Manfrotto Grip Head...

[G3]

Is anyone using the new Manfrotto Grip Ball Head? If so, how does it rate? Will it support, say...a 10D with a 100-400L? Does it lock securely? What legs are you using it with? It's relatively inexpensive..begs the question "How good can it really be?" It seems very handy if it will hold up.

[Tapeman]

Are you talking about the one with the handle to the side?

I tried the one that is vertical and thought it was a little shaky.

The new one looks interesting. I might consider it as well.

Anyone got one?

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'vve used both,..

the new one can be used with the handle to the side.. and it is much more stable. For $100.00 it is hard to beat.

It has one failing,. the locking mechanism for the quick release may get in the way of some lens collars (or vice versa)

There are ways around the issue.. but it is an oddity.

Other than that,. it is now my number one head.. and I like it a lot.

[G3]

Thanks guys. I guess it's time to log on to B&H again..... :lol:

[MediaMagic]

Yep, I use it too. CDS is right about the lens collars/camera body getting in the way of the quick release handle.

I simply removed the assembly and turned the thing around so that the quick release handle was facing away from the camera position. You can mount in several variations which is a feature I like alot. This puts the spirit level in front of the camera, but that's not an issue for me. I got tired of rotating the camera in the collar every time I wanted to mount/dismount. Aside from this bit of weirdness, the thing is solid.

I use it with the Giottos 9180 legs. A pretty good tripod bargain for $146US.
link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=296589&is=REG

I don't have a huge honker of a lens like CDS's Sigma 500mm, but this combo holds my 10D/100-400L or 70-200 2.8L without a problem at all.