Avotius
Some guy
I am currently shopping around for a new medium tripod and ball head. I have my eye on a Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod but keep running into these Oben tripods and heads. Any experience out there with these guys? Their webpage doesn't even seem to say where they come from and I am curious to where their manufacture their stuff, their prices seem pretty decent though.
Some heads I am looking at are the Surui K30x (or 40x) but honestly I don't know if I want to throw in with another Chinese manufacturer after having huge problems with 3 Benro products. Oben BC-166 is interesting but I dont like mounting plates that use tools to attach to camera and my current plates wont work with their locking system I think.
Some heads I am looking at are the Surui K30x (or 40x) but honestly I don't know if I want to throw in with another Chinese manufacturer after having huge problems with 3 Benro products. Oben BC-166 is interesting but I dont like mounting plates that use tools to attach to camera and my current plates wont work with their locking system I think.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
I'm using either Manfrotto CF190pro3 or Feisol CT3442 legs with either Markins Q3 Emilié or Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 (fitted with RRS Arca-Swiss QR clamp). Not heard of Oben before.
If I were to upgrade my legs, I'd likely go with the FLM CP26-L3S ... they're expensive but well worth it.
Stick with the Arca-Swiss type quick release clamps and plates. They're simple, extremely strong, and there are more vendors that make them than anything else.
G
If I were to upgrade my legs, I'd likely go with the FLM CP26-L3S ... they're expensive but well worth it.
Stick with the Arca-Swiss type quick release clamps and plates. They're simple, extremely strong, and there are more vendors that make them than anything else.
G
Liam Maloney
Member
Tiltall 4602 made by Leitz. It's older than I am but incredibly solid and simple.
mfogiel
Veteran
I have chosen to go with a Gitzo carbon levelling tripod, as my main one, and an Acratech ballhead. Acratech stuff is outstanding for ease of use/size/weight/solidity experience. You can save a bit on the tripod if you are young and do not fear extra weight, but you should not save on the head.
YYV_146
Well-known
Agreed. I checked out Acratech but eventually went with the more compact Acra Swiss P0. I like to set up the legs first and pan the camera for composition, a job that the inverted P0 does very well.
I just bought a Gitzo 1542t to use with the P0. It's light, tall enough to work while standing straight, and very easy to set up. Gitzo is expensive, sure, but no more expensive than going through 2-3 cheaper legs.
Rayt
Nonplayer Character
Gitzo (which one depends on intended load) and RRS ball head.
willie_901
Veteran
I also think the Arca-Swiss type quick release clamp and plate systems are the way to go.
I can not stand ball heads.
The Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head is so much easier to accurately level the camera. With a bit of practice it is quick and easy to use. I imagine it weighs more than some ball heads. It was trivial and inexpensive to convert the 410 head to an Arca-Swiss mount.
I can not stand ball heads.
The Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head is so much easier to accurately level the camera. With a bit of practice it is quick and easy to use. I imagine it weighs more than some ball heads. It was trivial and inexpensive to convert the 410 head to an Arca-Swiss mount.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Geared heads are wonderful too! I've been meaning to acquire one for years for my tabletop and similar kinds of work where precise positioning is more important than weight and speed.
It just never seems to be top priority. Perhaps I'll remedy that this Summer; I've just about run out of cameras*and lenses that I'm interested in enough to purchase.
G
Vobluda
Well-known
I am using Sirui K-20X on Gitzo.
I have sold RRS BH-40 after getting Sirui..
I have sold RRS BH-40 after getting Sirui..
rolfe
Well-known
I went with Induro CT214 legs and an Acratech head. Beautiful combo.
Avotius
Some guy
How long have you been using the Sirui under what kind of conditions and how would you say it feels now compared to when you first got it?
taemo
eat sleep shoot
what body cameras are you looking to use on this tripod?
i've heard raving reviews about the Sirui K-20x and K-30x, if I needed a new ball-head, those would be my top choice.
I've been using a Sirui T-025X with C-10X Ball Head for almost a year now and this combo is insanely small and light, less than 2 lbs, it's my travel tripod and I've shot TLRs with it with no problem.
only con is that it's fairly short if you remove the center column which I do.
Also have a Mefoto globetrotter, fairly compact and light (under 5lbs with ballhead) and can hold my 4x5 no problem.
i've heard raving reviews about the Sirui K-20x and K-30x, if I needed a new ball-head, those would be my top choice.
I've been using a Sirui T-025X with C-10X Ball Head for almost a year now and this combo is insanely small and light, less than 2 lbs, it's my travel tripod and I've shot TLRs with it with no problem.
only con is that it's fairly short if you remove the center column which I do.
Also have a Mefoto globetrotter, fairly compact and light (under 5lbs with ballhead) and can hold my 4x5 no problem.
Avotius
Some guy
At first I will just be using my Fuji XE1 and yes its total overkill for this system, but I also use a Canon 5Dmk2 with Canon 15 fisheye on a heavy panoramic head so need all the extra support I can get. I may also use medium format and large format with it on occasion.
I am tempted and not tempted to get the Sirui head because it seems like a killer deal but I want to take a close look at acratech and see what they have to offer me.
As for legs the Gitzo's are neat but I have sworn off twist locks after having used two tripods where they failed. My wife has an aluminum Manfrotto tripod with flip locks and thats the way forward for me. Seems I might go with what I know and get the Manfroto 055.
I am tempted and not tempted to get the Sirui head because it seems like a killer deal but I want to take a close look at acratech and see what they have to offer me.
As for legs the Gitzo's are neat but I have sworn off twist locks after having used two tripods where they failed. My wife has an aluminum Manfrotto tripod with flip locks and thats the way forward for me. Seems I might go with what I know and get the Manfroto 055.
RichC
Well-known
I've been using a Sirui K-20x for 2 years now, and am as pleased now as I was when it arrived. Utterly brilliant head, and one of the best accessories I've bought - extremely well designed with high-quality engineering and build. Easily as good as heads many times its cost. Amazon had the best price then...
Friends have bought Sirui heads after seeing mine, and they too are delighted - one describing their Manfrotto head as utter s**te in comparison!
A tripod is essential for me, as nearly all my photography requires one, whether in my studio or outside, so I'm really fussy. I use it with my two main cameras - a Nikon D800E and a Mamiya 645, neither light cameras.
My base requirements were ease of use; smooth, well-damped movement; and minimal droop when letting go of the camera after making an adjustment. The head had to meet these with no compromise - which it did, and still does. Because it's such a nice bit of kit, I actually enjoy using it - not something I ever expected to say about such a mundane object as a tripod head!
Sirui produces top-notch products - they bear no comparison with cheap low-end Chinese items that so often disappoint (I once bought such a head - truly horrible!).
PS: I have no connection with Sirui!
As for tripods, I think that's an easier choice, as above a certain price they're all pretty sturdy, and the choice boils down to personal preference and specific needs. For example, I prefer flip locks to twist locks as the former are faster to use; also for speed, I like tripods with few sections (i.e. two locks). It also has to be light enough and sensibly sized so I can carry it outdoors without hating it!
Carbon fibre is lighter than metal for the same level of performance and has better damping (give a sharp tap to your camera on decent carbon and metal tripods, and be astounded - there's a massive difference!): I took a deep breath because of the cost, and bought a carbon tripod, and am glad I did - it's lighter and works better than my old alloy one (the new carbon tripod has thinner lower leg sections so seems less sturdy, but isn't in practice - the better damping means my camera is actually less prone to vibration). I won't go back to a metal tripod.
Adjusting the position and framing of a tripod-mounted camera is a pain! So, my current tripod has a multi-adjustable centre column (i.e. it doesn't just go up and down): the price paid for this convenience is a slight loss in sturdiness. Although common advice is to ignore centre columns, in practice I've found they are very useful, and on a decent tripod and if not fully extended and waving around in the wind, I've not noticed had a shake in my photographs.
My current Tripod is a carbon fibre Giottos Silk Road. I wanted a sturdy but lightweight tripod that had the above features. It's OK and does its job, but it's not designed, engineered nor built to the same high standards as my Sirui head.
DP Review has done a thorough review of larger ballheads, including the Sirui K-40x. Though I've not tried all the heads reviewed, their conclusions match mine for smaller heads: .
Friends have bought Sirui heads after seeing mine, and they too are delighted - one describing their Manfrotto head as utter s**te in comparison!
A tripod is essential for me, as nearly all my photography requires one, whether in my studio or outside, so I'm really fussy. I use it with my two main cameras - a Nikon D800E and a Mamiya 645, neither light cameras.
My base requirements were ease of use; smooth, well-damped movement; and minimal droop when letting go of the camera after making an adjustment. The head had to meet these with no compromise - which it did, and still does. Because it's such a nice bit of kit, I actually enjoy using it - not something I ever expected to say about such a mundane object as a tripod head!
Sirui produces top-notch products - they bear no comparison with cheap low-end Chinese items that so often disappoint (I once bought such a head - truly horrible!).
PS: I have no connection with Sirui!
As for tripods, I think that's an easier choice, as above a certain price they're all pretty sturdy, and the choice boils down to personal preference and specific needs. For example, I prefer flip locks to twist locks as the former are faster to use; also for speed, I like tripods with few sections (i.e. two locks). It also has to be light enough and sensibly sized so I can carry it outdoors without hating it!
Carbon fibre is lighter than metal for the same level of performance and has better damping (give a sharp tap to your camera on decent carbon and metal tripods, and be astounded - there's a massive difference!): I took a deep breath because of the cost, and bought a carbon tripod, and am glad I did - it's lighter and works better than my old alloy one (the new carbon tripod has thinner lower leg sections so seems less sturdy, but isn't in practice - the better damping means my camera is actually less prone to vibration). I won't go back to a metal tripod.
Adjusting the position and framing of a tripod-mounted camera is a pain! So, my current tripod has a multi-adjustable centre column (i.e. it doesn't just go up and down): the price paid for this convenience is a slight loss in sturdiness. Although common advice is to ignore centre columns, in practice I've found they are very useful, and on a decent tripod and if not fully extended and waving around in the wind, I've not noticed had a shake in my photographs.
My current Tripod is a carbon fibre Giottos Silk Road. I wanted a sturdy but lightweight tripod that had the above features. It's OK and does its job, but it's not designed, engineered nor built to the same high standards as my Sirui head.
DP Review has done a thorough review of larger ballheads, including the Sirui K-40x. Though I've not tried all the heads reviewed, their conclusions match mine for smaller heads: .
Paul Jenkin
Well-known
Upon recommendation from a friend (who is a commercial / professional photographer) I just bought a Sirui T2204x legs and K10x ball head. He has a very "big brother" version of these which has replaced his top-of-the-range Manfrotto.
My tripod and head will hold my D800 with a 70-200 f2.8, my MPP and my Hasselblad kit no problem. The variable tension grip on the ball head allows for very smooth re-positioning and when it's locked - it's LOCKED. Although it's light, it is very stable and the build quality is superb. I can definitely recommend checking one out.
Okay, I've not had it long but all the indications are that this is a quality item.
My tripod and head will hold my D800 with a 70-200 f2.8, my MPP and my Hasselblad kit no problem. The variable tension grip on the ball head allows for very smooth re-positioning and when it's locked - it's LOCKED. Although it's light, it is very stable and the build quality is superb. I can definitely recommend checking one out.
Okay, I've not had it long but all the indications are that this is a quality item.
Vobluda
Well-known
RRS BH40 has one big design flaw in my opinion.
I don't have large hands, medium size I would say.
BH40 has knobs on the right side of the head too close to each other and it was painful to turn them.
Beside that knobs were fingers unfriendly, so not only that my fingers were smashed against the knobs but it turning them was not pleasant either.
Also one should know, that Arca Swiss type plates are not neceserraly compatibile between the heads when you use lever-release clamp.
Mine BH40 had lever-release clamp so mine camera RRS L-plate fitted perfectly.
However as I am using several cameras it was difficult (and expensive) to find plate that fits into RRS lever-release clamp.
I have tried several and they were loose.
Sirui has Screw-Knob clamp that accomodates perfectly both RRS L-plate and any other Arca Swiss plate.
Yes, I know that RRS has also Screw-Knob clamps.
Please notice that I find RRS L-plate one of the best camera accessories ever and I cant recommend it enough, it is so good.
I didn't yet use the head extensively, but my friend Viktor (http://www.verybiglobo.com/) has two of them for more than two years, have take them worldwide and is using them daily (yes!) as he is almost not taking photos without tripod.
Only issues he has is that the rubber around the knobs is loose but otherwise best price/performance ratio.
I don't have large hands, medium size I would say.
BH40 has knobs on the right side of the head too close to each other and it was painful to turn them.
Beside that knobs were fingers unfriendly, so not only that my fingers were smashed against the knobs but it turning them was not pleasant either.
Also one should know, that Arca Swiss type plates are not neceserraly compatibile between the heads when you use lever-release clamp.
Mine BH40 had lever-release clamp so mine camera RRS L-plate fitted perfectly.
However as I am using several cameras it was difficult (and expensive) to find plate that fits into RRS lever-release clamp.
I have tried several and they were loose.
Sirui has Screw-Knob clamp that accomodates perfectly both RRS L-plate and any other Arca Swiss plate.
Yes, I know that RRS has also Screw-Knob clamps.
Please notice that I find RRS L-plate one of the best camera accessories ever and I cant recommend it enough, it is so good.
I didn't yet use the head extensively, but my friend Viktor (http://www.verybiglobo.com/) has two of them for more than two years, have take them worldwide and is using them daily (yes!) as he is almost not taking photos without tripod.
Only issues he has is that the rubber around the knobs is loose but otherwise best price/performance ratio.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Another vote for Acratech, and for Arca-Swiss type QR plates. However, for my heaviest and most solid head, for such as the Hasselblad with prism and heavy lens, I use my Chinese-made head with brand name of "Fancier" (really). The model # is FT-6665H. I ought to post a picture of it when I have time.
icebear
Veteran
THIS , same here. In the rare occasions that I use a tripod, the Gitzo (? 3 segments, carbon) and RRS medium ball head are a joy to use. For a Leica M of course this is overkill but at the time I was contemplating getting a CM501
.Sparrow
Veteran
... I've always found ball-heads frustrating ... I find it much easier to adjust one axis at a time, so I generally end up using this Manfrotto one which is much more accurate in use ... and it has a natty safety catch which has saved me a couple of times
20A_0430 by sparrow rf, on Flickr
20A_0430 by sparrow rf, on Flickr
Jockos
Well-known
I used to be the same, then I got a FLM head with tilt lock. Marvelous invention really, I highly recommend them.
It's stuck on my Feisol carbon legs and topped of with a Sunway arca clamp - a good mix of Chinese and German!
Sirui make top quality products. I have a small travel tripod that weighs next to nothing and can be stuffed in the carry on from Sirui.