Mini Review: HorusBennu FX-45Q Ballhead

Alright, his is a review of the HorusBennu FX-45Q.

This is their FX-45Q which is part of their FX line. I think their FX line is a higher line than their LX line. This is a standard size ballhead.

Price: $150 on eBay

Specs:
Weight: 550g (1.21lb)
Ball Diameter: 45mm (1.77in)
Base Diameter: 64mm (2.52in)
Height: 103mm (4.06in)
Max Load: 50Kg (110lb)
Locking Power: 1:300 (I have no clue what this means)
Ellipsoid Rate: 1:400 (I have no clue what this means either)

This ballhead has two knobs. One for the panning base and one for the locking/tension. The locking/tension knob has a memory lock as well. The knobs are well dampened but you feel a slight scratching or grinding when you loosen to the point where the memory lock kicks in.

With the tension and locking is incorporated into on knob, I don't feel the tension control works that great. When a camera on the ballhead, it is smooth, but without the weight of a camera, you notice that the tension and movement isn't super consistent (like some types of movement feel like there is more resistance). I am comparing this directly to the LX-5 which costs less, has similar specs and I feel like the LX-5 is smoother and nicer. Apparently this ballhead uses an irregular oval ball design for better locking at odd angles, maybe thats why the movement is not as smooth?

So whats the big deal about the FX-45Q? It comes with a quick release clamp instead of a screw clamp like the LX line. You pull out the lever lock (at the tip of the lever) and then you can open up the lever. There is a dial to control how tightly it locks to accommodate for different size plates.

When the ball locks, it locks tightly. There is no droop when I tested it with my 70-200 f2.8 IS II with 7D at 200mm.

This comes with a slightly larger plate than the LX-5 did and has a level built in.

Overall, it is for the end user to decide if the $50 is made up by the quick release clamp and level. I feel that the LX-5 feels better as a ballhead. It has smoother movement, it has nicer dials IMO. The best part is the LX-5 costs less than the FX-45Q.

Time for Pictures!

Product:

Knobs:

I've been meaning to ask - can these HorusBennu ballheads take RRS or similar plates?

By the look, that's an A-S compatible clamp. The knurled wheel looks like it may be to allow you to adjust the clamp to your head (if so - positive over Markins, you don't need a tool to do so; negative vs. Markins - you can't adjust it while the plate's in place - you need to take the plate out, adjust and repeat).

TheAnt wrote in post #12079145
I've been meaning to ask - can these HorusBennu ballheads take RRS or similar plates?

The HorusBennu LX and FX line use Arca type plates (RSS, Markins, Arcaswiss, etc)

Jon wrote in post #12079159
By the look, that's an A-S compatible clamp. The knurled wheel looks like it may be to allow you to adjust the clamp to your head (if so - positive over Markins, you don't need a tool to do so; negative vs. Markins - you can't adjust it while the plate's in place - you need to take the plate out, adjust and repeat).

Yep, all correct.

This unit SO looks like it was made in the same plant as the Markins and Photoclam units. Even the knobs look the same!

Thanks for the review! Do you know what the difference between the FX-45Q and the FX-45QL?

And it's so stylish!

Nice Review...