Sirui K-30X Ballhead Review

[@jeffreykarp9541]

The friction system on the Sirui K-30X is actually quite convenient and simple to use. You start with the silver inner dial turned fully counter-clockwise - you can do this with the pad of your thumb, no tools needed. You then put your camera and lens on the ball head and turn the main locking knob until you achieve the amount of friction you desire - usually enough to keep the head from falling over, but not so tight you cannot make small adjustments to the positioning of your equipment. Slowly tilt the camera/lens combo front and back, and tighten the main locking knob until the resistance is to your satisfaction. Next, turn the silver dial clockwise until it stops turning - again, no major force is needed. Once you have the camera pointed in the right direction, you can tighten the main lock to lock the ball head in place. When you want to move or make minor adjustments to the position, you can loosen the main locking knob and make your adjustment. But, since you prevent the main locking knob from getting too loose (that's what the silver dial is doing), you don't need to worry that you over-loosen the main locking knob and have the camera/lens fall. It takes longer to explain than to set it up. And I like the fact that there are only two locking knobs - panning and main lock - not the three that are required when you have the friction knob as a separate knob. I hope this clears up some of the confusion about the friction locking system.

[@LensVid]

Thanks for the info Jeffery - I am sure it will help some users (personally I want a separate knob to control friction with numbers which you can tighten down) I am still looking for such a head.

[@jeffreykarp9541]

Sirui has the G-20X with that feature. It is not quite as big as the K-30X, but it does hold plenty of weight. And built as well as the KX series. thanks

[@LensVid]

M... I didn't test it but looking at the G-20X friction knob it is a free rotating one not a fixed click mode - as I said I didn't see anything like that so far (maybe it is technically challenging to make).

[@ctzerbe1]

Jeffrey, I agree with you. I do not like separate friction knobs, it's too easy, on many designs to grab it by mistake. I think what Sirui and Induro, among others have done is the best solution. FLM, with an inner ring is also similar. I want a friction knob I can set and forget and that is out of the way. I do like the Sirui safety catch as it works on L-brackets too. The K30x friction knob is very easy to adjust, as no tools are needed. Not sure what there is to like about the Manfrotto release plate, as it is not compatible with any L-brackets I know. At least for landscape, I don't know anyone who uses these quick release plates, they all use L-brackets.

[@anthonymrbs]

In my opinion having the friction control built into the main knob works much better than a separate knob,. My first ballhead was a Kirk BH-3, which had a separate knob. It was impossible to keep the tension set properly because with one slight touch of the knob, it loosened. I was having to reset it every time I mounted the camera and then some. I got so frustrated with it I sold it and replaced it with the Markins Q10. The Markins has the same type friction control as the Sirui, and I very seldom need to adjust it. It stays set, and it is easy to adjust when needed . I just bought the Sirui K30-x for my new travel tripod, and so far I'm very impressed with it. Only time will tell whether it holds up as well after a few years of use.

[@LensVid]

It is very likely that the Kirk was not designed well and this is why you experienced what you experienced. You can most certainly design a separate know for friction (Manfrotto does that very well). Otherwise, of course, enjoy the K30-X.

[@boatman222345]

Excellent video! Paced just right and with extremely clear and concise explanations of the various features and adjustments. Thanks!

[@LensVid]

Happy we could help (more tripod and heads video reviews are expected - probably next month).

[@kcgunesq]

Three comments. 1. Overall, good review. 2. While the Manfrotto QR system is very good, and I have used it a bit, to say it is "better" than Arca seems to me like saying chocolate is better than vanilla. They are both good systems. 3. I disagree about the friction control. I prefer not having another nob and again see this simply as a matter of preference. I certainly don't see it as a negative.

[@catfish252]

I can't believe he likes the Manfrotto RC2 quick release, I have never liked that system because of they gyration you have to go through to release your camera from the ballhead, and I always thought the lever that secures the plate has never made me feel confident about my cameras safety.

[@willrogers3702]

Greg Heller I came to see this review because I am finally moving to Arca Swiss. My manfrotto xpro 3-way head uses a lever to clamp the plate, but the whole plate and my camera can wobble! Not good, and a clear design flaw. Personally I hope Manfrotto either go Arca Swiss or go bankrupt!

[@Serenoj69]

I bought an Innorel U 36 ball head. 36 mm. It is pretty substantial too, it does have a very nice to use extra ring on the tightening knob that makes adjusting so much easier than that tiny thing I see here. It is well made and costed 43 euro.

[@LensVid]

Interesting - from my experience the ring isn't ideal on most ballheads a separate knob is the best solution but there are very few ballheads with an extra knob.

[@Serenoj69]

I read most do not like it but I have no personal experience. Without a doubt the wheel on the innorel is vey esy to us unlike the small thing on the Sirui.

[@LensVid]

Interesting. Always good to know that there are new and less expensive options.

[@Serenoj69]

Well as far as I know they are all made by a company called Letu. who themselves make some (other) ballheads under the name Xiletu. I got an Innorel RC80 tripod for a mere 130€. I have never used it but it is 162 cm high without a centre column. Legs 33-28-25-22 mm. Carbon. Just look it up. Over here I need to pay 350-400 euro for sure. You want even more sturdy? They ahve RC90 which on gunfora really amazes users. 265 euro. You pay 600 euro for that in Europe. The ballhead is great.Really it is superb finished, more so even that the tripod. I have never actually seen such a ballhead, but for sure there are so many that are better it is just that I am not so experienced here.It can support 20 Kg so it is a good match with the tripod (25 Kg). They also have a U44 version at 53 euro, bogger an dbetter for someone with an Olympus Em1.2 just too much.I also so very nice ballheads from Andoer especially. Some look so much like RRS ones it is scary. These also only accept arca Swiss plates from RRS or Andoer….Wheterh they are as good..at 60 euro I would say that it is extremely unlikely.

[@scothowe539]

I’ve had one of these for a few years now. Very nicely built but after about a year of use the rubber on the knobs started to slip which is very annoying. I still have it on a second tripod but have replaced it for my regular use. I wouldn’t buy another one.

[@Nordavind1709]

Do you tried Benro B2-B3 ballheads? if yes, how do they are? similar or in your opinion are better SIRUI? thanx!

[@LensVid]

Nope - Benro didn't send us review samples (not yet anyway). Maybe after Photokina.

[@jacdale]

The Benro ball heads use clamps that are fully Arca Swiss compatible while the Sirui balleahs are not.

[@mytube2013]

The silver tension knob is very easy to use, but the blue ring is useless as it drift when you turn the knob.

[@pblogic007]

I don't want a separate knob for friction. It's an extra thing to get in the way.

[@steveottavaino3804]

Informative vid, thanks for sharing!!! Cheers.

[@LensVid]

Thanks :) !

[@perholtelarsen1836]

Lensvid

[@juanev425]

Does the red button(lock) system work even if you don't use the included sirui plate?

[@LensVid]

M... this one is a bit more complex than you might think - it seems not to like arca swiss plates with the forward and back screws - I think you can remove those but I honestly didn't try.

[@ctzerbe1]

It depends on the plate. If it has a hollow center with closed ends it works great. My camera L-bracket is like that and I really appreciate the safety pin that Siui has.

[@zagimis]

Will this work with the new Peak Design Capture Plate version 3? I’m thinking of getting this.

[@jacdale]

@@LensVid The Sirui is not fully Arca Swiss compatible. I returned an L-20 tilt head because it would not marry with the vertical plate on my L bracket which has safety screws. The clamp on Sirui heads lacks the grooves for safety screws. The design of the ball head did not allow me to substitute an Arca Swiss compatible clamp. I am not prepared to compromise my camera by removing the safety screws.

[@rakshithavr3154]

Hi, Is k20x better than A10R ? Or it’s the other way round?

[@IddoGenuth]

I never tried any of those but from the looks of it the A10R is a low profile model while the K20X is a normal ballhead - both at the same price point.

[@rakshithavr3154]

@@IddoGenuth thanks a lot