socket heads are equipped with two separate locks, so you can adjust the tilt and pan functions independently. With these heads you can generally forgo tightening the panning movement in order to maintain the greatest ease and speed of use. Please note that heads intended for heavy equipment should include a friction or tension control feature. This can prevent the camera and lens from flopping down when the tilt control knob is loosened. The small, affordable models like the Manfrotto Compact Ball Head 496RC2 (with quick release) are best sellers. That's understandable and even this 420 gram die cast aluminium model can support up to 6 kg and it offers friction control. It's a "best value"
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head but I prefer the 498RC2 Midi (610 g), because it adds a knob for pan lock and it supports heavier equipment up to 8kg.
Unique Ball Heads Manfrotto also makes two types of grip control heads for great convenience of operation. Simply apply pressure to the grip handle and tension on the ball decreases so you can position the camera/lens exactly as desired. When it's at the perfect angle, simply release the handle and your camera is locked securely into place. My own favorite model, the 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head, is made of magnesium alloy – it weighs only 635g but supports a full 5kg. Features include a bubble spirit level to help guide horizontal camera
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positioning, a friction control dial, and customization for left or right-handed use. Others prefer the lighter (430 g) and more compact 324RC2 Joystick grip head. This model has entirely different styling, it is lighter thanks to Adapto technopolymer materials, and it provides a capacity of 3.5kg and friction control. A second compact Joystick model, the 327RC2, has a magnesium body shell and tips the scale at 620g. This Joystick head has a stainless steel ball and the larger grip handle provides even greater durability and a load capacity of 5.5 kg.
High Grade Ball Heads Manfrotto recently announced the new 050 series of magnesium ball heads. Both the
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