I’m considering this because I actually don’t like the older security pin mechanism. I find it quite sharp and it can dig into my skin if I’m moving the tripod by holding it under the head.
nice video, however one point you missed, adding THIS head to the 055 series, as compare the standard "kit" head( the 3-way one from manfrotto), this head can give a PERFECT 90 deg. level with the 055's offset column feature allowing a portrait or landscape shot with a level horizon whilst the column is horizontal.
Best over ball head I have owned so far. There is only one thing I don't like about it and the review does not show. If you notice in the video the reviewer has the ball lock lever on the left. This is were I put it as well and allows the user to hold the camera with their right hand while making the adjustment and tightening the ball head with the left hand. The issue I have with that is it forces me to shoot with the camera shutter on the bottom when using the portrait mode slot. This is 180 from how I and hold the camera in portrait orientation and is just plain awkward. I have tried spinning the head 180 which eliminates the issue however in that position it takes switching hands to change landscape positions or do an awkward reach around to adjust the ball head position.
Thanks for the feedback Steve :) Personally, I don't shoot too much portrait on a tripod so this is important for those who do. There is a Manfrotto L bracket if you shoot a lot of portraits - maybe that is a good idea - not cheap though... I ended up replacing the base plate with an older design RC2 - I like it much better. On one of our units, the bubble level got hit and fell and some of the plastic got a crack - it is a delicate head (it still works fine but be careful with it). I would really love to see Gitzo make a 100% metal/magnesium version of this design.
I enjoyed this video very much and purchased the XPRO Ball Head. Do you have any suggestions for using the 70-200mm/D810 with this ball head? The I attached the 200 plate to the lens "foot" but if I am not careful when, once mounted and positioning or panning, the plate & foot loosen. I do not have this problem using a DSLR with smaller lens - just the zoom foot foot and plate seem to spin.
M... interesting. possibly the heavy lens puts too much pressure on the foot. I can tell you that we really like the head but not the quick release part that much so we removed it and replaced it with the older style 323 base and it is much better. Not sure if this will help in your case. In general as we noted in our RC2 vs. Arca Swiss video: ua-cam.com/video/wMdGAlmgEgM/v-deo.html We typically recommend RC2 for small to mid size setups and Arca or 501 for larger and heavier setups - your setup is mid-large so it might be too much for the RC2. I would still try and lock the plate to the foot with a screwdriver and not by hand (I am not sure what plate you have exactly - some have a flat screw option some don't).
I’m considering this because I actually don’t like the older security pin mechanism. I find it quite sharp and it can dig into my skin if I’m moving the tripod by holding it under the head.
Very good video, very clear and concise.
Many thanks - always glad to see that our reviews help (and we still use this ballhead even after so many years).
nice video, however one point you missed, adding THIS head to the 055 series, as compare the standard "kit" head( the 3-way one from manfrotto), this head can give a PERFECT 90 deg. level with the 055's offset column feature allowing a portrait or landscape shot with a level horizon whilst the column is horizontal.
Nice to know (although this is a review of the head and not any specific kit).
LOL at the kid, I was waiting for him to touch the front of the lens.. LOL
Best over ball head I have owned so far. There is only one thing I don't like about it and the review does not show. If you notice in the video the reviewer has the ball lock lever on the left. This is were I put it as well and allows the user to hold the camera with their right hand while making the adjustment and tightening the ball head with the left hand. The issue I have with that is it forces me to shoot with the camera shutter on the bottom when using the portrait mode slot. This is 180 from how I and hold the camera in portrait orientation and is just plain awkward. I have tried spinning the head 180 which eliminates the issue however in that position it takes switching hands to change landscape positions or do an awkward reach around to adjust the ball head position.
Thanks for the feedback Steve :)
Personally, I don't shoot too much portrait on a tripod so this is important for those who do. There is a Manfrotto L bracket if you shoot a lot of portraits - maybe that is a good idea - not cheap though...
I ended up replacing the base plate with an older design RC2 - I like it much better.
On one of our units, the bubble level got hit and fell and some of the plastic got a crack - it is a delicate head (it still works fine but be careful with it). I would really love to see Gitzo make a 100% metal/magnesium version of this design.
very nice job, simple and clear - thanks
Hi happy new year. Is this ball head compatible with the Peak Design system? Cheers
I never had a chance to work with their system - if they say it is compatible with an RC2 plates - then it should.
Yes you can - But you will need to get the peak design dual plate that is about £25
I enjoyed this video very much and purchased the XPRO Ball Head. Do you have any suggestions for using the 70-200mm/D810 with this ball head? The I attached the 200 plate to the lens "foot" but if I am not careful when, once mounted and positioning or panning, the plate & foot loosen. I do not have this problem using a DSLR with smaller lens - just the zoom foot foot and plate seem to spin.
M... interesting. possibly the heavy lens puts too much pressure on the foot. I can tell you that we really like the head but not the quick release part that much so we removed it and replaced it with the older style 323 base and it is much better. Not sure if this will help in your case. In general as we noted in our RC2 vs. Arca Swiss video:
ua-cam.com/video/wMdGAlmgEgM/v-deo.html
We typically recommend RC2 for small to mid size setups and Arca or 501 for larger and heavier setups - your setup is mid-large so it might be too much for the RC2.
I would still try and lock the plate to the foot with a screwdriver and not by hand (I am not sure what plate you have exactly - some have a flat screw option some don't).
@@LensVid I like the old style locking mechanism more than the later plastic design.
So do what we did and replace it - it isn't super expensive (the 3'rd party ones at least).
That is the cutest baby!