Opteka TS-1 TacShot Release Monopods

The Opteka TacShot is a compact and convenient trigger-style tactical ballhead, designed for lightweight video or still photography. The very act of taking your hand away from the grip locks the head into position, which eliminates the extra step of having to tighten a knob or lever before being ready to shoot. You have immediate access to half of a sphere in which to position your camera. The TacShot's body is crafted from high impact polycarbonate with the ball head and internal assemblies made from high quality aluminum. A bull's eye style single bubble level helps quickly achieve a perfectly level shot with just a glance at your hand. The included quick release plates allow you to remove your camera at a moment's notice.

The Opteka TacShot can be used with all makes and models of tripods that have either a 1/4"-20 or a 3/8"-16 threaded center column post.

The Opteka TacShot can support up to 6.6 lbs. For example, that means 35mm up to an 80-200mm f/2.8 lens. This head is ideal for both tripods and monopods.

Buy now Opteka TS-1 TacShot from trusted store!

Fantastic! -Pull the Trigger! A Newbie of sorts to dSLR photography. If you dabble in photography as I do or if your a Pro you already know that it is not cheap. I was looking for a quick release for my tripod so I went to a local camera shop in town and discovered the "Pistol Grip". It offers quick release for my dSLR. Phenomenal motion/movement when needed and when it's not needed, it's good and solid. The asking price at the local camera shop in my area was $80.00. I found this gem on Amazon for ~$29.00. It's pretty much the same one they had at my local camera shop. It's built out solid materials. It even has a leveling bubble on top of the trigger handle to boot. It's super easy to put on your existing tripod and even easier to operate. Just pull the trigger and aim your camera. Once you find the spot you want release the trigger and your ready to take a picture. Do yourself a favor and pull the trigger on this purchase, you wont regret it!

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Manfrotto 190XDB Aluminum Tripod

Awesome - steady, light, high-quality tripod. Manfrotto among other great tripod manufacturers (Giottos) always rank high among fellow photographers.
This is my entry level tripod - at a very reasonable price - that has yet to let me down. It feels very sturdy and is light to carry around.

The Manfrotto 190XDB three-section tripod is stable, flexible, and easy to use, making it a great choice for amateur and professional photographers alike. The tripod is distinguished by its redesigned aluminum frame, which is lighter than previous incarnations and slightly more compact. As a result, it's more convenient to bring this tripod along on shoots without weighing yourself down. Plus, the ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism and the quick-action leg locks have also been greatly improved, making it a breeze to open, position, and close the tripod in just a few seconds. The tension of the locking mechanism is even user-adjustable, so you can find the right tension for your comfort level. And should you need to balance the tripod on an uneven surface, you can set each of the legs to a different spread angle over the tripod's center of gravity--a must for nature shots on outdoor terrain. Click here to see the price!

Specifications:
* Color: Black
* Includes tripod head: No
* Closed length: 21.06 inches
* Minimum height: 13.78 inches
* Maximum height: 57.48 inches
* Maximum height with center column down: 46.65 inches
* Load capacity: 11 pounds
* Material: Aluminum
* Leg cross section: Round
* Column cross section: 3-faceted
* Leg sections: 3
* Bubble spirit level: No
* Leg angles: 25, 46, 66, and 88 degrees
* Center column: Rapid
* Column tube diameter: 25mm
* Attachment: 3/8-inch screw
* Weight: 3.52 pounds
* Warranty: 2 years

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Manfrotto 327RC2 Joystick Head

One more thing that actually call my attention was that it won an awardfor best accesory. If you wanna know more about it, type these words in google: "327RC2 Joystick Heads Win TIPA 2010 Best Accessory Award". None of the heads from other competitors has ever won anythng like that.

I can wrap up saying that I'm in love with these two manfrotto products. I am so happy that I didn't pay extra buck for something that looked fancier that was not as good AND FUN as this one. Manfrotto won this one over gitzo.

This is a superb head for quick setups, fast positioning changes and ease of use. It is much smaller than my 808RC4 3-way monster head and has back-pressure springs to help keep things positioned. The handle can be reversed for lefties, but that matters not to me.

The 808RC4 serves my needs for an accurately adjustable pan head. And the 327RC2 head compliments this by providing flexible and quick positioning for those times when holding the camera and lighting secure is desired, but that the camera should still be allowed quick angular adjustments to follow subjects. This head allows 90 degree angles up and down, forward and to the left side. Change the camera mount to reverse those angles. Further, the 0x55PROB tripod I own will allow this head to achieve greater angular positioning still.

It's a good head and I'm happy I have it. Click here to buy it.

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SLIK MINI PRO V Tripod table-top

The SLIK MINI PRO V table stand handle has a 2-way pan head with a frying pan for moving a camera easier. The two stage legs about 1.25 inches for added stability with heavier cameras to be extended. A compact traveler, the SLIK MINI PRO V is less than 8 inches long, packaged and weighing less than one pound. Like the other tripods in the MINI PRO line, the SLIK MINI PRO V a suction cup at the base of the column in the center, which is inserted in a window or smooth metal surface for a photo. The MINI PRO V can also be chest-pod by the column that half or more towards the center and placing the legs against the chest to be used to stabilize the camera. Suction cup will not support a camera weighing more than 16 oz (£ 1). This little thing can handle a lot of weight because of their size. It is a Canon EOS 5D with 24-105 f/4L IS lens and 430EX flash continuously - in portrait or landscape mode! (You have the "side" of the camera mounted on the base to do for shots in portrait mode.) This is a good 3 or 4 pounds of gear, and actually destroyed a lot of weight my Gorillapod SLR-business. It is not a problem for the swallow, though. For weight reasons, this tripod is no longer expected to work long lenses, but if the lens is large enough to stay, then it might work. I could be with my 70-200 f/4L use both vertically and horizontally, to assist with a little attention to the legs at a right angle, where it should have be. Another note: I have version "II" on the stand (the current version that Amazon sells is "V") which I bought used in 2002. It still strong! "V" looks exactly the same as me, for Amazon image.       SLIK MINI PRO V - Tripod - table-top by Slik  (16 customer reviews) Price:   $29.95   8 used & new from $28.95 In Stock     Faiqotul Himmah requested that we send this e-mail. If you have questions about Amazon.com, please visit our Help Department. Please note that product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices and availability were accurate at the time this e-mail was sent; however, they may differ from those you see when you visit Amazon.com. © 2010 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Amazon, Amazon.com, the Amazon.com logo, and 1-Click are registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Amazon.com, 410 Terry Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109-5210. Reference: 17102050

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Manfrotto 498RC2 Release Replaces 488RC2

Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head is the completely redesigned for better usability. A new button friction design allows the photographer to achieve better control when handling the camera and make micro-motion without fully locking and unlocking of the ball. The buttons have been redesigned to be ergonomic, easy to use and user friendly. The ergonomic design allows the user to more securely lock the ball. A locking lever mobile users, it allows for a convenient place for use in the most convenient. Just drag, put in a good position and then release. This model has an RC2 quick release plate includes a system of security that an unintentional release of the camera from the head occurs. The locking lever locks the head in both spheres of 90 ° -90 ° of movement and positioning of the pan 360 °. With sturdy aluminum construction, this title is an ideal support for all analog and digital cameras for small and medium weight of up to 17 pounds. This replaces the Manfrotto 488RC2. Moreover, I prefer to the 498RC2 joystick because it smooth with little or no shelter. With the rotation of the camera and the lens and the lens is easy when you get used to after using the joystick. For the money, I prefer this much more expensive headset for the "Right Stuff" wheels. Pro does not agree. Maybe if a headset for hours a day you have to pay need to use the Right Stuff. I am happy with this and sell my new Manfrotto 498RC2 joystick.       Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 488RC2 by Manfrotto  (21 customer reviews) Price:   $129.90   10 used & new from $128.88 In Stock     Faiqotul Himmah requested that we send this e-mail. If you have questions about Amazon.com, please visit our Help Department. Please note that product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices and availability were accurate at the time this e-mail was sent; however, they may differ from those you see when you visit Amazon.com. © 2010 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Amazon, Amazon.com, the Amazon.com logo, and 1-Click are registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Amazon.com, 410 Terry Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109-5210. Reference: 17102050

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Manfrotto 234RC Monopod Quick Release

An excellent addition to your monopod, this simple tilt head to allow a camera on a Monopod to be turned 90° to provide either vertical or horizontal format. With quick release camera plate system and secondary safety lock you can quickly and easily mount your camera on the monopod. This replaces the Bogen Manfrotto 3229. The Manfrotto 234RC is amazingly solid and well-built, made from very thick metal. If you are looking for something light-weight, then this is NOT the monopod head for you. However, if you are looking for something that will last forever and hold your expensive camera gear securely, this is the one. Its very easy to pop your camera gear on and off the head with the quick release, which I really like for sports photography.       Manfrotto 234RC Monopod Head Quick Release - Replaces 3229 by Manfrotto  (39 customer reviews) Price:   $39.10   18 used & new from $34.99 In Stock     Faiqotul Himmah requested that we send this e-mail. If you have questions about Amazon.com, please visit our Help Department. Please note that product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices and availability were accurate at the time this e-mail was sent; however, they may differ from those you see when you visit Amazon.com. © 2010 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Amazon, Amazon.com, the Amazon.com logo, and 1-Click are registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Amazon.com, 410 Terry Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109-5210. Reference: 17102050

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Professional Ball Head Camera Mount

Professional Ball Head Camera Mount

Normally, mounting a camera on a monopod steadies it enough for superior exposures. With the ball mount, you can lean the monopod into a rock or tree, and still aim the camera for a good composition. Using this method with a delayed shutter release, it's possible to bracket motionless multiple exposures for HDR images. Nice when a tripod is too heavy to haul.

The ball mount allows you to hold the camera out at the end of the monopod for nifty self-portraits with lots of scenery in the background. The ball mount can also position the camera at the right angle over fences and crowds, into holes and around corners, for perspectives that would otherwise be out of reach. Definitely worth keeping in a pocket. Mini ball head with single knob for ball and pan functions.

Professional Ball Head Camera Mount Product Features:

1. Weight: 1.8 ounces
2. Load capacity: 4.4 lbs
3. Base with 3/8-Inch socket with 1/4-Inch bushing
4. Top plate with 1/4-Inch thread
5. Height: 2.4-Inch

Most Helpful Professional Ball Head Camera Mount Customer Reviews:

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars - Lightweight but good, September 6, 2007 By Bookloving Grandma "Tex"

Watch how many pounds a ball head holds before you order any of them. This one is small and would hold maybe 2-3 pounds.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars - Giottos MH1004 Mini Ball Head with Single Knob, February 26, 2008 By Jean A. Mccormick "Italianquassolo"

Was given to me as a Christmas Gift. Works with my Monopod beatifully. Can't imagine taking photos without using this attachment. Adjusts easily and works great. I just leave it on top of my monopod.

Buy now from amazon, with cheapest price.

Thanks for visiting me, and enjoy your days.

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Manfrotto 496RC2 Release Replaces 486RC2

Manfrotto 496RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 486RC2Manfrotto 496RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 486RC2

This Manfrotto 496RC2 ball head has been total redesigned for better ease of use. A new design friction control knob allows the photographer to achieve superior control when handling the camera and making micro movements without having to totally lock and unlock the ball head. The knobs have been redesigned to be more ergonomic, easier to handle and more user-friendly. The ergonomic shape allows the user to better lock the ball securely. A repositionable Locking lever allows the user to place it in a comfortable position in order to use it in the most convenient way. Just pull it outwards, put it in the best working position and then release it. This model features a RC2 quick release plate including an additional safety system that prevents the accidental detaching of the camera from the head. The locking lever securely locks the head both in the +90° -90° ball positioning and in the 360° pan movements. This ball head is strong enough to hold a 35mm SLR camera with medium weight lenses and light medium format cameras up to 13 pounds. This replaces the Manfrotto 486RC2.

The 496RC2 ball head from Manfrotto is a winner. The ball is easily and securely positioned at a wide variety of angles. The machined metal parts are well made with a nice textured finish. The head easily attaches securely to a Manfrotto tripod. A set screw keeps the head from back threading on the tripod. An expensive camera body will be well protected when positioned on the 496RC2.

Manfrotto 496RC2 Product Features:

1. Supports up to 13 pounds
2. Repositionable locking lever for most comfortable use.
3. New ergonomic design.
4. New friction control for better control.
5. Quick release system features a new style secondary lock.

Most Helpful Manfrotto 496RC2 Customer Reviews:

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars - Impecable italian quality, January 15, 2010 By Pger

I got this from J&R NY through Amazon, along with a Manfrotto 055xprob tripod from Adorama. Excellent service from all parts involved and items arrived earlier than expected. These top notch Manhattan establishments have never dissapointed me (along with B&H).

Originally I was going for the 486RC2 but then I found out that this model was replaced by the 496RC2. Main addition is the friction control knob and I gotta tell you this was an awesome addition. The quality of this head and the Manfrotto tripod is outstanding, you do feel the quality components when you touch them. Friction control is great because you can fine tune it depending on the weight of your camera lens.

I was a little worried about not having a separate panning knob like the 498RC2 but the friction control allows me to have just enough friction so I can pan easily with the main knob without changing the vertical alignment of the camera so its a non issue.

Grazie mille Manfrotto per questo produtto, mi piace moltisssimo!!!

Update 01/19: after some use I just want to comment. This ballhead is all I wanted it to be! However, if you do a lot of panoramas do get the 498 model which has a separate panning head. I found out I don't miss one as I don't do a lot of panoramas, plus I have it on top of a Manfrotto 055xprob which is very tall so I don't need to extend the center column. This allows me to loosen the center column nob a little when I need to pan so it serves me as a panning knob. Also you can do it be releasing a little the friction control knob as I stated above.

Warning: Disassembly voids your warranty, but if you must... Remove the lock lever screw and the conical insert that it holds and then the preload screw. Carefully remove the rectangular label so as not to bend it and remove the base retaining screw behind it (this is the crux of the disassembly). Lift the ball housing off of the base reveals the ball locking components (note where the lock lever inserted. Remove the 4mm hex screw under the camera mount plate which allows the QR mechanism to be removed from the ball stem. The ball can then be removed. Inspection found a two areas within the ball housing that showed some galling (scratches).

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Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short

Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short

Take the versatility of a ball head, add true ergonomic control and you get the 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ballhead! The 322RC2 is unique in that it allows you to unblock, move, position and lock your camera with one hand in one position. This is due to the revolutionary design of its grip handle which incorporates the ball lock lever.

A friction control wheel lets you regulate the power of the blocking mechanism to match the weight of your camera and lens. The 322RC2 is made from magnesium for lightweight performance, and is designed to keep the weight of your equipment as close as possible to the tripod's center of gravity by way of its reduced height. It is this fact, matched with the precision construction of the 322RC2 that gives the head its load capacity of 11 pounds (5.5 pound capacity when in the vertical position).

The Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short comes complete with a built-in bubble spirit level and quick release camera plate (standard 1/4-20-inch screw, with secondary safety pin). The 322RC2 is suitable for use with 35mm or medium format cameras. In addition, you can also mount the 322RS shutter release accessory. The 322RS is a world's first. With its remote control electronic camera shutter release, the 322RC2 becomes the only photographic head available today that can put camera control within reach without having to move your hand from the head grip to the camera body.

Overall Rating

Construction quality :
Weight :
Ease of use :

Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short Product Features:

1. The built-in, carefully hand-set bubble spirit level helps make sure your horizons really are horizontal.
2. Separate control for pre-setting the friction of the ball when unblocked.
3. The position of the red line indicates the approximate amount of friction applied.
4. The compact, rectangular 200PL quick release plate system fits neatly under small-bodied still cameras up to SLR (even with tele lenses) or small medium format, or under small video cameras or spotting scopes.
5. Its rubber pad gives a good grip without damaging the camera, and its angled sides ensure that it also fits perfectly and tightly into a wide range of Manfrotto heads reversible center column allows head and camera to be mounted below the tripod - useful for: low-level shooting (because it keeps the tripod and your equipment out of the mud); working with heavy duty.

Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short Technical Details:

1. Unblock, move, position and lock your camera with one hand in one position
2. Revolutionary grip handle design with ball lock lever
3. Friction control wheel regulates power of the blocking mechanism to match the weight of your camera and lens
4. Built-in bubble spirit level and quick release camera plate
5. Load capacity of 11 pounds; 5.5 pound capacity when in the vertical position

Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short Product Details:

1. Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 4 inches ; 1.8 pounds
2. Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
3. Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
4. ASIN: B000184N22
5. Item model number: 322RC2
6. Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars (138 customer reviews)

Most Helpful Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short Customer Reviews:

261 of 262 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars - Everything it claims to be - more than the sum of its parts, January 5, 2008 By Black Belt Systems "fyngyrz"

The 322RC2 Ball Head and rapid connect plate, used in combination with a decent set of tripod legs (for example, Bogen Manfrotto 190XPROB) are a profound step up from the all-in-one tripods you may be used to. Even more importantly, they are a step up from most other ball heads by virtue of the immense improvement in both speed and ease of aiming your camera once actually mounted to the ball head. I can't emphasize this enough: This product actually changes how you use your camera, because repositioning the camera on all axis at once is a one hand, fraction of a second operation.

I know that's hard to visualize, so let me describe the process. The head has a handle sticking out the side, quite substantial and comfortable, that fits in your hand (right or left, your choice.) On this handle is a very large "trigger" that fits beneath all of your fingers as they wrap around the handle. When you pull this trigger, the ball head releases your camera and you can move it, using the handle as a precise and ergonomic lever, to any new position you like in no more time than it takes to adjust your wrist and arm - essentially immediately. Then you simply let go of the trigger and the ball head locks the camera right where you have it pointed. [...]

Buy Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short from Amazon at cheapest price.

Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short is a useful piece of equipment. It's horizontal positioning provides leverage for the camera's weight. This ball head is a great item. It offers so much versatility with so much ease. When the grip is in the horizontal position, it will allow you to pan unlike traditional quick release ball heads. You can adjust it from a right handed position to either left handed position or to a traditional vertical position like any other quick grip ball head. With one quick motion, you can go from horizontal shot to a vertical shot. The grip also has a tension knob built in so you can increase the tension when you have to use heavier lenses.

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Joby Bubble Level SLR-Zoom Gorillapods

Joby BH1 Ball Head with Bubble Level for Joby GP3 SLR-Zoom Gorillapods

Built with the serious photographer in mind, the Joby Ballhead is lightweight and compact, yet still robust enough to support SLR cameras with zoom lenses. It further extends the functionality of the Gorillapod by allowing even more creative camera positions and an improved ability to capture great shots! Full 360-degree panning, and 90-degree tilt Position your camera at virtually any angle; get portrait or landscape shots with ease Adjustment knob easily locks the Ballhead into place, securing it tightly. The slim-line quick-release clip with bubble level stays connected to your camera and snaps into the Ballhead for nearly instant setup. The adapter screw allows the Ballhead to accommodate both 3/8" and 1/4" threads, allowing it to be used with virtually any tripod.

Overall Rating :

Joby Bubble Level SLR-Zoom Gorillapods Technical Details:

1. Max weight load: 3kg (6.6 lbs)
2. Material: Precision-machined aluminum housing, with all-metal ball
3. Slim-line clip: Universal ¼-inch camera screw, with additional 3/8-inch adapter
4. Size: 68 x 45 x 63mm (2.7 x 1.8 x 2.5")
5. Weight: 310g (10.9oz)

Joby Bubble Level SLR-Zoom Gorillapods Product Details:

1. Product Dimensions: 2.7 x 1.8 x 2.5 inches ; 10.9 ounces
2. Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
3. Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
4. ASIN: B002CVU4G0
5. Item model number: BH1-01EN
6. Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)

Most Helpful Joby Bubble Level SLR-Zoom Gorillapods Costumer Review:

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars - Great ball head for ANY tripod!, November 27, 2009 By Scott Chou "Scott"

I own a Velbon Carbon Fiber tripod and I instantly shaved a pound or more off that system by removing the large 3-way magnesium head and replacing it with this little gem. Ball heads are already popular tripod heads for their small size and easy maneuverability, but they typically cost a lot more than this Joby.

Pros:
- price point may seem high for small tripods but this is a bargain compared to name brand quality equipment used on large tripods by photo enthusiasts.
- Feature rich including the quick release plate and bubble-leveler.
- Works as advertised.

Cons:
- the coin screw attachment on the quick release plate is not easy to attach quickly unlike other systems.
- only rated for 6 lbs but this is reasonable for the price range.
- Even for cameras under the 6 lb rating, positioning will sag a bit after locking. This is a common problem for heads as high as $200, but the Joby sag is less than many more expensive heads.
- does not support panning since lock screw freezes all degrees of freedom. More expensive Ball heads normally come with a separate lock for the panning direction.

Buy Joby BH1 Ball Head with Bubble Level for Joby GP3 SLR-Zoom Gorillapods from Amazon at cheapest price (saving $10.00)

An absolute necessity for the Gorilla pods (or you won't ever be able to properly orient the lens of your camera). Also good for other tripods.

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