Industrial strength. Simplicity of design. visual appeal.

The friction control is slightly tighter in the fore/aft direction than side to side.

Very well built and reliable. Tilts fully in any direction without rotating the base. Large operating handle is easily manipulated even in cold temperatures with mittens on. I bought mine when they first came out to use in Alaska. With winter temperatures quite often well below zero F., this ball head never failed and was easy to use.

Customer Service

None needed so far.

Similar Products Used:

Gitzo

Build Quality. I have looked at a bunch of different heads and this one is by far the most solid I have seen.

I bought the magicball used with Carbon One 440 legs and it is smooth and seems to be of a very high quality.

The problem is that I bought it used and it is not exactly what I see in the picture. It is very similar but instead of the wheel down screw shown in the picture it has a quick release mechanism. Does anyone know what part I need to conect my camera to the head. I have tried the camera store and I have looked on a ton of websites. Any suggestions would be greatly apprecaited.

Thanks,
Bill
wtvanhest@gmail.com

Customer Service

I have not heard back from them yet, but other then my specific problem I can't imagen what you would contact them for, it is built like a tank.

Smooth as silk motion, superior freedom of movement.

None (for my purposes).

As smooth and as stable as can be. The unique design (which almost looks "upside-down") makes for almost unrestricted movement. (And, it's quite a "pretty" design, too...)

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

A Slik ball head.

Design allows for tilting in any direction without having to 'key' a camera plate support post into a channel

Hard to find. Slightly heavy.

I photography babies with a device of my invention that holds their eye contact, and love the magic ball because it doesn't require me to 'channel' a post into a slot to tilt down in any direction. With babies, it is a must because the move so quickly.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

I've used all the ball heads... and this is the one.

Novoflex quality. Holds extremely well. Will start more conversations than any other piece of equipment you own. Trust me.

Releasing the ball is smooth but sudden. Must be careful if you are using front heavy equipment. Not easy to find, price.

I use the Magic Ball with the optional Novoflex panaramic plate and quick release. The quality of all is very high and the smoothness of the panaramic plate equals the Magic Ball, which is as smooth as one can expect. They both mate together well and look as if they were made for each other. The Novoflex Quick-Connect works well despite the smallish coupling that attatches to the camera. The release needs the user to move two levers together to release, which adds a bit of confidence. I have no regrets with any of this equipment.

Similar Products Used:

Arca,Benbo

Well built, extremely smooth, looks cooler than anything else, period.

needs a quick release.

I've got the smaller version of the Magic Ball; identical to its big brother but without the friction control. I keep it on a Bogen 3001 for general 35mm use. Together, with the tripod, it's still well under 5 pounds, so it's ideal for travel. This thing is just too cool. It handles like a dream; I've never worked with anything so smooth and fast, and I'm impressed with how incredibly solid it locks into place. I'd like to have the normal size product for the friction control however.

Similar Products Used:

Cullman, Bogen, Arca-Swiss.

Very pretty. Extremely smooth and solid, and locks into place very rigidly. Very easy to grip the locking knob to apply enough torque. Can "flop" the camera in almost any direction.

Expensive. No friction control on Mini version, no separate panning base. Excessive metal/weight just for stylistic purposes. Not really meant for Arca-type quick releases: difficult to fully tighten thumb wheel to mount QR clamp.

If you want smooth, strong, and pretty, this is the ball head to buy, but its price can't really be justified given its weaknesses. The Giottos give you all the features with fewer weaknesses for 1/3 less money.

Customer Service

None available. Extremely long backorder for all orders.

Similar Products Used:

Davis & Sanford, Giottos, Arca-Swiss

Unbelievably flexible and smooth, smooth, smooth. Oh did I say smooth. I have the head fitted to a Kirk quick release plate, this allowed me to maintain my initial investment yet take advantage of the 120-degree rotation capabilities this head provides. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a smooth, flexible ball head that has been using ARCA or Kirk ball heads and has an investment in their quick release plates.

Hard time keeping Kirk plate locked to ball head.

Smooth, fast, tough. This ball head is one of the best I have ever used.

Customer Service

Never had to used customer service.

Similar Products Used:

Kirk, ARAC B1

Great looks, new version with darker anodized finish and a little handle on the friction knob. Look s better and feels better. Smooth friction control, handles extremely well.

Heavy for the normal Magic Ball

This is the best looking ball head that I've ever seen, besides it's one of the best ball heads that I've ever used. Great and improved friction control, better looking anodized finish, and last but not least it costs only abt half the price of the Arca Swiss B1. Extremely stable with my Contax 645 and 350 F4. I also have the mini magic ball, excellent for most 35mm systems.

Customer Service

None Required

Similar Products Used:

Mini-Magic Ball, Gitzo 1377, Arca Swiss B1

The Novoflex MagicBall is a sturdy fellow. Extremely smooth adjustments possible, using the friction screw. Takes a load of 10kg (~20lbs) and comes with a superior built quality. Very fast to change angles for different shots.

No problems so far. With this heavy duty head, I guess there will be few or no problems.

For some DM 480,- (~230 USD), this is truly a *cheap* head of magnificent mechanical quality. Maybe the best looking head on the market. Can be fit onto both 3/8" and 1/4" wind tripods. Comes with a "high friction rubber cap" which can be pushed onto the handle for less "cold metal feeling". Quick release plate is available (looks like other reviewers didn't knew this?). The plate and some knobs for it ("knobs" can also be ordered separately) goes for approx DM 120 (~65 USD). A longer handle can be optionally attached (for greater paning).

Customer Service

Never had a need of getting any service/support.

Similar Products Used:

Arca Swiss B1, various 3D heads.