Posted by Bill Bean on October 24, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Hey folks, in the process of shopping for a new ballhead I've run across a couple that look pretty good when reading the spec sheet but by and large I've never heard of them. Anyone out there have experience with Sunway or PhotoClam ballheads? Specifically I'm looking at the Sunway DB-44LR and the PhotoClam PC-44NS. As nearly as I can tell they are pretty similar to the Markins M-10 but about $100 less expensive. I've got a Markins Q3 for my travel tripod but need something a little beefier for my close to home tripod. Any feedback on Sunway or PhotoClam would be appreciated.
Posted by Tom Nevesely on October 24, 2010 at 2:35 PM
I've had 2 PhotoClam ballheads (still have one). I had the PC-44NS and it looked and worked fine until I tried using it in the winter, in -20C weather. At that temperature, the main control knob was really, really hard to turn. The ballhead it self was fine, just to large knob was hard to turn.
I also have the smaller PC-33NS for my travel tripod and that one works fine in all temperatures so maybe there was just a problem with that one unit.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 24, 2010 at 2:35 PM
I've been using a PhotoClam 36N ballhead (purchased from Really Big Cameras in conjunction with a Feisol tripod for backpacking) for a couple of years now and it's worked perfectly through some pretty rough conditions. It is indeed a knockoff of the Markins series without the huge price tag. RBC is an excellent dealer that places a premium on good customer relations, as well.
Highly recommended!
Posted by Joe Rogers on November 16, 2010 at 4:29 PM
I will echo Johns recommendation of the PhotoClam.....very satisfied with mine.
Joe Rogers
Discussion
3 repliesI also have the smaller PC-33NS for my travel tripod and that one works fine in all temperatures so maybe there was just a problem with that one unit.
Highly recommended!
Joe Rogers