Giottos MH-1302 Pro Ball Head

[Roger Williams]

Anyone have experience with this head? I'm setting up my wife for close-up photography - mostly botanicals and I'd like to find a nice light-weight head for her Rebel XSi. I have a RRS-BH55 which is a bit heavy for her to lug around. Would also to have a good light-weight head for trips.

[MichaelM]

Roger, I had a host of Giottos support products and was woefully unhappy with all of it. The ball head lacked smooth action and the tension adjustments were on/off affairs.

Of the three Giottos Arca Swiss Compatible QR clamps I had, two had issues. One had a bubble level that was set too high preventing any plates, Giottos or otherwise, from sliding in. Everything had to be dropped in. The second wouldn't open wide enough to take anything other than a Giottos plate...The Wimberly Sidekick didn't fit in it at all.

I still have a Giottos tripod though I don't use it...The 1325 gets all the action. The monopod is the only item I use (all the clamps, plates and ball head have been replaced).

I'm not that first to say this...tripods, plates, clamps and ball heads are nearly indestructible.. lifetime decisions. Others may have a better experience with Giottos but my was horrid...

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

I'm not that first to say this...tripods, plates, clamps and ball heads are nearly indestructible.. lifetime decisions. Others may have a better experience with Giottos but my was horrid...

I have had no trouble with my ball head and quick release (MH 1001 and MH 200) but I ditched my Giotto tripod and returned to Manfrotto.

[James Prudente]

If you are happy with your BH -55 RRS why not get your wife the BH-40 RRS? It is light, strong and smooth.

Jim

[Ed Cordes]

I would consider the RRS BH 40, the Arcatech, or the Markins Q 10.

[Roger Williams]

Thanks for the comments. Already decided on the BH-40. I think it will suit her purposes very nicely.