of weight on that little screw that connects the plate to the camera body. Otherwise, the ballhead handles the rig well and is flawless in the horizontal (landscape) orientation. The F-3 with 1228 tripod is an excellent combination and should meet my needs for some time to come. I leave the quick release plate on my body fulltime and bought a second plate to put on lenses that have a tripod mount.

Rich

2010-04-08T21:00:00

I bought this ball head to replace a heavy major brand ball head mated to my carbon fiber travel tripod. The head is nicely machined and well finished. Overall head action is smooth and the controls are simple and usable. However, the head exhibits substantial creep, especially off center axis and even with a light load (5 lbs).

IVAN R.

2010-03-20T21:00:00

Using it for tabletop photography on Manfrotto 3001BPro tripod. Knobs are comfortable and easy to adjust. Locks down very well in horizontal position but not in vertical position: plate slips/twists under camera bottom. Overall, I enjoy working with it and consider it good value.

Beth F.

2010-02-21T19:00:00

I bought this head under the advisement of the sale person. He assured me that it would be a great deal and is comparable to giottos. Even tho he could tell me the advantages and disadvantage. At first feel it looked and felt solid. After taking it home and tried with with a camera it would bob down after cranking the ball clamp. Maybe lack of friction control. I would need to recompose after cranking down. Otherwise the overall feel of the body and plate system feels solid. I looks similar to the ebay's "fancier" brand. I returned with no problems and bought my self a cullmann 40190(30Nm). I was much more happier with this.

Tim

2010-02-17T19:00:00

This is a nice lightweight ball head and should be easy and quick for anyone to master. The only personal drawback I see is that it does not fit Arca style mounts (of which I have several) as snugly as their proprietary mount - but they do fit!

EDWARD H.

2010-02-11T19:00:00

I purchased this tripod head and the Flashpoint F1228 carbon fiber tripod specifically for traveling by plane. I needed something lightweight & compact that will fit into my checked bag, but is also sturdy enough to handle a Nikon D300 with a long lens. This head worked great. I have a heavier tripod I use for local photography, but will probably start using this one locally, too.

MARK P.

2010-02-07T19:00:00

I use the F3 Ballhead with lenses up to Sigma 120-400mm and find it works great for me. I can easily and smoothly follow birds in flight and don't have to crank down on the knobs to lock it in place. For the money I don't think you can buy a better ballhead. Until I can afford better equipment this is will work for me. I'd recommend it to anyone, best friend or not. I ordered a second plate with mine for another lens and had to exchange it, bad fit, but Adorama was quick to fix the problem, no hassle.

WAVERN B.

2010-02-03T19:00:00

I replaced a Giottos head with this one. The Giottos was just too small, and even though it said it could support more weight, when I put my 80-200mm f2.8 lens on my D300, it just wouldn't hold up. This head works great with that same setup.

DAVID P.