Gitzo G1172 Rationnelle 3 Way Tripod Head

This is an outstanding and extremely light weight 3-way head. Easily 1/2 the weight of most 3-ways heads, the lighter weight is appreciated when I've been hiking with it. I purchased this head after returning a compact ballhead because it couldn't hold my Nikon N80 with 300mm telephoto still for even 10 seconds when tilted 90-degrees. In comparison, this head held the same camera/lens combination in a completely vice-like grip for over 3 hours with no drift! Dang! Obviously, Gitzo has ultra-conservatively rated this head's maximum weight limit. Overall opereration is very smooth and precise. This head's continuously variable friction control for vertical tilt (a common feature for ball heads but the first I've used on a 3-way pan head) allows for incredibly easy and precise adjustments with the added insurance of not having to worry about banging the hell out of (and possibly damaging) camera and lens against tripod legs (or worse) from nose-diving. I would recommend this head without a single reservation to anyone shooting with a 35mm camera who's looking for an excellent 3-way pan head.

Excellent craftmanship. Beautiful and elegant. Friction control on a 3-way head is downright WONDERFUL and works superbly! Recent price reductions from Gitzo. Reasonably compact. Lightest 3-way pan head I've seen. Gitzo's maximum weight rating for this head is absurdly conservative. Quick release is excellent. Almost as vice-like like my Graf StudioBall with a plate 1/3 the size...Wow! Lifetime warranty.

No spirit levels but my tripod has one, anyway. Causes retail insanity: D*** thing is so good I raced out and bought Gitzo's new Explorer 'pod after purchasing a new Bogen 3021BPro only 2 weeks prior.

Bogen 3029, 3030, 3047. Slik, Velbon 3-ways. Bogen, Gitzo, Davis & Sanford and Graf StudioBall ball heads.

Haven't had to use it but if the build quality is any indicator, it's not likely I will need to in my lifetime.