I have the G1276M MK2 ballhead and it seems to lock very tight in my experience. It's only rated to 11 pounds, but would definitely hold a 300 or even 400mm lens with ease....
Check out this shot of it in action: http://www.bluehorizon3d.com/PDML/1276mMK2.jpg This is over 10 pounds, probably 15, and even so, I had to loosen it quite a ways before it finally slipped under the weight. The head is only rated to 11 pounds, but obviously has a higher ceiling than that. -Shawn -----Original Message----- From: Alan Chan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 11:59 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Ball Heads Have Gitzo improved their ballhead that much? I used G275 & G1276 ballheads and I would not use anything longer than 200mm on them. Those heads just would not lock tight enough for precise composition, especially when tilted vertically. Vibration is another issue, especially when the wind blows. Regards, Alan Chan http://www.pbase.com/wlachan >the 308 mounted on a good set of legs and set up properly should have no >problems with a 400/5.6. i use the Gitzo 1177M, which is a smaller head, on >a Gitzo 1128 CF tripod and have no problems with my FA* 400/5.6 and the >*istD. _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your e-mail with MSN Premium. Get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=htt p://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines
