The Mantona ball head is light enough for photo safaris, yet has good mechanics, carries easily an SLR with flash and / or standard lenses up to 300mm. Pity that are required for the purchase of additional quick release plate 12, because the Schnellwechselei works so only when you actually under time cameras have this accessory. By comparison, the almost identical "Manfrotto 189 Quick Change Plattee" costs less than half, but unfortunately is not compatible because the producers are again consumer unfriendly by the smallest modifications.