This Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head partnered with the 120-30 column spacer is just what I needed!
Very easy to install (thin flat screw driver necessary for the spacer) a dream to operate with no detectable wabble, shake or vibration through the head when adjusting or positioning.
Designed for semi-static subject matter, not for fast selection of moving subjects. I plan to use this for subjects in fixed locations such as woodpeckers making homes, nesting birds and of course, wasps and hornets making their nests. Standard heads were just too inconsistent as I had to constantly make compensations and would lose positioning when tightening or loosening the tilt adjustments. This geared head takes the guess work right out of it and I can make micro adjustments with ease. I also do macro/micro video and photography so the ability to be within a few inches of the subject and have incremental pan control just makes my life so easy and I wonder how I ever got along without it.
Adjustments are firm and workable, silent, and nothing that would give me away if the wildlife is nervous.
The build is excellent, heavy, nicely finished with knobs that feel nice and give excellent finger traction. The wave shaped adjustment flanges are accessible and well placed for rapid adjustments.
YOU NEED THE COLUMN SPACER - adding the 120-38 Manfrotto spacer took away all pinch-points between the lower controls and the tripod. This will allow me to use the horizontal mast setup which the Manfrotto 055 has as a feature.
Great price, excellent quality, I definitely recommend the 410 Junior Geared Head without hesitation.
final note - it's also going to work wonderfully for an upcoming Super Moon photo session.