After the goods first disillusionment unpack then: quite a lot of plastic / plastic installed, in which the weight of almost 1kg. That's an announcement, especially since the dials allow for friction touch bad, these concerns are not parallel, because of the spring inside and their function, I will get the same. The otherwise good appearance of the head, the dark red is made from wonderful black from is dissolved appealing.
Camera with lens screwed onto the plate and placed on the head. The massive lock lever is unfavorable in its shape and does not really open the - here would be less and more ergonomic could be the whole produce also. The lock itself is made of plastic, we'll see how long does this. For cameras with handles should build the cross plate, so that the lever can be correspondingly easily solve, otherwise that is mounting and dismounting may for fumbling.
Friction setting: is actually a joke that the manufacturer says Manfrotto friction moment. Sure, it has a certain function but not as what is meant by friction: a fine presetting depending on weight unit at the head ensures a clean smooth running. The "clicking but" annoying when setting the friction in a special way - also the built-up springs are designed factory weak. So you have to already find nearly so the friction deserves to be called friction.
Reinforced to the system here, either (write manufacturer or hardware store) by stronger better springs or with the appropriate underlaps with conventional washers to get his dream of friction according to close. The plastic of the Friktionseinstellrädern feels very cheap and also allows this press together at the outer edges, which is also not really indicative of a quality.
The retractable handles, 2 pieces go very sluggish, which at this point should be. That you have this 3-way head donated two long levers, certainly goes back to the price structure. The round knob is less grip than this looks, but with this one triggers the horizontal so that one can turn his camera in the horizontal direction on the tripod. Again: very unwieldy - especially when using cameras with handle and Tele because the knob is kept very small. Here a handle as on the other two levels would have been useful. Is it possible to manually upgrade by ordering an appropriate handle for Manfrotto. And then you should calculate in advance whether one does not apply directly to a higher quality product.
The attached Levels are useful and good for a comparison with the usually installed electronic Levels of cameras. However, the readability depends on how you have set up and in what position one has brought his gear. I do not see this as a drawback, because here is always to live with a compromise.
Einstelllauf the elements: now at comfortable temperatures 10-25 degrees outside, the elements run really smoothly, I hope it remains so even at temperatures below freezing, this I will later write something when should result in a commensurate change here.
With some reworking it can really build a very respectable 3-way head justified its price. More than just 100, - Euro is not worth this.
Vg Roman Hümbs
