Verdict: 4 stars The Gitzo center Ball Head Series 4 (GH4383) is one serious ball head, with a massive 30kg payload and a base fatter than most tripod platforms. this three-knob design has a ball release lock, an adjustable friction knob and a fluild-damped pan axis – a nice touch. My sample has an Arca Swiss style plate with a locking lever (GH4383LR). It’s an impressive ball head, but unless you’re going to load up your tripod with a huge telephoto or a pro video rig, it’s overkill for most users.
Gitzo
Gitzo is a prestige tripod manufacturer owned by the same parent company as Manfrotto. It's known for its uncompromising quality but also its prices. Some of its best-known products include its lightweight carbon fiber Mountaineer and travel tripods and its modular Series x tripod range.