Manfrotto 3263 deluxe geared head

I have the Manfrotto 3263 deluxe geared tripod head; the Wimberley tripod head version 2; the Mongoose M 2.3; a couple of relatively high-end ball heads, the Novoflex Classic Ball 5, and the Gitzo G1576M; the Manfrotto 128RC video fluid head, and the Manfrotto 303SPH panorama head. Each of these are mounted on Manfrotto 394 quick release tripod plates to provide easy interchangeability of the heads across four different tripods, ranging from the very heavy and solid Gitzo G528 with a geared column, to the suitcase-compatible Gitzo G1258LVL. In addition, I have several smaller ball heads, including the venerable Leitz tall ball head equipped with a Novoflex Q-mount (great when used with Leitz tabletop tripod, as a chest pod), a Gitzo G1177M (good for use on a monopod), and an ultra-small Manfrotto 482, mounted on a Manfrotto 243 window clamp.All of these heads are equipped with Kirk Enterprises, Wimberley, or Novoflex Arca-Swiss style quick release clamps that are compatible with the Arca-Swiss mounting system, or else they include such a mounting system built-in.Cameras and lens used include the Canon 30D, 5D, 5D Mk II (each with a battery pack), 1D Mk III, and 1D Mk IV. Lenses range from a 15 mm fisheye up through a 600mm f/4 non-IS, sometimes used with a 1.4X or 2.0X teleconverter, or even both teleconverters, providing the equivalent of a 2688mm f/11 lens on the APS-C 30D! Each of the cameras is equipped with a Really Right Stuff L-bracket, so I can easily switch from a horizontal to a vertical shot, without having to adjust the tripod head or recompose.Each of these nine different tripod heads has their own strengths and weaknesses. I typically use the Wimberley with the 600mm and the 1D Mk IV, especially if I am photographing a moving subject, because it balances so beautifully and handles very rapidly. If I'm photographing birds, or balloons at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, with a second camera/lens, I generally mount the 300 F/2.8 or my 100-400 on the Mongoose M 2.3 for use with the 1D Mk III. And If I'm taking video shots, I would generally mount the 5D Mk II with a 28-300 or 100-400 on the Manfrotto 128RC video head, to allow smooth panning.At my age, and with my increasingly arthritic knees and hips, I'm not too likely to take many pictures more than a few hundred feet from my car. But if I did, and didn't want to carry anything more than my 24-105, or the awesome 70-300 DO, I would probably opt for the Leitz ball head and tabletop tripod, pressed up against my chest, or a tree, or a rock.Although ball heads have their place, especially if you are traveling and can only carry one, I generally find them quite exasperating to use, primarily because you cannot adjust the vertical without the risk of losing the tilt adjustment, and especially when you are using a big, top-heavy lens.But when I am photographing a still life subject, whether it be an impromptu panorama of the Sangre de Christo mountains at sunrise, or a coin or other small object with a 100mm macro or 180mm macro, or an ultra closeup with the 65mm MP-E, then I invariably reach for the heaviest tripod and tripod head in my arsenal, the Gitzo G528, perhaps with a Bogen side arm, plus the Manfrotto 3263, which is fully capable of holding even the 1D Mk IV and the monster 600mm. And once you crank the lens around to where you want it, it stays there, period -- it doesn't ever sag. And unlike the other heads (except for the ball heads), it has a very convenient adjustment for tilt, and that also stays put.In summary, each of these heads has their place, and I wouldn't get rid of any of them (except perhaps the Gitzo G1576M). I wouldn't suggest putting a 7 pound tripod head on a flimsy, light-weight tripod, nor would I want to carry it very far. But if you need something that is absolutely rock solid, and very easy (if somewhat slow) to adjust, the Manfrotta 3263 is the absolute king of them all.