Cullman VS. Novoflex ballheads for travel tripod.

Hello to all....

 

I am seeking 1st hand knowledge on either the Cullman or Novoflex ballheads

listed below. The ballhead will be used on my travel tripod which is a

Velbon Chaser 3. I already own a Bogen 3021/arca-swiss and a large Gitzo/arca-

swiss. Dont need another heavy weight setup. I am looking for a light weight,

yet strong, ball head.

 

The Cullman appears to be made in Germany and has many features and claims to

support 27 pounds. The Novoflex is a basic monoball, holds 22 pounds, mad in

Germany.

 

I have heard many great things about the Novoflex products but not much about

the Cullman. Any input will be appreciated.

 

Cullman...

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/511748-

REG/Cullmann_CU_40180_Magnesit_25_Nm_Ballhead.html

 

Novoflex...

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/484034-

REG/Novoflex_BALL40_BALL_40_Ballhead.html

For more than 20 years, I have used a Cullman ballhead on a Velbon mini tripod on my travels. Apart from the plastic lock lever breaking which I replaced with a 10mm socket on a 1/4" T bar drive (the previous 10mm ring spanner was confiscated by airport security); I have not had any problems with it. It supports a Nikon with either 20mm, 50mm or 100/105mm lenses.

I have a Cullman (med size) which I have used for many years on a Gitzo monopod - not sure if this is the same as the one you are looking at since neither of your links worked for me (page no longer exists). It weighs about 220gm and has been quite satisfactory for that purpose, but not for tripod use I would suggest, maybe the large size would be Ok but barely so I would think.

 

More and more I am using my Benbo 'pro' head on both the monopod and my CF tripod; at 360gm this is about the same size as the Novoflex Ball 40 but somewhat lighter and with a much more substantial platform (judging by pictures of the Novoflex).

 

This is the third Benbo head I have used, and is amazing quality for the size/weight/price and in the UK costs only slightly more than the Novoflex. This latest version (BEN306) has been made lighter than the previous versions but I find it even smoother and the ball 'tensioner' has been vastly improved; more than stable enough for a Nikon D80 + grip and 80-400 etc.

 

http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/prod.asp?i=1534&1=Benbo+Professional+Ball+%26+Socket+Head

 

this seller rates it at 6kg but it is actually rated at 12kg by Benbo!

 

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s68272/0/Tripod-Heads/Kennett/Benbo-Professional-Ball--and--Socket-Head-(BEN306)/details.aspx?&IsSearch=y&pageindex=1&comp=n

Sorry about the links..you'll have to cut/paste the entire url

into your browser...its not a complete hyper text.

 

Still hoping for some input...thanks for your time and responces.

I had already tried cut+paste on your links, but with same result.

<p>I found this Cullman Magnesit Ball review.<br /> I'm also a owner of the 35nm modell and happy with it.<br>

http://www.stockholmviews.com/cullmann-ball-head.html</p>

<p>/S</p>