Platyball Elite Review - Is it worth it? Should you buy it?
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- When it comes to the Platyball Elite I think there are two major questions, is it worth it? And should you buy it? I did buy it, and thought you might find my experience helpful as you consider buying one also. I'd put a link, but I've still not heard back from the company, unfortunately.
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What would you want in the perfect ball head?
Reliability over along period of time. Replaceable parts that wear over time.
@@neiltsubota4697 I’m not sure this product is a good one for you then :(
@@RalphMayhewPhotography I just might choose the Plattyball head WITHOUT the battery.
@@neiltsubota4697 I’m not even sure it’s worth it without the battery TBH 🤔
@@RalphMayhewPhotography I will let you know in a few days. I bought this ball head along with the Platy pod.
thank you Ralph....nice honest wholesome review....I appreciate it...thank you for the time and effort you put into it....
That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you.
Great looking bit of tech Ralph. Will be interesting to see how it helps out when you are on location.
Thanks Craig. So far it’s been… interesting. Stay tuned.
Late to your video. Appreciate the integrity of your review. Price drop on these here in the US, so was considering one and other reviews 'cleverly' omitted some of your cons. So pausing on hitting 'buy'. Thank you for your integrity!
I’m glad I can help. The idea behind them is brilliant. The product itself however just didn’t fulfil the idea enough 🤷🏼♂️
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Again thank you for your integrity. It's gotten harder to find here on UA-cam. Seems dollars are being exchanged when the camera isn't looking. Thank you!
Helpful review. Thanks
Glad I can help
Just FYI, the battery indicator comes on with all the other lights when you turn it on. If it blinks, the battery is low. I have both, and they are amazing.
Ah thanks. So you like it? I’ve not enjoyed mine at all. The pano function isn’t actually flat / straight and the grip on the tripod plate loosens too easily and the battery goes flat super quick. Interested to hear why you like it so much.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography I realize experience differs by use case, but I’ve found the Platyball so much easier to use than any other ball head. It’s solidly built, and one-handed operation means more time focusing on the image. I checked the level function with a bubble level, and it was spot on, though there is a calibration function if it’s not. I had a minor issue with my Ergo early on, and Larry T (founder) was the one who responded. That kind of service is unusual today, which gives me confidence in the company. Again, I understand user experience varies, but mine has been great. Hope this helps.
Nice review Ralf. But I'm thinking I'd rather just have a 4 way leveling bubble, than all the digital stuff. I wonder why is it so hard to get it level with the level plat adapter?
Yeah after mucking about with it I’m wondering the same lol
Git it, love it. Only downside: it does not come in black 🙂. It can take up to 20kg. Ever tried to level your whole rig, onehanded, without slipping or nodging to one side? Well, now you can!
haha, yeah true, although it's nice to have things that aren't black... and I LOVE black lol
If your camera has a level line in the viewfinder, is there any advantage in buying the elite over the other model?
To be brutally honest, now I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. The horizon levelling isn’t even that good. It’s heavy, clunky and the batteries go flat real quick.
Interesting about the level calibration. One would think that it would ship out perfectly level with no calibration needed. After all, that's pretty much the entire value proposition. Now that you've had it for a few months, has your experience gotten better or are you using it less?
I agree. Great question. My experience has worsened. I got so frustrated with its size and peculiar shape and that the one thing it was marketed to do it failed at. To date this is my most expensive photography mistake.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography Really appreciate your quick reply. My local camera store has is on sale at a decent price right now, but I'm going to hold off based on your feedback. I've got an Acratech GPX which is about half pound lighter and incredibly well built - I'll stick with that for now. Thanks!!
@@RandumbTech I'm glad I could help. I'd strongly encourage your line of thought :)
How would I connect my 70-200L lens to this head, Is their an adaptor for the kens collar?
You'd need to use your own Arca Swiss plate on the foot attached to the lens.
Hi Ralph not anything to do with the tripod ball but a follow up on the z9 would you like to do a video using the z9 at seaworld photographing the animals ,if so I can have a staff pass for you
Oh wow Desmond. That would be incredible. Yes please. Feel free to email me. Info@ralphmayhew.photography
@@RalphMayhewPhotography just let me know when you like to come to seaworld and I will have a ticket ready for you
@@Djr481 that’s awesome. What’s the best way to reach you and is there a good time to plan for it?
Can this be used for Videos. almost like a fluid head?
Potentially yes. I’m not sure the resistance function would help you keep things level though 🤷🏼♂️
I am always questioning my self as to if I need a battery in my tripod ball head.
Hahahaha
Lots of nobs...... mate sounds like one of my old work places!
Got my Platyball on Kickstarter when first in development (shout out to Skip in Tampa Bay / Platyball Marketing & support) I am yet to test it out as I backed this project over 4 years ago now! I guess IBIS in my XH1 may have something to do with that.
Anyway I plan to finally test it in the field BUT attach it to my HEIPI travel tripod for the ultimate solution
Hahahahahahahahahahaha
Would love you to review this ball head with the help of an older woman with hands with considerably less strength than strong young men. I currently own and I'm using this ball head. Finding my hands do not have the same size or strength of a man. Difficult to always adjust ball tension. Will likely send it back for refund. Cannot see advantages over my current gear. Do you have input?
I sure do. I’ve become increasingly frustrated with the ballhead because it doesn’t lock up properly, it isn’t consistent on the pano levelling, battery goes flat quickly and it’s large and awkward. I’d send it back if you can. Can you let me know it they respond to your contact as well? Thanks and sorry it’s not been enjoyable :(
Curious. Scott Kelby did a video categorically saying there was zero movement once locked off. You say it does. Scott Kelby has a relationship the owner of platypod 🤷♂️🤷♂️
I despise shills who lie about products. The selfish crooks they hate people.
I’ve not heard of Scott Kelly, but I just try to say it how it is. I’ve gotten rid of my unit. I felt it didn’t live up to what it said and was disappointing to use.
@@RalphMayhewPhotographyThanks for reply. Which is worrying as I have ordered one. My order was based on the constant reference by Platypod and their shills saying when it is locked off it does not move. I thought wow I’m having some of that! The panning seems sensible for panoramics to. So they were my reasons but primarily it was the no slip (with heavier lenses such as 70-200 f2.8) but if it is no different I than my other high quality ball heads then I will return it.
@@markr3926 well hopefully my unit was the exception and yours will be all you want to be. I’d be interested to see if it is. Please let me know :)
@@RalphMayhewPhotography will do. I’m in the UK so won’t arrive for several days.
@@RalphMayhewPhotography It is going back. Way to easy for the area Swiss lock to be accidentally engaged and loosen the camera out. There is slip, which applies to any high bullhead with a longer lens. And way to many pumps to lock and unlock when using a 70-200 f2.8
Shame because it is a great idea and feels well made.