1) The tripod plate locked - assuming correct insertion, but that should be in assembly of 2kg or more Camera Weight eh "duty" - precisely and safely. Twisting the camera was previously not before. This applies both at -10C ° (night and winter) as well as at + 20C ° (day, dusty and windy).
2) The ball rotates when the locking screw is opened pleasantly heavy and evenly, but without a tangible starting resistance. By design we must of course ensure that no sand / dust / salt water seeps into the joint, or clean it accordingly. But I've not seen Tripod ball-head come across, in which this issue is closed. Anyone who does not like to accept, should not use a ball head.
3) pan shots are possible with both the ball and socket joint, as well as the stand-vertical axis (which can, however, not significantly adjust). For panoramic shots I would still have recourse to an appropriate three-axis head, as when in 1150 a handle for secure uniform pan missing, but that's a matter of taste. It is, and video cameras can be equipped with one. With DSLRs, it is - when you need before a rapid and uniform swing? - It was rather irrelevant.
4) The head works through the massive injection Reassuringly solid and has a good feel. This makes it easier on the one hand, the (dis) assembly, on the other hand it creates trust to assemble their own heavy camera. The feeling I have not personally lighter aluminum or even plastic heads.
5) The tripod plate is that of the 3-way Neigerkopfes 1152 identical from Manfrotto. Convenient when you use the heads, alternatively, and therefore the plates can be mounted.
So far so good, but the few weak points are to be called.
a) The built-in spirit level is comparatively useless as totally undersized and also very "insensitive" in my copy. But it will always obscured usually by the mounted camera. For me, frankly perfect alignment in most cases anyway rather secondary, especially when using a ball head, finally I operate no land surveying, and it is usually not a Geolith mounted. If I need a precise spatial leveling, I switch to a different head anyway.
b) The locking lever for the ball is metallic and cools accordingly strong, which interferes with winter cold. A rubber coating would, also in terms of humid climate, have been better. A trifle, and at the very reasonable price even excusable.
c) The head is also with about 670 grams no lightweight, is holding his limit with only 4kg especially since. There are definitely lighter heads with the same performance, but these are also more expensive. But the higher weight is also reflected in the pleasant solid feel, so far ....
Conclusion: Solid, low and complies with the core functions of a tripod ball head very satisfactory.
4.75 / 5 stars because minimal improvement.
