The middle model is the smallest size that still features individual tension and pan controls, but in order to fit on the much smaller head, the controls are downsized to two smaller knobs of which one is a round knurled knob (panning) and one is a flatter tap-style knob (tension adjustment) that needs fine handling. Any competent photographer will be fine with this head, but you’ll need to sit down for 20 minutes and get to know the head to see what level of tension suits the weight of your gear. This head is equivalent to a SIRUI K20x and a touch smaller than a Kirk BH3 or Gitzo GH1382QD.
This head is ideal for APS-C cameras or full frames with wide and mid-range lenses.
Specifications
- Weight: 430g
- Max Load: 18kg
- Height: 83mm
- Ball Diameter: 36mm
- Base Diameter: 52mm
- Incliudes Plate Model: QP-70
*Minor variations with clamp variants
Clamp Types
The LH-36 is available in 2 different clamp types.
Screw Clamp Standard | E.G LH-36
This is the standard and most affordable option and what you’ll get when purchasing a tripod kit containing an LH head.
Lever Release Clamp Standard | E.G LH-36LR
Anyone who was spent a long day shooting with a screw-clamp tripod will know the effect it has on your fingers – loosening and tightening a screw clamp too many times can be tedious and painful. A lever release clamp makes life a lot easier, but the majority of manufacturers shy away from it for one reason – price. The lever has to be made from a much harder alloy like stainless steel, as aluminium and normal steel bends under the pressure that the lever is subjected to. Similarly, the flex provided to the hinge of the lever has to be from a brass bushing as rubber simply doesn’t last.
A lever release clamp is an absolute pleasure to use, but it costs an average 25% more. Fortunately, due to Leofoto’s amazing pricing it still costs far less than competing heads.
About Leofoto LH (Low Profile) Ballheads
Leofoto’s low profile ball heads feature the latest in tripod head design combined with premium materials and precision manufacturing to offer a powerful, ergonomic and easy to use tripod head. A cup machined from aircraft-grade aluminium holds a hollow-core ball made from the same material, while Japanese ball bearings ensure smooth panning control and gaskets on all control-knobs keep out dirt and moisture. A low-friction Delrin sleeve is used between the cup and the ball to ensure smooth drag. This combination of cutting-edge design and premium materials puts Leofoto’s products far ahead of most manufacturers in the market, which are still making conventional heads.
Low profile ball heads offer several advantages over conventional ball heads -
- The camera sits closer to the apex, which has several benefits like improved stiffness and a lower center of gravity.
- The cup has a much larger contact area with the ball, allowing greater grip.
- The lower profile design allows the use of a much bigger ball without making the overall head too large. Larger ball = better grip.
- A simpler design means a longer lifespan and better durability in testing conditions.
- Less material and a simpler design means it is lighter and cheaper than a similar-sized conventional ball head.
Want to know more about Leofoto's LH Ballhead range?
This article goes through all the options as well as clamp types.
