Amlong Crystal CO10080G Meditation Ball Globe with Free Crystal Stand, 80mm, Clear

I use this ball for photography and it is fantastic. I've taken photos of flowers, architecture, animals, you name it. The photos come out crystal clear and are definitely a 'different' way of capturing a scene. I've added a few examples below.You need to have a camera that's able to focus well. Otherwise the camera will try to focus on the outer surface of the ball (rather than the image within it). You'll want to rub down the ball first to remove any fingerprints or dust on it. Also, some images with crisp edges work better than trying to take a photo of an all-white flower, for example.There is a BIG WARNING on the box - this can start fires!! It's like a powerful magnifying glass. Even just holding the ball in the sun at the right angle can start to burn your skin. So be very cautious with this. Kids should use it with supervision. Even adults are going to have some challenges in sunny situations. Be very aware of that focal point.A note on the box - it doesn't latch shut!! The ball is heavy and if you have the box-with-ball on the back seat of your car, for example, it's not out of the question that a good cornering could make it roll right out. Since the whole point of the ball is that it's a perfectly smooth surface you don't want it nicked or scratched in any way. So my suggestion as soon as you get it is to add Velcro or a tie or something to the box so it STAYS SHUT.Other than that, everyone who sees you taking photos with it suddenly wants one of their own. The photos are quite cool. The box is padded and nice, and it comes with a little stand (which I don't tend to use).Well recommended.Ask with any questions! I have lots of spheroid photos on my website, Flickr, Twitter, etc. if you want some ideas or want to ask how I did something.

2/7/18 I decided to return both and go with another company 1/2 the price. Received exactly what I ordered first time! Sooo happy. There are real aqua balls, just not here.2/5/18 Ordered another one that is mysteriously the EXACT same color. I wrote the “#2” with blue sharpie and it’s closer to that dark blue than it is Aqua. Will try again in a few weeks. :-(In my pictures, the one on the left is clearly the advertised photo. The one on the right is what you get. After 6 tries to update my review, and Amazon saying there is no problem, I took my old review and am posting it as a new review with the update. So, the date of this review will post date updates at the bottom.I have been looking forward to this crystal ball for weeks if not months. I was so excited to receive it. Then, I was so disappointed to open the box and see an incredibly dark and blue ball.Customer service basically said ‘Yeah, that happens’. They were much more kind. But it’s frustrating because they said due to the material used to make the balls, there will be inconsistencies and encouraged me to return it if I was not pleased.But, what if the next ball is worse? Do they have like batches? How long will it take to get to a batch that is actually the color I’m purchasing?I’m going to keep this disappointing one and purchase a couple more at random times. Which is irritating. If I have to update that I was never able to receive this color, I’m going to be extremely upset. Here’s to hoping one of the balls I buy will be the actual color I bought!Original 5 Star review: I loved it right away but waited a couple of weeks to write this in case it was a rush to judgment. It’s not! I have the clear and plan to get a few other colors. The clear stand is what seals the deal for me. I put extra sparkling jewelry around it to bling it out. So you’ve got all different kinds of shine from one place.My only complaint is that there isn’t a lighted stand on Amazon that would do it justice, IMO. If they could invent one that holds this and is controlled by remote with 16 colors and light settings including just still. This would be STUNNING at all hours.The clear one is a steal. The others are decently priced. I’ve seen people try to charge double. I own two things from this company. Super pleased. Affordable and beautiful. Everything you want a purchase to be.******1/20/18 Still the best ball I’ve purchased. I tried to skimp and go with a less expensive brand with no reviews. Huge mistake.The first time the stand came broken. The second time it was shattered, a corner had broken off and it had scratched the crystal ball everywhere- glass or whatever the stand is made of ALL OVER. It was a nightmare. Phew for Amazon!There’s a reason I only purchase prime. They’re the best and make sure you’re not sitting at home screwed with all of the negative purchases. So, now I have an even larger appreciation for this one.Coming in “one piece” (I just mean nothing was broken. Not literally one piece) and looking sharp since day one. One wrecked shipment, totally understand. But two and then it got worse? Stick with this company! You can trust them.1-22-18 Purchased the purple and love it!!!

I love this crystal ball. I seriously do. I spent half an hour examining it when it arrived and I was unable to find a single flaw. It is larger and heavier than I expected. When I read that it was just 80mm (3.2 inches) in diameter I almost bought the larger and more expensive 110mm ball. I'm glad that I didn't. A quick Google search turned up several images of people holding crystal balls of this size and that was all I needed to make up my mind.The only reason I haven't given this purchase five stars is the stand that comes with this ball. It's much too small to be very stable and it's not all that attractive. It's merely an inch square cube with a divot carved in one side. It reminds me of the chalk used for pool cues. I'll be looking for a better stand to display this crystal ball.

I actually bought this orb for use in a Jareth costume (the Goblin King from the movie Labyrinth), but have also used it for some fun photography effects as well.Make sure to check your orb for inclusions when you get it. My first one had a couple of minor specks inside and no matter which way I turned it, I couldn't get a clear edge-to-edge orb for photography. The nice presentation/storage box was also mangled in shipping. I exchanged it for a second globe and got a pristine storage box and an orb with only a single inclusion, which I can easily rotate to the side for clear photography. I suppose I could have kept trying to get a flawless orb, but at this price point, I don't think that's likely to happen.The orb is surprisingly hefty and seems to be perfectly round.

Very cool prop to add to my collection. Packaged nice, quick shipping, and a must for someone looking to add something new to their props. I wish I could afford a bigger one but this will do for the moment. This image was taken with my iPhone 13 pro max in my backyard just to see what it can do.