Still using this ball head and clamp, nearly everyday. Ok, the wife does have \"things for me to do\". But still pretty heavy use. Now, I have tried a universal Battery Grip L-Plate from Fittest Photo in China also, for my D300s. A slight turn of the clamp\'s thumb screw and the new plat fit perfectly. I really have no issues with the ball head or the clamp after repeated use in dirty environments and wet conditions, no snow yet though....soon.