Initial imressions on the Sirui K-30x ballhead

Got this thing about a week ago and was still waiting on my Manfrotto 055cxpro3 tripod. I decided to yank the Giottos 3000PRO head off my old Manfrotto 3021bpro legs and mount it up just to decide if I would keep it. Well, so far I am impressed! It weighs half of what the giant Giottos weighs and it holds tighter and operates smoother. Everything about it says quality...well, except the price. Today I got my new tripod in so I put the Sirui head on it and checked things out. My gripped 5DII with a 24-105L would not creep at a 45 degree down angle with just a light tighten on the knob. The entire rig is half the weight of the old 3021 setup. I will try to update this thread as I put this to work. It will be interesting to see how this head holds up against abuse. I seem to be pretty rough on tripods.

Bob

HI Bob,

It's been a year and some, how do you feel about that Sirui head now?

I am happy with it. It still keeps smooth, consistent tension and locks down rock solid. Honestly though, I don't know if I have used it enough to attest to its long term durability. The main thing I use it for is setting a remote camera at some horse events. It is generally a set-it and forget-it deal. It usually holds a gripped 5DII with a 17-40L at an extreme angle all day. It has seen a lot of dirt and dust and still performs well despite that.

I switched to a short column so I don't have to do this weird setup anymore but, that is the K-30 with the normal rig I have on it.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/hotbobs/8227408​124/

I own it's bigger brother the K40x and it is an excellent head. Smooth action and well made, a bit heavy but then it will support any current Canon lens.

I own a G-20, and that was crap. The initial impressions was good, but after short time the pano base became uneven. The tension control is nothing I am impressed of. And after more time of usage even the main locking of the ball became weaker, so I now have to use force to lock the ball.

afoton wrote in post #16359892
I own a G-20, and that was crap. The initial impressions was good, but after short time the pano base became uneven. The tension control is nothing I am impressed of. And after more time of usage even the main locking of the ball became weaker, so I now have to use force to lock the ball.

The OP was referring to the K30X.
I believe the originals were not perfect (as you appear to have found out!) this probably explains why they brought out the X series.
Coincidentally I was playing around with one of the large Arca heads this afternoon at a friends office - it was an older model (I think!) and I didn't see a model number on it. However I am glad my ball heads are a Triopo RS3 and a Sirui K40X. Funnily enough he also has 2 Triopo RS3 heads and is amazed at how good they are!

I was seriously considering a sirui k-20x. I read a couple not so great reviews on the tensions knobs not feeling right. Went with a vanguard setup. Didn't really read any negatives.

Frodge wrote in post #16361682
I was seriously considering a sirui k-20x. I read a couple not so great reviews on the tensions knobs not feeling right. Went with a vanguard setup. Didn't really read any negatives.

Interesting. I have had my K40X for about 18 months and am very happy with it, the tension knob is fine once adjusted.
Hope you are happy with your Vanguard - as you say they get good write ups.

I guess everything is a crapshoot!

johnf3f wrote in post #16361664
The OP was referring to the K30X.

I know, but in his second post, he wrote: "Considering the quality of both these heads, I may buy a K-10 or G-20 to replace the K-30 just to lighten things up". Then I find it useful to put in a notice about my experience with the G-20.

Frodge,

When is your Vanguard showing up at your door?

afoton wrote in post #16362856
I know, but in his second post, he wrote: "Considering the quality of both these heads, I may buy a K-10 or G-20 to replace the K-30 just to lighten things up". Then I find it useful to put in a notice about my experience with the G-20.

I appreciate that. It is obvious that the K-series is their better products so, given that size, price and weight capacity are comparable, the K-10x is probably the better bet.

Bob

Phoenixkh wrote in post #16362934
Frodge,

When is your Vanguard showing up at your door?

Tomorrow or Monday.

afoton wrote in post #16362856
I know, but in his second post, he wrote: "Considering the quality of both these heads, I may buy a K-10 or G-20 to replace the K-30 just to lighten things up". Then I find it useful to put in a notice about my experience with the G-20.

Good point I missed that!

Just purchased the K-30 today. Nice change from my Manfrotto 804RC2 (which is now in the Classifieds).