The Professional's Source 800.606.6969 / 212.444.6615
The B&H SuperStore will be open on Memorial Day from 9:00AM EDT - 7:00PM EDT

Giottos MH-1003 Small Ballhead - Supports 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)

  • Price: $39.95
  • B&H # GIMH1003
  • Mfr# MH1003-310

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

800.606.6969
Live Chat
Close

With a calibrated, independent pan bed and weight support to accomodate most 35mm applications, the Giotto MH1003 is a solid performer in the entry-level ballhead segment.

Maximum Camera Supported 35mm SLR
Load Capacity 5.5 lb (2.5 kg)
Height 2.8" (7.1 cm)
Quick Release No
Spirit Level No
Tension Control No
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8"-16 (1/4"-20 reducer bushing is provided)
Weight 5.3 oz (150 g)
Giottos MH-1003 Small Ballhead - Supports 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
  • 1-Year Warranty
  • REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    GiottosMH1003 Small Ball Head
     
    3.8

    (based on 6 reviews)

    Ratings Distribution

    • 5 Stars

       

      (2)

    • 4 Stars

       

      (3)

    • 3 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 2 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 1 Stars

       

      (1)

    83%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Attaches firmly (3)
    • Large range of motion (3)

    Cons

      Best Uses

          • Reviewer Profile:
          • Semi-pro photographer (4)
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No (3)

        Reviewed by 6 customers

        Sort by

        Displaying reviews 1-6

        Back to top

         
        1.0

        Shot myself in the foot

        By JAP

        from Idaho

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Pros

        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Giottos MH1003 Small Ball Head:

            Can not secure the ball without it being able to slip from it's setting. Very disappointed with it.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            great value

            By rover

            from Alberta, Canada

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Giottos MH1003 Small Ball Head:

                  A perfect head for my unipod -- light, simple, unobtrusive. One minor point: because the camera "platform" is not affixed permanently, it is possible to unscrew it along with the camera. A drop of Locktite AT THE BASE ONLY (not where it could meet the camera socket) seems enough to prevent this.

                  Share this review

                  (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Light weight, Low price, Functional

                  By SFO

                  from SF, CA

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Attaches Firmly
                  • Good Stability
                  • Large Range of Motion
                  • Light weight
                  • Price
                  • Smooth Movement

                  Cons

                  • Weak screw thread

                  Best Uses

                  • Home
                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Night Shots
                  • Travel

                  Comments about Giottos MH1003 Small Ball Head:

                  I bought this to use with the Gitzo GT0531. I was looking for super light weight tripod and head combination for a long hike/trekking. I attached Really Right Stuff smallest QR clamp with this head and they all work fine.
                  Pan (panoramic) movement is extremely useful for vertical position. Most ball heads which offers panoramic movement is heavier than this. EOS5MKII w/o grip and 24-105mm F4 is held pretty well. But if you want to put heavier camera/lens, you need a stronger ball head with better build.
                  My only concern is the material of screw thread. I think it's made by magnesium. Although it's lighter, steel screw thread seems stiffer and tougher. If you put too much torque (which is about the same torque/pressure I put on the metal screw), screw thread breaks. So, I did RMA the first one, but the replacement has been working well. I hope it will be redesigned by manufacture.
                  Overall, this ball head is well worth the price.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  good value

                  By JB

                  from Bar Harbor, ME

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Attaches Firmly
                  • Good Stability
                  • Large Range of Motion
                  • Strong Clamp

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Giottos MH1003 Small Ball Head:

                      I just bought my first tripod and was looking for an entry-level ball head. This one was less expensive than others, and I'm very pleased with the quality. The knob is sturdy, turns easily, and fastens rock-solid. The ball moves smoothly. All the parts feel well made and solid. Eventually I'll upgrade to a quick-release, but for now, this is perfect.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      4.0

                      Nice little item

                      By CJ

                      from PA

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attaches Firmly
                      • Large Range of Motion

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Photography

                        Comments about Giottos MH1003 Small Ball Head:

                        Seems well built, and solid. The only issue is you need to really tighten the adjustment to hold the ball in place.

                        Share this review

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        Light and low cost

                        By Dominique du Val Plaisance

                        from Nouméa, New Caledonia

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Fits Well

                        Cons

                        • None

                        Best Uses

                        • Photography

                        Comments about Giottos MH1003 Small Ball Head:

                        If you need a light and low cost head, this one is yours

                        Share this review

                        Displaying reviews 1-6

                        Back to top

                        Quick Release Adapters

                        Show more >
                        Oben -  QRA-R2 Quick Release Assembly with RP-20 Plate
                        • Price: $32.95
                         

                        Miscellaneous

                        Show more >
                        Manfrotto -  2909 Super Clamp with 2907 Reversible Short Stud
                        • Price: $31.79
                         

                        General Tripod Accessories

                        Vello -  Two-Axis Hot-Shoe Bubble Level
                        • Price: $17.50
                         
                         
                         
                        See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                        Close

                        Close

                        Close