Quick release, smooth action.

Ball shifts when locking down, no pan base.

This a good ballhead for the beginning photographer. It holds a fair amount of weight wherever you point it. The quick release platform is decent, but can twist under heavy loads. The ball action is smooth, but the ball shifts when locking down. Safety latch for the qr is a nice touch.

Customer Service

Great, fast response.

Similar Products Used:

Kirk BH-1, Acratech Ultimate.

Relatively light Able to hold 6 lbs+ fits in small pouch single locking control

Can't think of any, but then I don't have any 2000+ gram optics, either!

Excellent performance for the money. Purchased to support Sigma 135-400 zoom, and does the job admirably. Easy and reliable quick release, nice locking pin feature. Have used constantly on my Bogen 3001B since purchase for all types of shooting.

Customer Service

Never needed, though svc at Nat'l Camera is always great

Similar Products Used:

None

price Single locking handle QR release safety pin

None

Very good head for the price i paid.Used it everyday supporting either my F90x+MB-10 and 80-200mm F2.8 or RB67 with a 250mm without any problem,smooth movement and firm locking.The QR safety pin is very useful IMHO.Best bang for ur $$

Customer Service

haven need it

Similar Products Used:

Arca swiss B1

Excellent value. At just under US$40.00 this ball head is a steal, considering the performance.
Quality construction.
Features a safety pin that prevents the quick release from accidentally opening and releasing your imaging device to whatever waits below.
This ballhead will easily support up to medium format cameras.
One lever releases the grip to all directions.
Very low maintenance.

I sometimes wish that there were more than one notch to lower a 35mm setup into the vertical position.
They could probably do three notches split by 120 degrees without sacrificing the strength of the bowl.

In tandem with the right tripod this ballhead will be more than adequate for any 35mm shooter.
Built like a tank and will stand up to reasonable abuse.
I took mine on a hike over ten miles of sand dunes over the coures of two days.
Despite being full of sand the 308 performed flawlessly the entire time.
When I got home, a thourough rinsing in hot water while working the action got it cleaned up looking nice again.

Customer Service

Never had to use it.

Similar Products Used:

Bogen 3055 Ballhead

(Please note the above purchase price is in Canadian dollars before 15% taxes)

This is a review of the Manfrotto Proball 308RC head with Quick Release Plate.

1. Inexpensive,
2. Compact,
3. Lightweight,
4. Smooth movement when properly lubricated,
5. User serviceable,
6. One touch friction control and adjustment of camera assembly,
7. Custom ratchet positioning of single lever, and
8. Reassuring safety quick release plate lock.

1. 200PL-14 rectangular plate will wear at the contact point with the release lever, causing the plate to jiggle slightly (this has not affected exposure yet), and
2. Only one slot for vertical positioning of the camera assembly (a minor complaint).

For its class, this is an excellent purchase to support a Nikon F5, SB-28 Speedlight and AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200 mm f/2.8DN ED on a Manfrotto 441 carbon fibre/magnesium tripod. I cannot find a comparable product on the market at this price.

Customer Service

Have not used yet.

Similar Products Used:

I used to own the Manfrotto Midi Ball head 352RC with Quick Release Plate but traded it in for the improved 308RC.

Excellent value.
One lever releases the ball.
Low maintenance.
Pin that prevents the quick release from accidentally opening.
Quality construction.

Only one place to up the camera into the vertical position.

Great ballhead for the price. Easy to use and high quality consturction.

Customer Service

Never had to use it.

Similar Products Used:

3030

Price, weight, and quality.

Well kept secret.

The secret is out - this ballhead is a great deal.

The heaviest lens/camera combo I have is a Nikkor 180mm AIS with FE-2 and MD-12. The ballhead is okay for this load, but I prefer to remove the motordrive if I'm shooting with the 180mm or a 105mm with extension. With the motordrive removed it provides solid support.

I've modified my 308 with a Kirk made Arca-style QR clamp - these are roughly $50. Kirk also sells the modified 308, but they have trouble keeping it in stock (~$100).

The 308 is also easy to service in the field (not that I've needed to).

*****, if you overlook the load limitation.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

Arca Swiss B1 (nothing but problems)

very smooth operation.
solid.

the lever to release teh quick release plate is a bit small and can be a little difficult to actually release quickly.

This is my first ball head. I have used it mostly for macro photography and find that the head glides smoothly and locks securely in any position I require. There is one slot to place the camera in a vertical position, which is not a problem, but requires some awareness of how you have the unit positioned if u need to reorient rapidly. I like the unit very much. It is a real smooth operator.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

none

Unexpensive,well built,QR works fine and I like the safety pin in the rear of the QR mechanism.

For the money I cannot say I found any

For the money I paid I think this ball head is hard to beat. It has only one control but it works and has a positive lock on the ball. I can say that I like it very much but, if I ever need service......

Customer Service

Poor. I required assistance with another product and I never got it. They have a Mr. Brown answering emails whose language appears to be extra-terrestial because it was difficult to understand to me. I believe that if you need service you are in TROUBLE with them
(USA)

Similar Products Used:

other tripods and their 3265 grip action head, which I do not like.

Reasonablly light in weight but sturdy enough to support even a medium format body. Easy to use since only one locking handle to operate. Not expensive.

The anti-slip, adhesive-backed cork twisted off when camera body was turned to screw it down. I've had a similar problem with other products using the cork. I replaced it with a piece of rough-surfaced leather, glued down with contact cement. Works great.

Probably not very good for panning since motion in all directions is possible when the single friction lock is released.

Not major, but only one notch for shaft to move into for vertical (portrait) orientation. Notches at 90-degree intervals would have been nice.

Allows smooth and easy positioning of camera in any orientation. Doesn't have multiple handles sticking out all over. Just unlock one control, position camera, and lock.

Customer Service

None required

Similar Products Used:

Bogen Ball Head 108