Intuitive and quick to use. When you let go, it really locks hard. Does what it's supposed to do.

A vertical photo translates to cantilevering your gear way WAY out from the center of the tripod, yielding bad support.

I love this device. It does what it's supposed to, and let's me get the subject framed asap. It's an idiot-proof design and your gear won't ever accidentally flop to the side hard.
But I wish Bogen would offer a non-idiot-proof version with the ball at the top instead of the bottom of the grip. That would keep my ever-heavier camera/lens combo much better grounded by staying closer to the center axis of the tripod. That's my only gripe. Well, that stupid leveling bubble is a worthless gimmick, not actually level with the camera/lens mount plate.
Still 5 stars because it does what it's supposed to and is unfailingly reliable.

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

Gitzo ballheads

I use my camera equipment at work as a polcie officer. I use it in surveilance and in Crime Scene Photography. This head is VERY useful in following subjects and locking in place right where I need it. Also recomposing a shot is quick and easy which is important when you are shutting down a major highway for a fatality until you get the shots.

I purchase my own equipment and have some expensive lens that I get an uneasy feeling in my stomach when i go vertical. It is a small base to support the weight.

This is a great piece of equipment. It is just like playing a video game, grab the joystick, aim fire. well built and durable. I dont regret spending the money on this at all.

Customer Service

none needed

Similar Products Used:

The typical knobs and pan mounts are not as useful in tracking subjects or recomposing quickly when time counts

easy to use, light weight, handy

my A2E w/540 flsh took a tumble from the QR head and hit the ground hard. Repairs will be over $100.

Good compromise for light weight rigs that see light duty. Don't trust it to hold an expensive, heavy camera.

Similar Products Used:

Bogen 3225.

Very easy to use. Easy to follow action and very sturdy for up to 80-200 2.8 D AF with Nikon cameras with battery holders.

None

I like it a lot. It is awkward to set to verticals at time but I still like it better than any I have tried.

Customer Service

no problems

Similar Products Used:

Slik U-212, Bogen 3029, Bogen 3229

The ergonomically designed controls make for sensitive, quick adjustments. With one-hand controls that conform so well to my hand, quick manuvers to get just the right angle for the shot are easy.

The height makes going from horizontal to vertical akward

The combination of this versitile head and Bogen monopod are essential components of my travel equipment worldwide.

Customer Service

Haven't required any.

Similar Products Used:

None

Quick and easy composition. A must for nature photography of moving subjects. Reasonably priced.

It's a bit tall, especially if you plan to use if for close-up photography and want to get the camera very close to the ground.

Quick and easy to use with one hand operation, this is a must for action photographers for sports or nature photography. A little tall for some types of close-up photography. Great value for the money.

Customer Service

Haven't had any problems.

Similar Products Used:

None.

For 6X6 medium format, this is a no brainer, quick, simple, and reliable this head puts emphasis on composition, not itself.

In 35mm format, the cork "quick-release" plate allows the camera to slip when taking a vertical photograph, this is especially apparent in telephoto use.

It works.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

none

Quick, convenient, very stable stays locked, one hand operation.

none

I would recommend this head to any one looking for a easy to use camera support. I got tired of groping for knobs on the 3047 head.

Customer Service

It's Bogen, thats why I bought it.

Similar Products Used:

bogen 3047 pan tilt head

Smooth, extremely quick positioning that stays put when you release the grip.

It's tall compared to other ball heads. The quick release plate lock may be vulnerable.

Great product. Also works very well with binoculars, especially for stargazing.

Similar Products Used:

Gitzo ball heads.