Benro KB-2 Ball Mount Tear Down

Hi All,

I have a cheap Chinese tripod called "Konig". Legs are fine but I'm looking to upgrade the supplied ballhead.

I shoot landscapes and nature, with my current longest lense a Tamron 70-300. As I frequently have to crop my bird shots with this lens I'll upgrade to something longer when funds permit.

I'm wondering how you all feel about your Benro ballhead after two years of experience. Have they stood the test of time? Or did they wear out?

I'm also looking at Giottos and Manfrotto. For the same price I'll get a much lower specification head (no aspherical ball, only one adjustment screw). But is it more durable?

Please let me know your opinions.

snapper52 wrote in post #8217013
I'm wondering how you all feel about your Benro ballhead after two years of experience. Have they stood the test of time? Or did they wear out?

I'm wondering too. It's 2010 now. How are those Benros holding up?

Speaking now from 2011, what is the latest word on Benro ballheads? I'm debating a Benro B2 versus the Photo Clam.

Which Photo Clam?

For a Gitzo GT2541, I'm looking at the Benro B2 for $200 with plate or the Photo Clam PC-40N for $220 without plate.

I've used a Photo Clam and I think they're quality, but it has a ball diameter of 40mm whereas the Benro has a ball diameter of 44mm. If you feel comfortable with the quality of the B2 I'd suggest the Benro I think.

I'd go with the Photo Clam. Benro has a checkered history on ballheads. Photo Clam looks to have been good out of the chute.

J.