If you have a good quality film or digital SLR or a medium format camera you'll need a fairly heavy duty head, especially if you often use large zoom or telephoto lenses.

Modern materials have led to the development of good heavy-duty ball-and-socket heads, such as the latest and most advanced product from Manfrotto, the 468MG Hydrostatic Ball Head.

Trusted Reviews (www.trustedreviews.com) reviewed the Manfrotto 468MG Hydrostatic Ball head saying: “[The] hydraulic pressure adjustment is the key feature of the 468MG, and it does work extremely well. The friction control has a stiff ratchet action, so once its set up the way you like it it's not likely to be disturbed by accident. It is easy to use, extremely effective, and provides a combination of heavy-duty support, freedom of movement and total versatility that will be welcomed by wildlife, sports and action photographers.

“As well as this you get Manfrotto’s usual bomb-proof build quality, with all the metal parts coated in a tough scratch-resistant matt black powder finish..”

Trusted Reviews Verdict
The new Manfrotto 468MG ball head is a superb piece of kit for anyone using a larger DSLR or medium-format camera for wildlife, sports or action photography. Its impressive load capacity, rugged build quality and the ease of use of its unique hydraulic friction control give it immense versatility and will win over even those who wouldn't normally consider a ball head.

Build Quality 10/10

Tech specs – 468MG Hydrostatic Ball Head
The 468MG achieves its impressive load capacity thanks to its size and exceptionally tough construction. It's a physically large head, measuring 13.5cm top to bottom, and weighs 650g, only 100g lighter than the classic 804RC2 pan-and-tilt head, so it's not really one for lightweight hiking. Due to its size it's really only suitable for use with larger tripods such as the 190 or 055 series.

For full details of this very detailed and informative review visit Trusted Reviews.