Why no Giottos?

I suspect it's because Giottos are more modestly priced. Still, I would still have liked to have seen how it stacked up to these expensive ball heads. No sure what the point is of a review like this if it doesn't include products commonly available on the high street. Then again maybe it's just for the benefit of "Pro Photographers"!?

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/01/13/battle-of-the-titans-top-ball-heads-test...

Maybe because they are not really comparable, I owned a Giottos ballhead (MH1312-652)and it suffered from creep.

I have since bought an admittedly more expensive Markins head which holds the camera rock solid.

You would not expect to see a review of luxury cars with a random budget family car included.

Not sure why you mentioned pro photographers, everyone should want a tripod/head combo that is stable

Because they are comparing Arca-Swiss compatible ball heads. Simple.

I too have a Markins head, (a Q3 Emille) which I bought for a very good price. It is rock solid, and not even the top of their range.

My mistake. I see now that it is aimed at professionals.

"The common elements of the ball heads in this group are a ball diameter between 52 and 58mm, and an Arca-Swiss style, dovetail quick release platform (the most common quick release type used by professionals)"

http://www.ephotozine.com/equipment/item/giottos-mh1300-658-ballhead-3338

I've got the Novoflex Classic Ball 5 which is solid as a rock,
but I wasn't happy with the small panning lock so I've now
put it on top of a Novoflex Panorama Plate...
http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/panoramic_adaptors/novoflex_panorama_plate/8486_p....

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Neat!

AP have just done a round up of mini ball heads including a Giotto.
Best miniature ball heads