The FS30 Ball Head from Benro features an inverted design to handle cameras weighing up to 10 lb with ease. It has a top plate that provides smooth panoramic rotation and has an integrated Arca-type quick release set. The quick release clamp has a locking lever for quickly changing plates. A built-in bubble level makes it simple to level every shot.
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Drag Control | |
| Load Capacity | |
| Weight |
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Base Mount | |
| Counter Balance | |
| Dimensions |
| Drag Control | |
| Independent Pan Lock | |
| Independent Tilt Lock | |
| Vertical Tilt | |
| Lateral Tilt |
| Load Capacity | |
| Accessory Mounting | |
| Bubble Level | |
| Weight |
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
I purchased the FS30 direct from Benro. It seemed like an ideal light-weight/low-profile design for use with a star tracker. The ball head and panning functions work very well and are sturdy with undetectable play. However, the clamp mechanism is too fragile and fails. The failure point is where the double-D/opposing flats on the steel camshaft mate to the double-D pocket in the aluminum flip-lock lever. The aluminum lever is soft and the pocket strips out if too much force is applied to the lever. There’s no way to really know how much force is too much. I’ve used many flip-lock style heads and did not think the pressure I applied was extraordinary.
I bought this because I wanted an inverted ball head. I also didn't want to swap out mounting plates so I tested it with my arca compatible L plate. It took me a half hour to remove the plate because it didn't engage properly with the ball head mount. If you get your plate stuck, there's no way to disengage the quick release. Also, the allen wrench for adjusting the quick release is tiny and adjusting the set screw is difficult (not to mention the really bad instruction manual). And there doesn't seem to be much room for adjusting the width of the receiving side of the plate mount. The ball head seems really well built but the locking quick release system doesn't play well all arca type plates. I don't think I've ever gotten a plate stuck on a ball head. I had high hopes for this ball head - totally disappointed.