Giottos MH-1000 - Cabeça de Esfera Grande com L. R. MH-652

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

Very easy to use and quality built. Quick release allows the option of removing the camera for quick photo ops. that are time limited. Solid construction and ease of use make this product a great buy!

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

The thing that impressed me the most about this Ballhead is its rock solid construction and performance. When the main friction tension is applied, the ballhead is absolutely locked down. No movement whatsoever, and that is great for my bigger lenses. The second friction adjustment dial is great to be able to dial in different friction levels for when the main tension is released so that it corresponds with the weight of your camera/lense (no accidental camera flops). I also like the level of friction that is present with the panoramic rotation capabilities. It's more friction than I expected at first, but I now appreciate the level of control it gives me for precise placement. The Quick Release System is nice and solid, and I really like how quickly it snaps into place for the lock down.

The only thing I wish it had was a knurled base to make it easier to tighten/loosen on my tripod. The base is narrow to hold on to. But this is a very minor issue for what is otherwise a great product.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

This ball head has great features like drag adjustment and a separate panning lock. my only quarrel with the knobs is that they seem backward or like they are meant for someone who is left handed (I am right handed). unless you turn the base 180 degrees, your left hand (the hand I would normally use to lock down the ball head), you are loosening/tightening the drag knob instead of the lock knob. Its not a big issue, but it does get kinda confusing when you are trying to concentrate on the shot and not the ballhead

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

I purchased this ball head along with a ALTA PRO 263AT ALUMINUM TRIPOD and have found them more than satisfactory. Nice smooth motion and easy to adjust. I love the ability to rotate the head for doing pano shots. Holds my older Canon EOS 10d with no problems.

Goes to show that you don't need to spend a ton of money to get a good tripod and ball head.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

I am not a Giottos fan after having three separate tripods and this MH-1000 ball head. They seem to have the right idea and the designs seem good, it is the quality of the materials that lacks. I used this head maybe 7-8 times and pulled it out of the bag today and discovered it was leaking around the base.

This is it for me on Giottos' products. The tripods will not clamp well around the necks/center columns and they will not hold half the weight they are rated for without slipping. You have to work to tighten the center columns up enough. If you have a camera of any size, I run a D300 and a D700, the heads and columns will slip with a moderate lens such as a 24-70mm Nikkor.

One tripod has a leg section release that failed right out of the box. I have to be careful with it and not tighten it too tight or the rubber slips. The problems are just not worth it in the field. They look good and the designs seem logical, they just are not built well. I'll save my money for a Gitzo or a good Manfrotto.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

I do really like this head, but it is the first "real" tripod head I've owned. When you tighten the adjustments the head will move slightly, but I do really like the flexibility of the ball head. The quick release works well and once the clamps are tight, the head doesn't move.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

I combine this ballhead with a Manfrotto 055XPROB. It's the best combination for my case. I wanted a ballhead with 3 spirit levels (which particularly wanted). All 3 wheels are rolled smooth and secure. Very good product for a cheap price.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

Found ti ideal for DSLRs.
Very smooth and solid ball lock.
Strong enough to hold my long lenses firmly.
Very satisfied with it.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

After reviewing many comments regarding heads, I chose this one to go with Giottos Carbon fiber tripod. My only issue is probably just from my learning to use it correctly, hence quicker set up. I have noted other reviewers felt the leveling indicators were too small, but so far I have not had problems with this issue. I have not used my heaviest lens yet, but feel the head should easily hold with it. (Nikkor 300mm F2.8)

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

Landscapes and portraits

just received this product and it seems to do all I need. I use the Canon 5D Mark II with a 70-200 F2.8 Tamron lens. It is sturdy enough to hold my lens and camera securely. No negative comments so far.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

This being my first ballhead, I have nothing to compare it to, but I'm very impressed with it. It's a bit of work finding the right tension to move the camera around without it being too loose or too stiff, but once I found it, it has been great.
The only problem I have is the release plate. If you have to go hand held and with a grip, going portrait is a bit uncomfortable due to the thickness of the plate. Minor discomfort, but a discomfort none the less. Also when using a bigger lens, I've had to push in the lock a bit to make sure that there isn't any play with the plate locked in.
Other than that, the movement is fluid and smooth, the construction is solid with hardly any post locking fall from the camera (only 1 or 2 mm).

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

Very well built product, especially at this price. Would highly recommend this ball head.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

Good ballhead, holds camera tight, solid construction. Has 3 level vials, but they are small and hard to use so if you have another bubble level to attach to your camera you're better off. Don't let that be a deal breaker though cause its minor, otherwise I really like it. A bit heavy, but thats cause its a solid build.

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

Use this head with my Bracket and Battery pack and it more than does a great job handleing the w eight

Comments about Giottos MH-1000 Large Ballhead with MH-652 Q.R.:

This thing has several things going for it:

It holds my D80 & 70-300mm lens rock-solid, and the tension adjustment is more helpful than I thought it would be. Operation is also very smooth.
The seperate traverse lock is not only handy, it is a near-neccessity for doing panoramic shots.
With the lever open, the plate locks in automatically once it is seated. This is a nice design, but it doesn't hurt to check.
Once the mounting plate's in, it's in; it's nigh on impossible for the plate to be accidently released once locked in, as far as I can see. A VERY good thing!
It won't break you...this frees up more funds to be spent on other stuff here.


And now for the not-so-good...

The leveling vials are very small and can be difficult to see when the camera is mounted, and the they are not as clear as they should be. This makes it even more difficult to use them.

The slot for tilting the camera to the vertical allows it to go slightly past 90 degrees. Not a really big deal, but something to be aware of.

The locking knob could stand to be a little wider, as on some of the other models Giottos offers. This one is shameless nit-picking, however.

Overall, I am very pleased with this item, and would buy another. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the puny leveling vials.