Gitzo GH4383LR Center Ball Head Series 4

Is the Gitzo Series 4 Center Ball Head worth its extra weight and cost?

Gitzo GH4383LR Center Ball Head Series 4
(Image: © Angela Nicholson/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

This top-notch head is designed to be paired with high-end tripods such as some of Gitzo’s renowned Systematic range. It’s solid and dependable, delivering smooth movement and firm locking. In some ways, it’s a versatile alternative to a gimbal head, but the quick release plate needs to be attached with care.

Pros

  • +

    Superb build quality

  • +

    Separate locking and friction control knobs

  • +

    30Kg payload

Cons

  • -

    Heavy weight

  • -

    Release plate hex socket needs to be deeper

  • -

    Comparatively expensive

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Gitzo introduced the updated Ball Head Series 4 in April 2021 with its 30kg maximum payload and hefty build seeing it pitched at wildlife photographers using 400-600mm lenses.

It's made from high-tolerance steel and aluminum components and uses a large hollow ball that's designed to move smoothly in extreme conditions and temperatures between -30° and 70°C. There's also a thermo-stable fluid pan cartridge (plus a dedicated pan control) that helps deliver jerk-free movement when following subjects moving horizontally.

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Angela Nicholson

Angela has been testing camera gear from all the major manufacturers since January 2004 and has been Amateur Photographer’s Technical Editor and Head of Testing for Future Publishing’s photography portfolio (Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-PhotoPractical PhotoshopPhotography Week and Professional Photography magazines, as well as the Digital Camera World and TechRadar websites). She is the founder of SheClicks - a community group that encourages and supports female photographers.