Which Ball head Cullmann or Feisol ?

Awais Yaqub

Hey guys, i am deciding between Cullmann Magnesit 35 Nm Ballhead and Feisol CB-50DC Carbon Fiber

Cullmann supports 30Kg and is heavier then feisol which supports 20Kg, the biggest advantage of cullmann is that it costs little less and got spirit levels too, i think feisol can be unscrewed easily for cleaning, 500g less weight, carbon fiber, matches my feisol tripod.

So anyone got any experience with these, wanted to know about quality of operations and overall feel, they do look durable in pictures

Don't suggest expensive brands unless they are giving away best models for 160$ :deal

jogle

I've been rocking the seccond from largest Feisol for 3 years and it's taken a beating. I'm really happy with it.

It does tend to work a little loose at the base over time, but tightening up the screws on the base locks it up tight again.

sethny

Awais Yaqub wrote: »

Hey guys, i am deciding between Cullmann Magnesit 35 Nm Ballhead and Feisol CB-50DC Carbon Fiber

Cullmann supports 30Kg and is heavier then feisol which supports 20Kg, the biggest advantage of cullmann is that it costs little less and got spirit levels too, i think feisol can be unscrewed easily for cleaning, 500g less weight, carbon fiber, matches my feisol tripod.

So anyone got any experience with these, wanted to know about quality of operations and overall feel, they do look durable in pictures

Don't suggest expensive brands unless they are giving away best models for 160$

I have the cullmann 40200 35nm , can be bought for 139.95 at cameta in LI,NY . It comes with a cheap copy of the old manfrotto 577 QR system (but the manfrotto is metal, better quality). It should share the plates (501PL) that are even cheaper than the cullmann-giottos. (by the way the giottos QR system is cheaper then the cullmann and so are the plates. but again the manfrotto plates are better.

let me stay with the QR system for a minute: it comes very (VERY) tight , so when you get it you won't be able to take the plate out if you don't turn the flag lever 7-10 rounds. Just pull it and turn it anticlockwise until. then push the red security lock and slide the plate. After that keep playing with the plate in and out until it will slide smoothly.

now about the ballhead itself: it works. there is not much to say. smooth , precise, the friction control is great, the lock is rock solid and firm, the pan is also smooth and very well regulated.

I can't compare it against the feisol but I can compare it against the slik 800 and 320 : the cullman is better (in everything).

if yiu don't like the QR system you can put some arca-compatible system (kirk or giottos): the top of the attachment (on top of the ball) has two small anti-twist pins: make sure the new arca-clamp respects thjat (the giottos does).
but I actually like the QR , it is big (3.5") but keeps the camera steady enough and that's all I need.

anything else just ask, will be happy to help

Awais Yaqub

Hey thanks guys for recommendations, after having not very good experience with Fesiol tripod and bad customer support, i asked my friend to bring me little bro of cullmann 35nm i.e 30nm that has no QR system ( i will add it later). It will be here in few days, lets see how it feel in my hands

sethny

Awais Yaqub wrote: »

Hey thanks guys for recommendations, after having not very good experience with Fesiol tripod and bad customer support, i asked my friend to bring me little bro of cullmann 35nm i.e 30nm that has no QR system ( i will add it later). It will be here in few days, lets see how it feel in my hands

sounds good. you can live without the QR if you don't have to switch cameras or lenses . after all it all comes down to deal with a plate to be left attached and sliding it into the clamp against twisting the knob few rounds . pretty much the same thing

also any QR will reduce stability.

but if you want to add a QR system then look at the $35 giottos M621 (like the cullmann /manfrotto 577 with the difference that the manfrotto is metal)
I don't understand the price difference between the cullmann and the giottos .

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/318567-REG/Giottos_MH621_M621_Quick_Release_Assembly.html

I still recommend the 35nm (given the price and price difference compared to the 30nm) ... the max load is impressive and it does feel like it can easily handle big equipment. I use it to hold a 1DsII and 85 1.2 / 70-200 2.8 IS with no stability problem. Steady at any position.

Awais Yaqub

Thanks for great insight, weight of ball head was deciding factor. As i love traveling and walking around and failed to reduce my own weight i am try to cut down my gear's weight as much as possible

I was already thinking about this quick release with long plate as i think it will be also helpful in macro, may be not as helpful as railing system but still it will be easy to move lens inwards or outwards for desired magnification, moving whole tripod is bit difficult.

Nice to see cullmann user on dgrin, now i won't be alone :D

Awais Yaqub

Got the Cullmann Magnesite 30nm today, overall i am very much pleased with this product especially considering the price, though i think i have to get a quick release to speed things up. Very stiff when locked completely, friction control is great. Size is perfect when it goes on my Feisol 3401 tripod, and also just fits in tripod bag, it came with lovely pouch as well.



A guy who carried accessories for me from NY was really praising B&H, thanks guys.

ziggy53

Congratulations Awais.

sethny

Awais Yaqub wrote: »

Got the Cullmann Magnesite 30nm today, overall i am very much pleased with this product especially considering the price, though i think i have to get a quick release to speed things up. Very stiff when locked completely, friction control is great. Size is perfect when it goes on my Feisol 3401 tripod, and also just fits in tripod bag, it came with lovely pouch as well.



A guy who carried accessories for me from NY was really praising B&H, thanks guys.

looks great! congrats

about the QR I'm using the stroboframe 300 QRC now more and more. I have it on a bracket and I'm seriously considering getting another one to put it on the ball.