I was not sure what to expect with this type of ball head, but I was very curious because I was hopeful that it would handle better for some things than conventional ball heads. When it arrived it was a little larger than I was originally thinking, but thats a good thing. I didn't want a small version of this, so the size was welcome. The unit feels really strong. The weight is about what you'd expect from a full size ball head. I have other Leofoto products, and they're all very high quality. The quality and build-strength on all of the Leofoto items that I've bought have been terrific, and better than expected. I've used a number of RRS products, as well as numerous other brands, so I'm no stranger to this, but I'll admit that I had never seen a ball head of this type. I had some time to try the Leofoto MH-60 in the field. It holds a rifle well, and I'll echo the same positives that a prior reviewer mentioned, when he had his rifle on it. But my main reason for purchase was to see how it would be with a camera and a variety of lenses, especially when using a mid-size macro lens for close photos that aren't necessarily in the macro range, but need a mid-size or long macro lens and a quick operating ball head. I did not test the weight limit of the MH-60, but I tested it with a large DSLR camera with a grip on it, and several different small lenses, with a combo weight of roughly 4-pounds, and this ball head handled that with no problem. I also tried it with a large lens, the combo of which weighed just under 10-pounds, and it held that combo very well. There's enough tension (which has a small amount of adjustment) so that the camera/lens combo doesn't fall over when you're moving the ball head, and there was no movement once the handle locked it in position. The range of motion is very good, and is much better than conventional ball heads. I like this ball head with a rifle (same as the other reviewer), and I like it for doing quick close range photos with mid-size macro lenses because of this ball head's range of motion. I also find that the handle allows me to lock down a position a little faster (at least in my mind its faster) than with the conventional ball heads that I've been using (such as a large RRS unit). Sometimes when you're following something moving, and you need to point the camera/lens downward to some extent, you get sidetracked by your need to find the one or two slots on a conventional ball head that allow you to move the camera/lens downward. I didn't have that problem with this ball head, because it simply has a wider range of motion. My biggest fear was that the camera/lens combo would fall down because this is sort of an upside down ball head, but once you get it in your hands and use it, you'll see that its nothing to worry about. One of your hands will be on the camera, and the other hand on the handle of this ball head (while you're moving it), so there is really no risk that it will fall over. Plus the tension is quite good, and its adjustable. In summary, this is a great product, and I'm really glad I bought it. I think I'll be getting rid of one or two other items, now that I own this unit.