ODWARF R1 39.7lbs CNC Professional Premium Metal Damping Camera Tripod Ball Heads with 1/4 Quick Shoe Plate Includes Tri-Bubble Levels Ballhead for Tripod,Monopod,Slider,DSLR Camera,Camcorder

I needed a ball head that could support a good deal of weight but not weigh a lot. These specs usually mean an expensive big name ball head. I’ll be shooting in macro soon and don’t want to carry heavy gear. Even though I prefer a gimbal head I still wanted something I could throw in the camera bag as back up. The reviews on this ball head were great so I was skeptical...until I received mine. This Sinnofoto R1 ball head is easily as good as any expensive big name ball heads I had to save up money to buy. It’s rock steady under a heavy load and has an incredible range of motion. It’s beautifully machined and just as nice to look at as it is to use. The name Sinnofoto is completely new to me but now they have a new fan with me. I’ll keep an eye out for more products with the Sinnofoto name on them and hopefully those other products are just as impressive. I’ll be bragging to my photographer friends about the R1 as well as recommending it.

Had previously purchased an Oben ball head to use on my Manfrotto 680B monopod but found it just wasn't heavy duty enough to handle my Canon with its longer lenses mounted. The weight of that combination caused the ball head to slip even when a lot of pressure was applied to the tensioning knob. So based on a few reviews, I thought I would try this Sinnofoto R1. Just after one use I could tell this unit was far superior. The materials and workmanship are better, the ball glides in the socket, and pressure on the tension knobs (one for ball and one for head rotation) is significantly more precise. The arca-swiss style mounting plate feels much more substantial and secure than the Oben quick-release plate. Fits and looks great on the 680B monopod. For the money, on first use, this rig seems to meet my needs quite well.

I mounted a Richie small fishing boat compass on my Palmer Twosome electric cart using the ODWARF R1 ball head. The camera mount worked out great after figuring out how to attach it to the 7/8" diameter handle bar. The wieght of the compass is about 5 pounds, but the rating of the ball mount is 39 pounds. The handle bar shakes a lot and at first the tightening points came loose, but after about a week of constant finger tightening, it has held the compass strong and straight. The base plate on the mount should be thicker to make it stronger for unconventional uses.

When I put a Nikon D810 with a Sigma 150-600mm on it (no where near 39Lbs) it sinks a few degrees before finally stopping. So, I have to mentally guess where I have to point the thing so that, when it stops sinking, it will be in the right position... hopefully.

You know what? You don't need to spend big bucks on Gitzo to get a great ball head anymore. Arca Swiss? Don't bother. This ball head will lock down just about any camera you can imagine, it is so smooth in operation, the machining is of top-quality. There is no play, nothing loose, it just works, and it's surprisingly compact and lightweight given its specification.

Too much fragile.I used only five times.Locking knob was disassembled when using.I spent much hours but it was impossible to find missed all small parts.I recommend do not buy Sinnofoto.

I still think this the best value tripod head for a larger camera/lens combo. The first one I purchased I took to Death Valley, but it started leaking fluid. I contacted Sinnofoto when I got back home and they sent me a new one immediately, so good service from them. The new one has been trouble-free. It's rated for a heavier camera/lens than anything else I found in the price range. Be aware that it is, as a result, large and a bit heavy - the price you pay for a sturdy device. I like it, and would purchase another.-Tom

Up till now, I have always relied on name brand manufacturers for tripods and tripod accessories. While I was looking for a ball head to be used with a new medium weight carbon tripod, I came across the Sinnofoto R1 that seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.I gave it a try and I was not disappointed. It is very stable, smooth and easy to use. And oh yes, I saved a bundle by purchasing this gem.