* * * Last Updated 5/26/2011 * * *
So the other day I saw a thread asking about this brand. The few people who were in the thread asked about what the op felt about the product but the OP never replied.
I went on eBay and looked up this brand and they seem to have reasonable products for a reasonable price. After looking at a few of their products, I decided to give the LX-5 a try.
First up is the price - $108.5 with free shipping or $128.5 with expedited shipping (just a extra $20 over the free shipping)
With the expedited shipping (I needed a ball head because my 488RC2 broke so I sent it in for warranty) it took 5 days from the day I bought it to the time I received, pretty decent considering it came from Korea.
Specs from eBay Seller (incorrect?):
Weight: 610g (1.34lb)
Height: 10.5cm (4.13in)
Max Load: 12Kg (26.45lb)
* * * Update * * * (3/4/2011)
It seems like the offical website has different specs from the eBay seller I got it from.
The official website is in Korean and uses images so I can't easily translate with a program.
If anyone knows Korean and would not mind translating (PM me with translation so I can update this page), here is a link: http://www.horusbennu.com …iew.html?product_id=13330
My "Guessed" Specs from Manufacture Website (I can't read Korean, but I can see the numbers)
Weight: 590g (1.3lb)
Ball Diameter: 44mm (1.73in)
Base Diameter: 61mm (2.4in)
Height: 101mm (3.98in)
Max Load: 50Kg (110lb)
I currently don't have my 488RC2 for direct comparison but the product seems less tall but the ball seems larger. Overall it feels nice and quality, good construction, not flimsy feeling at all.
It has three knobs:
The largest one is for locking
The one with markings is for tension
The smallest one is for panning
The knobs have rubber on them and are well dampened. They all feel great. The tension adjust works well. When it is locked in there is no droop what-so-ever with my 70-200 f2.8 IS + 7D (gripped) combo which is a GREAT improvement over my 488RC2 which annoyingly droops.
The screw clamp works well, holds onto the supplied plate tightly.
* * * Update * * * (3/6/2011)
About Warranty: HorusBennu told me the products carry a one year warranty. Not awesome, but I guess I can't hold them to a higher standard than Canon... lol
Conclusion: Overall I am very impressed considering this cost me LESS than my 488RC2 did and performs FAR BETTER. I would recommend this without hesitation... only downside is it only seems to come in one color... red...
* * * Update * * * (5/26/2011)
Well... I've had this for a while and I still like it. When used properly there is very little creep. My only nit picky issue is the locking knob can require a lot of turning before it locks if you loosen it a lot.
And now... pictures!
Product
Knobs
