The Cheapo ($144) Asian Fluid Head report

Michael Carter said:
I took my head off to try it on my manfrotto bowl adapter - didn't work; it's an oddball thread. YMMV.
Click to expand...
Thanks for doing this. I was going to try this myself but didn't want to until I was positive I was going to keep it. I really only wanted the head for a slider so knowing it wont work is very helpful. Do you have a picture of it without the ball on it? Would love to include that in my review. Give you credit for it of course. I think i'm going to order the 717 head. This might be a better fit for a slider.
 
True North said:
the only potential limitation of the stand is how high it goes. I seem to remember that it only goes to 5'/60" which is a little on the short side but usable for many situations

Can anyone confirm the maximum height on this stand?
Click to expand...
Maximum hight of the Fancier FC-270A is 53" or 4 feet five inches.
 
Darren Levine said:
Well, if the legs are that poorish, at least some of these heads are buyable separatly:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003HNS6S0/?tag=dlevi-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008AGMNOM/?tag=dlevi-20



begs the question though, if you happen to have quality legs and just need a head, these are not much more...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZMWSGC/?tag=dlevi-20
Click to expand...
The 717 head is what the OP has but on a system. This is a very popular head. I ordered it but haven't received it yet. I got it new for $60 on ebay. That's crazy cheap. I also ordered the Manfrotto 502. It has a $45 rebate deal, so the out the door price was $154. Thats a steal for that head. I'm going to compare those when the arrive.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Erik, that will be very interesting. FWIW, the Benro S6 head is in the approximately same ballpark price-wise (i.e. Manfrotto 502), but supposedly vastly superior to any Manfrotto in that range; there are several Benro S6 enthusiasts here, see this thread.
 
Erik Naso said:
The 717 head is what the OP has but on a system. This is a very popular head. I ordered it but haven't received it yet. I got it new for $60 on ebay. That's crazy cheap. I also ordered the Manfrotto 502. It has a $45 rebate deal, so the out the door price was $154. Thats a steal for that head. I'm going to compare those when the arrive.
Click to expand...
I use the 717 head on my slider since it does not have a bowl base, just a 3/8" bolt. Works great on my slider. And I think for the price, you couldn't get much better.

The two largest complaints I have are the QR plate, which is odd-sized and for me isn't very quick, and the the pan drag doesn't seem to be adjustable like the tilt is.

One last thing, if you do decide to open it up and mess with the grease in it, be careful, that crap is super-sticky and not easy to clean off your hands, desk, pants, beard, etc (lets just say I know from experience).
 
I remember looking at Benro a few years ago when I needed a stills tripod. They have one that is identical to a Gitzo. Looks pretty good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top