Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head
The smallest in the Giottos Ball Head line, the MH 1004 Mini Ball Head features an independent pan bed and offers weight support to accommodate most 35mm or Digital cameras. The Giotto MH 1004 is a solid performer in the entry-level ballhead segment.
| Maximum Camera Supported | 35mm SLR |
| Load Capacity | 5 lb (2.3 kg) |
| Height | 2.05" (52mm) |
| Quick Release | No |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | No |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 (1/4"-20 reducer bushing is provided) |
| Weight | 1.8 oz (52 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 103 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attaches firmly (67)
- Stable (67)
- Large range of motion (58)
- Strong clamp (41)
- Lightweight (13)
Cons
- Small range (6)
- Unstable (5)
- Weak clamp (4)
Best Uses
- Portraits (25)
- Home (21)
- Travel (20)
- Night shots (19)
- Wildlife (16)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (41), Semi-pro photographer (27), Pro photographer (10), Enthusiast (8), Casual photographer (7)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (47)
Most Liked Positive Review
Adds functionality to a monopod
I purchased this head to add tilt functionality to a monopod (I can't hold the camera in the vertical position with a monopod). It is very small (really small) and light, which ...Read complete review
I purchased this head to add tilt functionality to a monopod (I can't hold the camera in the vertical position with a monopod). It is very small (really small) and light, which was my main goal when I selected it. I don't want to add weight and bulk to my monopod, which is what I like to carry around for camera support when I go on long hikes. The ball head is solid and holds the camera well, even with a 70-200 f/4 zoom lens attached. I had to play some games to attach the head to the monopod and add a quick release plate to it, but eventually it all worked out. I'm pretty happy with it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Design flaws
Does not seem to support 5 lbs. Used this for small softbox speed light combo. Although MOST of the time it supports this set-up, some times there is a little slippage. You have ...Read complete review
Does not seem to support 5 lbs. Used this for small softbox speed light combo. Although MOST of the time it supports this set-up, some times there is a little slippage. You have to really crank the screw to get it to stay in. The percise moment at which it finally is secured into position is also hard to determin. Too little tension and your rig is slowly sliding down. Although the screw does go counter clockwise much more easier.
The price is really where the value is with this product. If you don't mind doing a lot of screwing then this product just be okay.
Reviewed by 103 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good friction on ballhead
- Good solid manufacture
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
This is a very small ball head. Note the dimensions -- as I did before ordering. But I still wasn't prepared for how small. That said, ...
This is a solidly-built mini-ball-head also. it tightens securely, and will handle way more weight than I need it to. I'm using it with a Canon G12 on a small carbon-fiber monopod for travel, and it will work just fine for that purpose.
The 3/8" tripod/monopod screw is spring-loaded, so it simply slips up out of the way for a 1/4" screw application. Nifty.
Perhaps the only thing that bothers me now, and I will probably just get used to it, are the tight finger/thumb clearances around the tightening knob. (It's a small ball-head, right?) I tilt my camera to the right for portrait-orientation (doesn't everyone?), so I will just have to make sure when I attach and tighten the screw mount in the baseplate of the camera that I have the ball-head slot to the right. This will quickly get the ball and camera out of the way and make tightening the ball screw easier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I have used this product to make my own iPad mount. This has the strength to hold an iPad that weighs a couple pounds in an airplane that comes across constant turbulance. The adjustablility makes it perfect for different positions and the little slot to make it so can be held at a right angle is perfect!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I just got this so I have only played around withit but I think I am going to like it. I have it mounted on a gorilla pod type tripod. It holds my Nikon with a 55-200 lens, with no problem. Besides holding the camera steady and securly there isn't a lot to ask of it. It is small, so you are dealing with a small knob, but not too small to get a grip. And being small and light weight is kind of the point.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
In multi-flash configuration, I needed ball heads to aid in aiming the flashes at a small target abut 30 inches away. The MH 1004 mini ball head is small, but very sturdy. More than strong enough to support a large flash like the Canon 580EXii. The mini ball heads made my setup time easier and faster.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I bought this one for my monopod; so small, it's just an extension. Often using big lenses on my DSLR, I was looging for a head strong enough. I think this one is even stronger than announced. When firmly clamped, it won't move if you don't press too hard.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- A little small
Best Uses
- Home
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I use this to mount my Nikon SB900 flash units to the swivel and it puts it on a straight line axis for better flash coverage through an umbrella. Although it works just fine I think the next heavier ball head would be better but again it works just fine.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
Perfect for small projects
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
Using it to mount 7" Lilliput monitor on my DSLR rig. No problems with it. It's very compact and seems solid. Granted the display weights a pound or so not sure how it'll perform with heavy items.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I use this on my Giotto table tripod for close up work. It supports my dslr and an 18-55mm lens quite well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
Great little head for the money to mount remote flash units or any accessory that needs a range of motion.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
Fasten this to a Gorilla Pod to hold Flash units or any other small accessory that needs to be repositioned frequently.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
Good quality, [...]I recomend the product, and BH.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Compact
- Inexpensive
Cons
- NON SO FAR
Best Uses
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
If you are just wanting a inexpensive and small ball head that does the job this is it. It is exactly what I needed for my project and works flawlessly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
- Small Range
- Unstable
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I used the product to attach my DSLR cameras to my DIY slider dolly. For the price is is excellent, however I see myself upgrading to a stronger head soon as it cannot hold the camera is any large lens are attached.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I've bought these before. Great little head for holding flash units at the right angle.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Sports/Action
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I use it to hold a small monitor on my pole camera
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
I bought this to put under a SB-900 so that I could aim it as I like.
The base is only about 1" tall and when you loosen the knob it will swivel around mount as well as the ball.
OK for point-n-shoots or something light.
Good price for it's use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Group
- Holding a flash
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
This is holding a flash shoe and a flash on my large format camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
On a monopod
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Giottos MH 1004 Mini Ball Head:
Mounted 3 MH 1004 Mini Ball Head on my Offshore RIB race boat for different video camera view´s
Works great and keeps the position even in rough conditions ( VIO POV HD Helmet cameras is used)
Don´t know how the Head react to saltwater yet ??
Does the job for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Miscellaneous
- Price: $19.95
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Warranty
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