Micro ballhead! Giotto MH 1104

babowc

This thing is fantastic.
I got it for my upcoming trip, since I didn't want to haul around a big tripod. I modified my 8 section mini tripod to fit this ballhead, and this has got to be the lightest setup!

I attached my D800 and a 200mm f4 micro, and it held it perfectly in the downward position.


*guess that ISO?

I'll try to get some pics after my trip, with this pod!

Zerodog

Very nice looking piece there. You dont always need giant one huh. I love the joby gorillapod version. It even uses arca Swiss plates.

paddler4

I have a cheaper version, the MH 1004. It is OK, but not more. The single screw on the bottom loosens both the ball and panning, and the ball is coarse and does not move very smoothly. However, it is both cheap and light. It looks like the MH 1104 that you bought is somewhat better.

An alternative, not much more expensive than the MH 1104 but about 45g heavier, is the Novoflex BALL19P Ballhead with 1/4"-20 Screw. I have one of those as well--I use the Giottos mounted on top of the Novoflex to hold my flash for macro work. In addition to being heavier, the Novoflex is also bigger, but it has the advantage of a smoother ball than the 1004 and separate locking screws for panning and the ball.

babowc

I purchased the 1104 for the QR and I didn't expect much for $35, but I am pleasantly surprised.

The ball is very smooth and locks well:)
I'll see how long it retains its locking power though!
I have a pistol grip on my manfrotto, and I hate it.

I'll be getting a ball head for it, after saving my pennies! Haha

babowc

Zerodog wrote: »

Very nice looking piece there. You dont always need giant one huh. I love the joby gorillapod version. It even uses arca Swiss plates.

That must be nice to share the QR plates..
This one is exclusive for itself

Zerodog

Yes it is. All of my bodies have a Kirk camera plate attached. I think this Joby deal is the best ballhead you could get for under $200. No kidding. It is smooth, strong, and it is tiny. I have held my D3s with 70-200 mounted from a railing with it. This little one you are showing looks to be a sweet option if you are not needing camera plates.

babowc

Yes, this will be exclusively for travelling.
I wouldn't want to use this in anything but, because the legs are more or less, "flimsy".
BTW, that's hi-2 ISO on the D800!

babowc

Through the test of time, this tripod head cannot hold up.
It's simply too weak to hold a D800 with any f1.4 primes or constant aperture zooms.

ziggy53

Thanks so much for the update, Mike.