Benro GX30 ball head review
Benro GX30
Sturdy and lightweight ball head with bonus feature
Time for a new ball head
I had used my old Benro B3 ball head for more than a decade, but I have to admit, that it has been a little bit over sized for my needs. It’s a very sturdy ball head and nice one to use, but it’s a bit bulky and heavy. Especially when it was attached to my carbon fiber tripod, the setup felt a little top heavy.
It was time for a new ball head.
Benro GX30 vs. Benro B3
The size difference is quite substantial
Meet the Benro GX30
I’ve had 2 Benro ball heads before and they both have been great. The earlier mentioned Benro B3 and a small Benro B-0 for my backpacking tripod. I was open minded about other brands as well, but then I saw the Benro GX30. Perfect size, light weight and an exceptional bonus feature; panning mechanism below the quick release clamp! And it was on discount! It’s normally prized at around 160€, but I got it for 99€. I was one happy photographer!
Features
Benro GX30
Large ball locking knob.
The Benro GX30 has an all aluminium construction. It feels very high quality for the touch. All the knobs rotate very smoothly and precisely. There is no separate friction adjustment knob, but the large locking knob is so precise to use, that it’s not an issue. At least without thick gloves on. I have not yet tested this ball head on winter conditions.
Benro GX30
New lock mechanism on quick release plate.
Benro has re-designed the quick release mechanism. Now you have to pull and turn the locking knob to release the plate. I think it works very well and every new design that makes it more difficult for your camera to accidentally fall off, is a welcome change.
Benro GX30
The new quick release plate, PU56.
There was a new type of quick release plate included with the head. I haven’t noticed any differences in using it, compared to the old ones. Maybe it looks a little cooler?
Benro GX30
The new panning mechanism and bubble level on the quick release clamp.
This is definitely my favorite feature of the Benro GX30. Panning mechanism right below the quick release clamp. This makes it so much easier to get straight panoramas, because now you don’t have to worry about your tripod being perfectly straight. You can just level your ball head with the integrated bubble level and your good to go. Excellent!
Benro GX30
The new panning mechanism lock lever.
The panning mechanism is released with this lever on the side of the quick release clamp. It can be turned in any direction by pulling it, if it ever interferes with your gear or anything.
Benro GX30
The base panning mechanism lock knob.
There’s still a traditional panning mechanism on the base of the ball head. It’s a good feature to have when you want to keep the main locking knob on the right place without turning your whole tripod.
Benro GX30
Sony A7 III with Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
The Benro GX30 is rated for 30kg. That is a lot for a ball head that weights only 0,380kg. And that is a lot more than I’m ever going to need, but it’s nice to have an over sized ball head in that regard, because I know that I can trust that it holds my moderately light weight gear with ease.
Conclusion
I have been very happy with the Benro GX30 so far. It’s a light weight ball head with high load capacity. The new panning mechanism means that now I can leave my separate panning plate home and still be able to easily take straight panoramas. The quality of the Benro GX30 feels even better than in my older Benro ball heads and even they are still working flawlessly after over a decade of use.
I will be updating this review in the winter, if necessary. Although I’m not expecting any issues in the freezing temperatures, but you never know before you know!
