Sunwayfoto GNN XB-52DL Ball Head?

[Nightforce123]

Was wondering if anyone has any experience with this ballhead or the gnn xb44dl from hogsaddles site? Are there any disadvantages compared to the normal version? Does the ballhead not having a neck hinder shooting at steep angles?

 

[Pvt.Donut]

I haven't used this one but I have used the BF-2 on their Field Tripod and I think it's a great ball head. For steep angles just adjust the tripod legs same as those running leveling bases.

 

[Nightforce123]

I wonder if there is any advantage to these ballhead a conpared to a leveling base?

 

[Kopfjager1]

I use it on a Feisol 3372. Initially I had a significant amount of left to right away when everything was cranked down, which came from the panning feature, I remedied it by tightening 4 small screws on the bottom of the ballhead.

Using it as a direct mount using the RRS/ARCA plates, it just as low profile if not slightly lower than the leveling heads that are attached by the 3/8" screw such as the RRS TA-3, but with the added weight limit and nearly twice the angle adjustment. Which I admit is probably not needed, since anything more than 15 degrees could easily be attained by adjusting the leg angle or length; but its nice to have the ability to rapidly adjust the angle for multiple targets spread out over a large lateral and vertical area.

The quick release throw lever is a little hard to unlock as theres no grip on the lever, it is still considerably faster than the Hog Saddle, not as fast as the RRS throw lever, however.

 

[Nightforce123]

I use it on a Feisol 3372. Initially I had a significant amount of left to right away when everything was cranked down, which came from the panning feature, I remedied it by tightening 4 small screws on the bottom of the ballhead.

Using it as a direct mount using the RRS/ARCA plates, it just as low profile if not slightly lower than the leveling heads that are attached by the 3/8" screw such as the RRS TA-3, but with the added weight limit and nearly twice the angle adjustment. Which I admit is probably not needed, since anything more than 15 degrees could easily be attained by adjusting the leg angle or length; but its nice to have the ability to rapidly adjust the angle for multiple targets spread out over a large lateral and vertical area.

The quick release throw lever is a little hard to unlock as theres no grip on the lever, it is still considerably faster than the Hog Saddle, not as fast as the RRS throw lever, however.

Thanks for the info. I will be using it also as a direct mount for a rrs dovetail on my AIAT. I like the ability to move target to target at different angles without having to adjust the legs. It’s good to hear that it still allows that. Like you said it may not be needed but I like the option to be a little faster. I appreciate your response thank you.

 

[Ppierceall]

I have that ball head and the only thing I found and maybe its just me is you have to tighten the ball head knob more than I like. I have the RRS - TA U LC and the TA-3 leveling head that I am more comfortable with so the GNN XB52 is on my spotting scope tripod.

 

[florida4x4s]

It has a resistance knob than you can adjust

 

[Prebanpaul]

I have this ball head on top of a Mission Critical PRST tripod. I love this setup. You have to get used to the head,

 

[Prebanpaul]

I have run this head with a Barrett 95. It holds it like a champ.