At the outset the ball head is very well built. I just played with it to understand the knobs. Eventually I'll use it along with the tripod Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT and Manfrotto 682B Heavy Duty Pro Monopod. This ball head comes with four knobs: two for adjusting the tension of the ball and third one to and the fourth one (panning knob) to control the base (the base has degree markings from 0 to 360 for panoramic shots). The mounting bracket/Quick Release Plate (QS-39) can be released if you press the orange button (make sure the knob beside the plate is not tightened). Attach the Quick Shoe to the camera and now slide in the Quick Shoe back into its housing. This ball head can be attached with any tripod with a 3/8 or 1/4 screw mount. This can be moved a maximum of 135 degrees from side to side. It weighs 581g! It comes with two Bubble Levels and includes two QS-39 Quick Release Plates. The QS-39 is not Arca compatible! Highly recommended.

I have been using this with my Vanguard 263AT tripod, and have to admit: this is one great ballhead !!! The extra friction control knob is a really useful addition when compared to the SBH-100, and it gives the user precision control on the movements of the mounted camera. All in all, you cannot go wrong with this head.