The look and design of the magnesium outer shell is unchanged, but the internal components and mechanisms are fully re-engineered. The weight has been reduced by 15-17% depending on the model and the sphere is now PTFE treated for a greater smoothness and precision. The small amount of play present in the previous versions have been completely removed.

The knobs have a different design that improves ergonomics, allows for a better operation and contributes to the weight reduction. The internal locking mechanism is the key innovation. First of all the panoramic lock, developed with a new concept, is now 3 times stronger than before. This is a terrific advantage when these heads are used with lateral arms or with center column in horizontal position (like with the Explorer tripods). The ball lock now features a completely new pat-pending system.

According to the traditional engineering approach for heads, there is a trade off between max locking power and smoothness. In fact, with the traditional locking systems, increasing the smoothness of the movement leads to a reduction in max payload, and increasing the pay load compromises the smoothness. To overcome these issues, Gitzo now introduces a unique and patent pending system that combines two locking systems in one. When the head needs to be fully locked, the ball is pressed by a high friction metal bushing in order to achieve a high efficiency lock. In all the intermediate positions, when the ball needs to maintain a smooth and high precision movement, the ball is pressed against a techno polymer bushing that maximize smoothness and precise movements.

The pressure of this techno polymer bushing is controlled by a pre set spring load. This spring assisted double locking system (SADL) guarantees a smoother ball control under every situations and a more effective friction operation. Series 3 and 5 quick release Off Center Ball heads now feature a leveling spirit bubble. Series 2 Off Center Ball heads are specifically recommended to be used with Gitzo Explorer tripods. All the new Off Center Ball Heads come with a smart Gitzo display cleaner and a convenient anti dust bag for storage and packing.

FEATURES

SPRING LOCK The new center SADL (Spring Assisted Double Lock) is a patent pending system that combines two locking systems in one, that maximizes both locking power and ball smoothness. A high friction metal guarantees a high efficiency lock, the PTFE bushing controlled by a pre loaded spring maximizes smoothness and control.

SAFE GRIP Safe Grip is a material that gives a safer lock between your camera and the head plate, preventing the camera from moving or slipping. It is used on quick release plates and in applications where the camera equipment is screwed to the support to reduce pivoting and twisting.

SEPARATE PAN CONTROL When using a ball head, the ability to lock and unlock the panoramic movement independent of front-back or lateral tilt movements is convenient for panoramic photography and when a high level of control is required.

LEVELING BUBBLE The new leveling system made of three independent leveling bubbles on the quick release plate and one in the ball stem, always guarantee perfectly leveled images. The problem that affects many high quality heads in the market regarding drift angle is absolutely minimized with an outstanding value of 0.03°

DOUBLE QUICK RELEASE SAFETY SYSTEM - The system consists of two pins, one fixed and one manually operated by means of a button, that prevent camera equipment from suddenly dropping out of the head when the quick release locking knob is released. Extremely useful with heavy equipment, long lenses and spotting scopes.