📷 Desmond DLOW-55 Low Profile Ball Head with 55mm Arca/RRS Compatibility and Pan Lock for Tripods Review

I have been using this ball head for 3 years; and it always delivered. I usually do landscape and astrophotography with this ball head. I found it surprisingly good with little to no sagging. I shoot regularly with a friend who uses the RRS BH-55 and we compare the two quite often. Based on our findings, there is no performance difference between the two. Can't confirm that in cold weather, I shoot 98% of my photos in Hawaii. However, I took this to Yosemite (40°F) and to the top of Maunakea…

Check out my review of the Vanguard Abeo Plus carbon fiber tripod for a quick look at the Desmond DLOW-55mm ball head. However, this ballhead deserves more than a cursory review and there are probably better and deeper reviews out there that others with more field experience than me have. Having said that, I have to say that I've always admired a 55mm ball head from an American company, but couldn't sacrifice more than $500 for the purchase price. So when I came across this Made in China clone,

When it comes to ball heads, bigger is better. The larger the area of the ball, the greater the opportunity to adjust friction and grip. And that leads to more holding power, more weight, better balance and so on. Regardless of the traditional "maximum weight capacity" rating, it really comes down to (1) the size of the ball and (2) the locking mechanism for that ball. There are two things I look for in a ball head. And with a 55mm ball on this head, we're in the good sizing range - comparable…

I was once a full-time professional photographer, working in both nature photography (stock images, art sales, workshops and tours) and commercial photography (portraits, architecture, weddings and - sigh)! – school events ). I had to pay for all my gear so I was good at finding the right balance of price and quality for an average income professional. For most of those years I've shot with the Bogen 3047 pan/tilt head (architectural and event photography) and the Arca-Swiss B1 ball head…