Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release
- Price: $339.99
-
Mail In Rebate
-$40.00
(see details)
offer ends JUN 30 '12 - Price after Rebate: $299.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
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Usually ships in 7-14 days
Availability Details
CloseEstimated arrival at B&H is 7-14 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
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The Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release is a jewel of engineering that combines a high load capacity, smooth control over movement, and a small size and weight. Part of the Safari series, the ball head's strength and small size make it an ideal companion for long hikes and long lenses. The green GH2780FQR head is also ideal for mounting a spotting scope for birdwatching.
Gitzo recommends the magnesium head for DSLRs with lenses up to 300mm, but notes that it can safely hold larger equipment as well. The large ball of the GH2780FQR enables smoother, steadier movement of heavy payloads.
Along with the size of the Bubble Ball, its construction is another major factor in the head's facility for smooth movement. It's treated with PTFE, one of the lowest-friction materials known to science. The construction of the ball also contributes to the head's light weight (only 1.5 lb) relative to its strength: the hollow sphere has an ultra-thin wall, keeping it light.
Pan adjustment is kept independent from that of tilt so that you can exert a finer degree of control over framing. The head features three levels around the quick-release assembly and a fourth bubble on the stem of the head, to ensure that your frame is flush with the horizon.
The head's double quick-release safety system consists of two pins, one fixed and one manually operated by means of a button, that prevent camera equipment from suddenly dropping out of the head when the quick-release locking knob is released. This is extremely helpful when you're unloading heavy, unbalanced equipment such as long lenses and spotting scopes.
- High-grade magnesium construction for material strength and weight savings
- Safe Grip material covers the quick-release plate, to keep the camera from slipping or twisting
- Spring-assisted double lock (SADL) system employs a high-friction metal to keep the ball in place and your camera immobilized
- Ideally matched with Gitzo Safari series 6x carbon-fiber tripods
| Load Capacity | 30.9 lb (14 kg) |
| Quick Release | Yes, with 1/4"-20 screw and video pin |
| Spirit Level | Yes, 4 |
| Tension Control | No |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Tilt Range | +95 to -13° lateral tilt |
| Pan Range | 360° |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 |
| Height | 4.3" (11.0 cm) |
| Weight | 1.54 lb (0.7 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (6)
- Attaches firmly (5)
- Strong clamp (5)
- Large range of motion (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (5)
- Night shots (5)
- Portraits (4)
- Travel (3)
- Wildlife (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (3), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Factory Defect
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release:
I use this head with a variety of lenses, up to a 300 mm. It adjusts easily and smoothly and locks into position with confidence. Its light weight belies its workhorse demeanor. I mostly shoot landscapes and wildlife and appreciate the weight on the trail. The only disappointment was a factory defect right out of the box (thus my four stars). Fortunately B&H Photo had a replacement in my hands within two days and it performs as I expect a Gitzo should.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release:
A pure joy to use a tripod now! So easy to use, Steve Jobs would be proud.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Smooth Adjustments
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Average range of motion
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release:
This ball head sits on top of a Gitzo GT2540LLVL tripod, and supports my D200 and one of several f/2.8 zooms. It is smooth, easy to adjust and holds the camera solidly. It's also light for its size. I like the four bubble levels; they make setup surefire. Separate panning lock makes left-right movement a snap.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Gitzo GT2540LLVL tripod
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Four bubble levels
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Secondary safety catch
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release:
This ballhead sits on my new Gitzo GT2540LLVL tripod, and will be used primarily for landscape photography. I shoot a Nikon D200, soon to be a Nikon D800E, and all my lenses are Nikkor f/2.8 zooms, so they are heavy. For me, ease of setup and stability are the most important features of a head, and this one works well. I'm ambidextrous, and prefer to orient the head so that the tightening knob is to the left so I can position the camera with my right hand. It's easy to reach around to the front to loosen the panning lock, so all fidgeting with the head can be done with my left hand. This is a time-saver. The ball travel is very smooth, and there isn't any creep when I tighten the large locking knob. The four bubble levels allow me to position the camera precisely without additional hardware. The quick-release works well, and I like the safety feature that prevents the plate from inadvertently sliding out of the head. Despite its "fat" appearance, it's light thanks to the hollow ball and generous use of magnesium. I also ordered its little brother, the 1780, for my smaller Gitzo tripod. Nice product without any flaws apparent to me.
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release:
I acquired a high-quality 80mm spotting scope for birding and as a rugged and easy-to-use astronomical telescope. I used it first on a Manfrotto pan-tilt head I already had which works fine for compact camera photography. It worked but I wasn't getting everything I could out of the significant investment in the 80mm, so I tried several fluid video heads from Manfrotto and Gitzo. I also tried Gitzo's pan-tilt birding head, and Manfrotto's geared head. I found the 80mm scope requires a head rated for much higher than it's ~3 pound weight. After I narrowed it down to the heavier-rated heads, I found quite a few of them had too much stiction to make very fine adjustments to center an object in a very narrow field of view. If I needed to move the scope half a degree or even just 10 arc minutes, the head would flex and when I let go, bounce back to where it was. I needed something that would hold a significant load steady but allow very fine adjustments without stiction. The geared head works, and so does this ball head. I like the ball head because I can instantly loosen and move it on all axis. The geared head only releases one axis at a time. I suppose the only thing this head is not great for is video tilt. It pans nice though.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gitzo GH2780FQR Series 2 Safari Magnesium Ball Head w/ Quick Release:
I was first considering a cheaper ball head but the cheaper head was made in China which put me off a bit. I went with the well known brand hoping to get what I paid for. I was not disappointing. The coated ball glides smoothly and locks firmly with a half turn. I have used the head with my 85mm f/1.4, 100mm f/2.8, and my 180mm f/3.5. and am very happy with it.
The included plate and quick release also function better than any of my Manfrottos.
This is a pricey but precision tool. Worth the extra dollars in my humble opinion.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-6
What's in the Box
- Quick Release
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
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