Uniqball UBH 45 Ballhead with a Built-In Leveling Base and Pan-Tilt Head

This is a wonderful piece of equipment. It takes a little practice (very little) to use it most effectively, but it really performs well. I have used it with wide angle lenses and telephoto including my 500mm lens. The x adaptor and my L bracket work well together so I have a level horizon from any perspective. It is much lighter than my Wimberley gimble head and where space and weight are a factor I now only have to use one tripod head instead of carrying two.One note of care, you have to remember to keep the head controls tight when changing lenses or cameras. If you get careless this head (like other ball heads) can pinch and bite. :)(2017 update) I read another review where the reviewer had the red tension knob get bent. I have used this head in the field for almost two years now and have not experienced any problems with this ball head, and I put it through a lot of tough situations. I even keep my 500mm attached to the head as I hike around even though this isn't recommended. So my experience has been very good with the build.

I was skeptical at first but found that this really works. I like the versatility for travel. It takes some time to get used to using this after using gimbal type heads. It takes some time to level before using each time and I do not like taking to the time to level when I move my tripod, but the ability to use for wildlife and landscape plus the weight make this a winner for me. I am using in with a Canon 200-400mm lens, including a 1.4 extender on top of the built in 1.4.

I used the UniqBall UBH45 recently on an overseas trip. The weight savings was very much appreciated relative to taking a leveling base and a traditional gimbal head. However, there are two major issues that I have the the design of the product:1) The red knob that adjusts the tension is easily bent. The product is still fully functional, but for the price I expect a ball head to be more rugged.2) Unlike every other acra-swiss clamp I have used, one needs to be careful with this clamp otherwise you can unscrew it too far and the two springs that supply tension can be lost. IMO this is a poor design and should be addressed by the manufacturer.Lastly, I take very good care of my equipment so I am disappointed by this product. Another major headache will be that if it does require repair it appears that the product will have to be returned to Budapest Hungary for service.EDIT: April 2106. Both springs fell out of the clamp, but I went down to the local hardware store to purchase a new pair along with several pairs of backups that I can take into the field. The concept is excellent and when I travel this is the only bullhead I use for wildlife photography.EDIT: June 2016 I purchased a second Uniquball and it appears to be a new design where the clamp can no longer be unscrewed too far such that the spring fall out. Thank you for addressing this issue. Very much appreciated. Rating changed to four stars with the new design.