Better Than A Gimbal Head? Check Out The Flexshooter Pro For Wildlife Photography 

I've had this head since the middle of 2018 when it was still called the Flexline. I bought it to replace the Wimberley MkII I was using for the exact reasons described here, size and weight. Until recently I've only used it as a gimbal type head with my Sony A9 and latterly the 200-600. During this pandemic lockdown I've not been able to travel to my usual birding locations so I've developed an interest in macro photography. Using an ordinary ballhead with 1:1 magnification wasn't a problem but when I started to use higher magnifications the slightest amount of ball head movement on locking down caused the framing to shift. I then decided to try the Flexshooter using the silver ball only as a simple ball head. The locking down was absolutely perfect, even at 5x magnification the framing stayed put. Yesterday I decided to try the Flexshooter as a simple levelling ball under my video head as my existing levelling base stopped working. Once again just using the levelling feature of the Flexshooter silver ball was perfect for keeping the video head level. All in all this Flexshooter may be expensive but it's the most ubiquitous head I've ever used, the engineering is very good. Thanks for the excellent video Steve and apologies for the long comment!

Using this since 2 years. Never had anything better. Total flexibility. 👍

Nice review and timing. I have been contemplating a gimbal and this seems to provide a much more flexible option with very similar attributes. Will definitely check it out. Thanks

The flexshooter heads work really well as a monopod head too. Far better then actual monopod heads. Highly recommend!

Great review . Looks very solid and yes, it is expensive. But like you said: nothing in photography is cheap. Thank you for sharing with us . It's very useful to know things from an experienced photographer.Stay safe and healthy.

I like the word "light" and I agree with you about lessening up the load. I'm going to research this further.

"They aren't cheap... but what in photography is?" Yeah, that about sums it up.

Thanks Steve for your video. I'm another one who bought the Flexline Pro back in 2018 directly from the inventors in Hungary. I'm very happy with it. Very solid for what I shoot. Strongly recommended.

Very cool. Thanks Steve.

Thanks for this video. It is great to learn about new gear

Such a great review. You’re a Legend!

Thank you for this video not sure if you remember but I asked you about your tripod head a while back. Great video.

Thanks for this review Steve. I have been considering this head, but had not seen a complete review of it. Looks pretty darn good.

Thanks so much Steve for this informative share and review on this product my friend. Nice to know your thoughts. Irene.👌⭐

Very interesting product. Thanks.

Nice to see your review on this piece. I was fortunate enough to pick a used Flexshooter Pro from someone recently who was looking to downsize their equipment. I checked out all of the videos from Arthur Morris and was convinced that this would be way more mobile than my gimbal head. When I first got it I seemed to think it was a bit "fussy" in the house with the silver tension knob with my Nikon D850 and 600mm f4 mounted on it, but once I got out in the field my concerns quickly disappeared. It was smooth to operate and did what I needed and when I needed it to. I do think the new ones are a bit pricey for what they are but as you say what in photography isn't expensive!

Thanks Steve, great video! 😎👍 I even subbed, with notifications! :)

This is similar to the Uniqball sold by Lenscoat. Same leveling/ballhead design. A bit cheaper as well. I have the large and small versions and like them both.

I carried my camera and tripod on my shoulder for 30 years and really messed my body up. My Chiropractor after looking at my xrays asked if I was in a bad car accident. I said no, I’m a photographer.

This is for people using or thinking of getting a traditional gimbal head with big lenses 400 500 600 mm. I'll be exchanging my Wimberley II with this head. Thanks for the video!

5:56 lets take out the Big Gun. That BallGim Head is something to consider for me in the Future, i would change my Benro GH-2 for it but the Flexshooter is really expensive for me now, but in the future.

Nice review. Thanks

Great demo of an interesting product. I'm often in Zimbabwe shooting wildlife so weight is always an issue. I can't find one of these in the UK. Amazon UK doesn't seem to be selling them. Very interested in the Pro for 600mm.

my Manfrotto had initially came with a ball head that performed very much like this gadget. I've yet to try mounting my 150-600mm lens to See how well the tripod's ball head can handle the weight of the lens. I've got much faith in the tripod because it's a Manfrotto!

Just placed an order for a used Flexshooter Pro from B&H. Looking forward to loosing a couple pounds of weight. Should fit a lot nicer in my floating blind as well.

Seems a very good product watched Morten Hilmer using a ball head as a gimbal . Certainly seems a good ulternative some limitations but not a deal breaker. Thanks for sharing

Update,in stock at BandH,will have mine Wednesday

Hi Steve, I love your videos and have found that they offer a tremendous amount of knowledge and entertainment. Thank you! Have you found your 3-Series Gitzo to be enough for shooting your long lenses (400/2.8 & 600/4)? Are there times where you've felt you would benefit from a series higher, or does it seem to be the Goldilocks tripod? I'm currently trying to figure out what equipment to purchase and I would eventually be getting a 400/2.8. I want to make sure that the legs I buy will support it, but I also don't want it to weigh me down heavily if I'm hiking for miles with all of my gear. Thanks for any thoughts that you might have! -Justin

Cool!

How easy/difficult is it to keep things level when taking panos using this head?

Thanks , Steve! Mike in Alaska here. You may have answered by need for the Z6 & 200-500. What tripod do you recommend? Great video & thanks!

Thanks for a great video review. I see in your more recent videos that you tend to be using the leofoto fluid head instead of the flexshooter. Do you find the fluid head to be even more compact than the flexshooter or are there other reasons for the switch in what you're currently choosing to go out into the field with?

They should incorporate those heads into the tripod plate, to be able to have the setup compact to an even smaller size and weight.

I like the idea of this head and I start to think about as a replacement for my gimbal head. The size of the gimbal head is the main issue for me now, not the weight so much. But will peakdesign square-shaped Arca swiss plate work with that as well? What I think from the images, you need something longer to fit there. Any info you can provide me for that? Thank you. BTW: I enjoy your videos a and your photos as well :)

What about rotating the camera from landscape to portrait orientation while shooting with this?

Will it able to panning horizontally for landscape?

I carry my telephoto lens on a gimbal head/tripod on my shoulder around the back of my head and on the other shoulder like you demonstrated being able to just do with the flexshooter and just hold it with a finger or hand. If I'm on flat ground walking gently I can let go and balance it perfectly.

What plate are you using with this setup?

two questions, Have you tried using it with a zoom lens, I know that I’ve has an issue between the 200mm and 500mm not being balancing out. 2: Have you seen the UniqBall Ballhead and any idea about impression between the two? Thanks

Would this work on a monopod?

Those look really nice. I think even the mini would break my current tripod. My center column lock already has issues🤣

What's the best tripod for the flex shooter

Really cool. What model Gitzo tripod are you using?

Thanks for another informative video, and absolutely love your book! Can you attach your camera using an L Plate for landscape shots are do you have to switch out the entire head?

Do you still use the flexshooter? After 3 years as your opinion change, would you buy again?

Hi Steve, Great video, thanks. Question - Do you think there is any way to attach a flash bracket?

Thanks Steve. Would this work the same as a leveling base and a panning head for making landscape panoramics?

Can the arca- swiss be replaced with really right stuff quick release plate?

the real issue in my opinion with switching for such head is the 3rd axis (roll) that you also need to control and keep leveled with the horizon unlike traditional gimbal head.

Is there any advantage to doing this for landscape photography? Can it switch easily to portrait mode? Thanks for a good, clear video!

I’m sorry if you answered/covered this.. admittedly I only read half of the comments but couldn’t find it on your website either. How is that head “mounted” to the white beanbag you used on the safari in that still image about the 3:23 or so mark in the video?

Ahhh Steve you got me now....time to sell my RRS BH-55 and my gimbal head but geezzzz it cost AUD $955 but it replace me from carrying 2 things.Thankss👍

Cool!!!

I really struggle to understand the purpose of the leveling base when the ball moves independently within it. In other words, what does it matter if the silver portion is level if the black ball within can move around on its own? This becomes even more troubling when you consider there is no way lock it into place while panning.

Nice video Steve..................what about using some sort of flash bracket with this. My Wimberley II has the ability to use a flash bracket for off hotshoe shooting................seems like there's no capability for that with this head.

Has anyone tried this on a panning plate w bean bag?

So you have the pro and the mini version? I only ask because I noticed there is a extreme version

Hi thanks a lot for the review! How different is it from a good ball head?

A little more control can't, as I see it, does not justify the expense your talking about. But hey, thanks for the idea about changing the position I carry my tripod. I'll try it tomorrow when I'm shooting Great White Egrets in our local wetlands which is about a 15 minute walk from the parking lot to the water.

I do a decent bit of shooting with the tripod legs in the water and the camera/lens above it. Do you feel confident enough with this setup to use it in that fashion?

What foot do you use? They make a big one for the 600 but, if you use it, you can't change the lens on a Nikon body because it is too close to the foot. Using that little 500 5.6 is not a problem. You can also save about a $100 buying it from the manufacturer in Europe since the exchange rate has favored the dollar over the past year.

Steve, it looks like there is the Extreme, the Mini, and the Pro. Which two did you buy?

How does it work for typical landscape shoot? Great review!!

Interesting

I wish I had known of the FlexShooter Pro Ball Head before I bought the Arca-Swiss Z1+ Duel Pan head along with the Wimberley Side Kick. That set-up works great but I have to load lenses on the Side Kick side ways and that causes a potential drop hazard when loading a big lens on it. I also have to remove the Side Kick to mount a camera on the Arca-Swiss Z1+ DP head to shoot with lenses that don't use a collar. I photograph birds, wildlife and all sorts of things including Rodeos, and need to freely and smoothly track birds in flight and barrel racers on their runs. With the FlexShooter Pro Ball Head, I could load the lens ON the head much safer. Steve Mattheis, Is the FlexShooter Pro Ball Head smooth and effortless while panning? Are tho knobs easy to manipulate as needed when you are tracking and shooting? Can this truly replace a gimbal head?

I am definitely tempted by this. The idea of the Mini - a 1lb head that can act as a Gimbal or a Ball Head is certainly intriguing - especially seeing you mount the 600 F4 on it. The one thing I am not sure of is how it will work with Panos for landscape. When you level the outer ball how easy is it to keep the main ball level to pan? guess it shouldnt be too hard if you have a level in / on your camera. Thoughts on this dual purpose?

Howdy Steve! Can we get an update on this product? Do you still use this head/ would you still recommend?

How is this different from a RRS ball head on a leveling base?

Hey Steve, thank you for making this video. I did listen to your video where you say that the Flexshooter mini is fine for your gear except for your 600mm lens and for that you use your Flexshooter pro. I had previously asked the question of which size to get from BHPhoto and one of their "professionals (?) responded that I should buy the pro version for my Canon R5 using it with the RF 100-500mm and the RF 800mm f/11. Someone from FlexLine also said to get the pro version. I would like to double check with you that the mini should be fine. I'm not sure if they didn't realize that the RF 800mm f/11 only weighs 2.77lbs. The RF 100-500 weighs 3 lbs and the Canon R5 weighs 1.62 lbs. Or if because the lens being extended makes the difference for them.

Steve, I just came across your channel. NEW sub.. your work is AMAZING! are you still using the Flexshooter? Thank you for sharing your work!!

I'm an old guy and have arthritis in both myhands, the little knobs would not work for me I need the big adjustable knobs on the wimberly.

OK for travel but nothing beats the functionality of a quality gimbal head.

Would you prefer the RRS BH-40 or the flexshooter mini ?

Does it have fluid motion for video?

How about a video on how you put it on a tripod?,Looking at it not sure how it's done.

Not bad on the price

Not cheap..but love review!

Why not replace the small radius tension knob with a larger one? Especially a knurled knob for easier turning. A larger radius knob means that when a force is applied to the larger knob, both larger knob and smaller know do the same amount of work. Therefore, the smaller knob must multiply the force. The radius of the knob on the Flexshooter looks to be about 15 mm. If the knob's radius is increased to 30 mm, then the mechanical advantage is doubled. Of course, the distance the larger knob must be turned is twice that of the smaller knob, but that distance is from a practical standpoint insignificant, especially, for the peace of mind gained by going to the larger knob. This is the reason I always buy a RRS quick-release clamp for a ball head. Piece of mind. Of course, never having seen the Flexshooter, a larger radius knob may be impossible, because of space restraints. If this is the case, then why not a lever like the RRS? Since the increased mechanical advantage is such a simple idea, no doubt Flexshooter has already thought of it, and for some reason, it didn't work. Or it could be an increased cost issue> But how significant is that in comparison to the overall cost of the head?

On the shooting up issue, I've seen some great astrophotographs shot in a more vertical direction, albeit, with only 85mm lenses. So this device wouldn't work that well.

Price range from $579 to $599... that's insane, I rather keep my Gimbal!

How do you get a dead level pan with this? The Gimbal allows a dead level pan.

OMG Steve your book just arrived today IM really love all your great shot's and the words writen in your book . Will you be coming out with another one and yes when? Best Wishes Steven King. Thanks for all your videos they help so much.

Sorry, I'm commenting as your video progresses. About the wimpy locking knob, just re-engineer or replace it with a bigger grip but the same thread. You must have parts kicking around from all the other tripods you've used in the past, right? Like my Sigma 150-600mm, I don't like having to rotate the zoom with my hand directly. I miss the old sliding zooms from the old film days. So I drill a small hole into a worm geared pipe clamp, took a small bar with an inside threaded hole, put the screw thro the hole, tightened the clamp around the zoom ring, with the small screw sticking out, and screwed this 3 inch x 1/4'' bar to it and now I have a lever to rotate the zoom with more control. As photographers, we have to be able to improvise to save money.

I'm assuming this only allows the camera to pan and tilt (once you've locked off the silver ball part to level, removing the need for a levelling base) and therefore stops the camera rolling side to side (ie not having a level frame). This is the biggest difference between this and a ball head I assume.

Nice review,I’m trying to buy the pro but no one has it in stock.

I don't see how you can keep level for a simple left to right pano. You keep moving the camera up and down even when you say it's level. The tension know would prevent side to side movement anyway. If you loosen that tension, then it would be easy to knock it up or down. That could make the pano merge a real problem in post. Perhaps you could do a quick video on how to use this just for simple pano.

am i missing something or is this just a big ball head with a bowl based leveling system? its a better alternative to the standard ball head, as for less to carry than a gimbal, isn't any big ball head that? i'm not trying to be an asshole i'm new to gimbal / ball heads as i've only recently been looking at tripod usage quite recently. i have a couple of benro carbon tripod one with ball and one with 3 way head, jst today i have seen the fotopro egale gimbal heads which have the additional 45% adjustment which look very appealing for a 150 -600+. great vid and summary of the product steve, this is the first vid i have seen of yours, i'm off to watch a few more, happy tuesday fella

Hey Steve what's up with the Nikon 80-400 you always criticize it. I am looking to do a gear upgrade with a very limited budget and saw a used one on sale?

And...I'm watching a review of a large-size ball-head. I already do tricks like this with my Sirui K-series.

I checked the prices and almost fainted :). Sometimes I wonder if the wildlife photography is for me...

Steve, What brand and model Tripod are you using?

Hello!

There is even a similar product out: Uniqball. 🤔

If u don’t set your tripods center of gravity on sloped grown ‘ eg setting the legs at different lengths to compensate for the ground ‘ if u just put your tripod straight down it will keel over ‘ never mind with a prime lense sitting on it ‘ it’s a accident that’s going to happen if u take your hands away ‘ it’s just the way life is ‘ no technology can defy the laws of gravity

What am I missing? This double ball setup looks extremely restrictive in terms of tilt angles, and just because the outer “ball” is level doesn’t seem to have any impact on how level the camera sits via the inner ball. The head looks overly complicated, and overly expensive for no particular advantage.

When I see people running around with a camera and tripod slung over there shoulder like that, and no hand on the camera, i think to my self 1) apparently they have never had one of those connections loosen up and dropped a camera, or 2) they have a lot more $ than I do, so that $10 or $20K is no big deal... in fact, they might have another in the car :) lol NOT my situation. I hold onto my combo like it's my first born baby :) lol

Would have found the video much better if it wasn't so dark. Lighting up the subject rather than standing in front of a window would have made it much better in my opinion

Looks like Uniqball

Wow! Not cheap at all lol. Maybe in another 3 years... cool product though.

Holy crap, that price, no thanks