Benro B-3+PU-60 Series Ball Head with Quick Release, Supports 66 lbs (30 kg)

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Originally purchased Benro B-0 ballhead and it held very well on all my lenses w/D300s. But when I purchased the Nikon 200MM macro lens - that was too much for ballhead. B-0 would hold complete setup in a generally level position but go around 25 degrees or so tilt- it really had to be torqued & if you moved tripod it would move. So I decided to either get B-1, B-2 B-3. I choose B-3 just to be sure it held in any position with a large macro like the 200mm. I did not have a good representation of size & weight until I received B-3. Yeah now that's a ballhead. Kind of surprised/ disappointed when I saw the ballhead out of box. It is Large & heavy. But thought -hey I want it to hold-if it doesn't hold what good is it. Boy does it hold. I can put D300S & 200mm Nikon macro in ANY position imaginable- upside down etc & the secondary drag dial which is used for some torque for adjustment prior to lock down with main lock down is more than adequate to hold setup. Add a SB900 flash to mix if you want & the drag adjustment can still hold it. Of course you would still normally use the main lockdown. I got used to size quickly. If weight etc is critical the B-3 is a bit large. Its funny when you put the average ballhead next to the B-3 they almost look like miniature versions, toys even. In any event I believe that the B-3 will hold almost anything at an angle that most photographers- pro as well, would use IMHO. I have used it for around 6 months & have used it in every possible position with often times my heaviest setups- holds tight as a vise. I am pleased with it & glad I choose it. I took my B-0 and put it on a freestanding capable monopod & it was perfect size for it. B-2 probably would have been sufficient- but at the time the B-2 was actually more money-not sure why, nor whether that is still the case. If you are using smaller camera & lens- definitely overkill. But if you think you might move up in size & lens then its a purchase that will not need to be made later, you will be DONE in the ballhead dept.

PAUL B.

2011-02-01T19:00:00

Bought on special with carbon tripod. What a great deal for the combination. A little large for a travel tripod, but great everywhere else.

RICHARD P.

2011-01-16T19:00:00

I've only had this ball head about a month, so far it's great! I've used it on several landscape shoots and for some macro photos at home. It was easy to position and I had no problems with drift. I don't have any super heavy lenses, but it certainly seems that this thing could handle alot of weight. Really great value.

Elizabeth R.

2011-01-13T19:00:00

I use it with 400mm and a 500mm zoom with no slippage.

LennieB

2011-01-12T19:00:00

I purchased the B-3 B-series ball head with the Benro C-298M8 tripod as my first tripod. The B-3 ball head can handle a lot of camera with some very heavy glass.

Anthony C.