I was surprised when I found this ball head boasting a load of 20 kg, a weigh of only 250 gr. and a cost of only 30 Euros shipped !
Even more surprised I was, reading that it had won the 2007 Beijing Show contest for reaching a locking force of 45 Kg !
Looking for a simple light weight ball head with a good grip, I decided to order one and check it out.
After a very thorough test, I can only say that "This ball head is full of surprises!" But let's see how good or bad these surprises are...
The Ball Head
Triopo is an emerging Chinese brand of camera support systems, with quite a large number of tripods and ball heads, mostly copies of well known products, aiming to the lower-middle end of the market with low prices and big specs. (however, that has to be proved yet).
In Europe sales are handled by their distributors in Poland.
The Triopo RS-3 ball head is the largest of the Triopo RS Series and according to the manufacturer has the following specifications:
Inspecting & Testing the head...
From the first moment I took this relatively small ball head in my hands I wanted to check the weight... maybe a hunch... and I did put it on my electronic scales which I have verified with standard weights...
But let's see further...
Adding a quick release clamp...
So I decided to remove the round top disk...
Torque Test ...
The next thing I had in mind was to measure the ability of this head to handle the claimed weight of 20 Kg successfully. Therefore, I conducted a torque test according to the methodology set in my article for Benro B-2 Torque test.
The ball head was set back exactly as it came with its round top disk and the Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 was screwed directly on the ball head's 1/4"-20 stud. The same procedure as with the Benro head was followed from there.
After tightening the Manfrotto clamp jaws to a point that the tube started to deform, I started moving the sand sack outwards away from the head.
When I reached a torque of 348,4 Kgf*cm the sand sack was so out on the tube I could not believe it...
But BIG Surprise the ball did not move !!!
I unloaded the weight and applied more force on the Manfrotto Super Clamp jaws tightening the back drop tube more and deforming its shape even more, so it wouldn't lose it's 90degree position with the head.
In this way, I managed to move the sand sack a few cm outwards reaching a torque of 358,8 Kgf*cm !!!
Pros
Very low price
Extreme locking ability
Good value for money
Cons
The declared weight of 250 gr. is deceiving.
Weak top plate stud (although pushed too much).
Poor quality control.
Conclusion
Yes, indeed this ball head is full of surprises, maybe it does not weigh 250 gr as advertised, maybe it is not so smooth in operation, maybe a stud broke under extreme conditions (which is my fault pushing it out of limits) but...
THIS BALL HEAD LOCKS far more load than its specification and beyond any expectation !!!
After running the above test, even if Tropo RS-3 is a very low cost ball head, I can justify the expense for a big Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release clamp and recommend it for use on a monopod or attach a Panorama clamp on it and use it as a leveling base for a Panorama head as I intend to do both.
Nevertheless, time will tell if that extra locking ability will be maintained after long use and I'll be back with any findings.
Update: October 2011
Triopo B-2 Quick Release Clamp Review
Disclaimer:
This review and test was run on a single product sample, using the specifically described methods. Although the findings are good in general and some overcame the expectations for the product, it can not be used as a rule, unless more samples of the same product are tested. Furthermore, similar comparison tests should be run with comparative capabilities products so as to reach a solid conclusion.
I hope you found this review useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos: © 2011 S.C.Vlachos
Availability:
The Triopo RS-3 ball head is still available from eBay
Referenced Articles:
Fotopro QAL-500 5cm Quick Release Clamp
Hejnar Photo F010A and F012 Quick Release Clamps
Benro PC-0 and PC-1 Panorama Clamps
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35
Weifeng WF-595T Alu-Mg Traveller Tripod with WF-595H Ball Head Review
Even more surprised I was, reading that it had won the 2007 Beijing Show contest for reaching a locking force of 45 Kg !
Looking for a simple light weight ball head with a good grip, I decided to order one and check it out.
After a very thorough test, I can only say that "This ball head is full of surprises!" But let's see how good or bad these surprises are...
The Ball Head
Triopo is an emerging Chinese brand of camera support systems, with quite a large number of tripods and ball heads, mostly copies of well known products, aiming to the lower-middle end of the market with low prices and big specs. (however, that has to be proved yet).
In Europe sales are handled by their distributors in Poland.
The Triopo RS-3 ball head is the largest of the Triopo RS Series and according to the manufacturer has the following specifications:
Manufacturer Specification: | |
---|---|
Model: | RS-3 |
Ball Diameter: | 36 mm (1.42") |
Base Diameter: | 56 mm (2.20") |
Height: | 80 mm (3.15") |
Bottom mounting thread: | 3/8"-16 UNC |
Top mounting stud: | 1/4"-20 UNC |
Weight: | 250 gr* (0.55 lbs) |
Max Load capacity: | 20 kg (44 lbs) |
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The Triopo RS-3 ball head, came in a blue velvet drawstring bag, packaged in a retail box . And that was all , no specification sheet, no manual, no warranty card, nothing else! (Bad Surprise). |
Inspecting & Testing the head...
From the first moment I took this relatively small ball head in my hands I wanted to check the weight... maybe a hunch... and I did put it on my electronic scales which I have verified with standard weights...
![]() |
Oh yes another Big bad Surprise 306 gr (0.612 lbs) !!! checked many times... This is 56gr or 22.4% more than the claimed and advertised 250gr. |
But let's see further...
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Turning the lever counter clockwise, at 3 o'clock, there was enough force applied to immobilize the ball and the panning base. |
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Unlocking a little the ball by turning the lever counter clockwise at 11 o'clock , we can push the ball stem halfway into the notch... |
Adding a quick release clamp...
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The easiest and cheapest solution for this ball head was to attach one of my spare Fotopro QAL-500 5cm Arca Swiss® compatible quick release clamps, which has a 3/8"-16 center hole, with the aid of a 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 thread converter bushing. |
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The 5cm clamp is a good match covering the round top disk completely and adds only 89gr (3.14oz) to the total weight, totaling now 395gr (0.869 lbs) |
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The thick rubber ring on the round top disk prevents the clamp from twisting, dampening also vibrations, but makes the contact a little elastic for my taste. |
So I decided to remove the round top disk...
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It is fairly easy to unscrew the round top disk gripping the 12mm nut of the 1/4"-20 stud with a pare of small pliers. |
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Focusing on the top round aluminum disk, we can see clearly the recesses for the stud nut and the rubber anti-twist ring. |
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Finally focusing on the top of the ball stem, we can see the M6 thread hole and two anti-twist islands ( bosses )... |
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... which fit under the top round plate groove on the sides of the center hole. Same grooves that exist under many Arca-Swiss® compatible quick release clamps! |
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With the top disk removed the ball head still weighs 276 gr (0.552 lbs) ...........not even close to the boasted 250 gr !!! |
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Another good match for the size of this ball head is the Hejnar Photo F012 1.5" (38 mm ) Arca Swiss® compatible Quick Release clamp. We need a flat 1" long M6 screw in order to attach the clamp on the ball stem. |
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Clamp fixed ! Total weight now 360gr (0.792 lbs) |
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If someone's intention is to use the ball head with heavier camera/lens combinations and need some space for leveling adjustment a bigger clamp like the Hejnar Photo F010 2.375" (6 cm) Arca Swiss® compatible Quick Release Clamp is more appropriate. |
Torque Test ...
The next thing I had in mind was to measure the ability of this head to handle the claimed weight of 20 Kg successfully. Therefore, I conducted a torque test according to the methodology set in my article for Benro B-2 Torque test.
The ball head was set back exactly as it came with its round top disk and the Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 was screwed directly on the ball head's 1/4"-20 stud. The same procedure as with the Benro head was followed from there.
![]() |
The Manfrotto Super Clamp 35 screwed directly on the top disk with the 1/4"-20 stud. With the ball head locking lever really pushed as far as it would go. |
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Head and clamp sitting on a Weifeng WF-595T Alu-Mag Traveller Tripod. |
![]() |
The back drop tube balanced on the Manfrotto Super clamp. |
After tightening the Manfrotto clamp jaws to a point that the tube started to deform, I started moving the sand sack outwards away from the head.
When I reached a torque of 348,4 Kgf*cm the sand sack was so out on the tube I could not believe it...
![]() |
The force applied on the tube by the Manfrotto clamp jaws was not enough... |
![]() |
The center column of the tripod was deformed from torsion... |
But BIG Surprise the ball did not move !!!
I unloaded the weight and applied more force on the Manfrotto Super Clamp jaws tightening the back drop tube more and deforming its shape even more, so it wouldn't lose it's 90degree position with the head.
In this way, I managed to move the sand sack a few cm outwards reaching a torque of 358,8 Kgf*cm !!!
![]() |
But then a "crack" was heard and the 1/4"-20 stud broke in two pieces... |
![]() |
... exactly on top of the round disk |
Pros
Very low price
Extreme locking ability
Good value for money
Cons
The declared weight of 250 gr. is deceiving.
Weak top plate stud (although pushed too much).
Poor quality control.
Conclusion
Yes, indeed this ball head is full of surprises, maybe it does not weigh 250 gr as advertised, maybe it is not so smooth in operation, maybe a stud broke under extreme conditions (which is my fault pushing it out of limits) but...
THIS BALL HEAD LOCKS far more load than its specification and beyond any expectation !!!
After running the above test, even if Tropo RS-3 is a very low cost ball head, I can justify the expense for a big Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release clamp and recommend it for use on a monopod or attach a Panorama clamp on it and use it as a leveling base for a Panorama head as I intend to do both.
Nevertheless, time will tell if that extra locking ability will be maintained after long use and I'll be back with any findings.

Triopo B-2 Quick Release Clamp Review
Disclaimer:
This review and test was run on a single product sample, using the specifically described methods. Although the findings are good in general and some overcame the expectations for the product, it can not be used as a rule, unless more samples of the same product are tested. Furthermore, similar comparison tests should be run with comparative capabilities products so as to reach a solid conclusion.
I hope you found this review useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos: © 2011 S.C.Vlachos
Availability:
The Triopo RS-3 ball head is still available from eBay
Referenced Articles:
Fotopro QAL-500 5cm Quick Release Clamp
Hejnar Photo F010A and F012 Quick Release Clamps
Benro PC-0 and PC-1 Panorama Clamps
Manfrotto Super Clamp 35
Weifeng WF-595T Alu-Mg Traveller Tripod with WF-595H Ball Head Review
Excelente avaliação, parabéns.
ReplyDeleteEu procurava informações sobre este modelo há tempos.
(Great review, congratulations.
I was looking for information on this model for some time.)
Regards
Ricardo
Muito Obrigado!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your kind comment Ricardo. I know there is very little information about Triopo products on the net. I'm glad it is useful to you. Keep connected as I will have more reviews on Triopo soon.
(Muito obrigado para o seu tipo comentário Ricardo. Eu sei que há muito pouca informação sobre os produtos Triopo na net. Estou contente que é útil. Manter conectados como eu vou ter mais avaliaçãos sobre Triopo em breve.)
Regards,
Sotiris
Thank you Sotiris.
ReplyDeleteThe only information I had gotten from the Internet was this video below.
Your review of the product was very good. I will stay connected on blog for sure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9sXhViGh7Y
Thank you very much from Spain!!! just i have buyed one, and i want for panorama clamp and for me it is the most important the strong can be it and the price :)
ReplyDeleteAntonio from Spain
You are very welcome from Greece! This proves to be a very strong head for the price. If you can remove the top plate and screw your panorama clamp directly on the ball stem, will be better with less vibration and more secure, since panorama heads are quite demanding due to offset weight. Hope you enjoy shooting nice panoramas :)
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Sotiris
Thank you very much for your time and excellent review about Triopo RS3 Ballhead. I prefer wait to buy a better and little more expense ball head and donot have any problem. I appreciate your notes a lot. Sincerely, Ruben Olivier, M.D.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome and thank you in return for your comments. As mentioned in the review, I would not recommend this ball head as a general purpose ball head, but only for specific uses e.g. a monopod or as a second option. If you spend a little more there are quite many choices.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Sotiris
Hi Sotiris, how are you able to unscrew the the 1/4"-20 stud with small pliers? Are you gripping the 1/4" thread with the pliers or do you somehow grip the small nut embedded in the disk? I do not see enough space where you can grip the nut while the round disk covers most of the nut.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Ron
Hi Sotiris, Thanks for your review. How are you able to remove the 1/4" M6 nut from the head? Are you using pliers to grip the exposed 1/4" thread or gripping the nut that is embedded in the round disc? There seems to be very little space to grip the nut.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Ron
Hi Ron,
DeleteYou're welcome and I'm glad you found the review useful.
I happen to have a set of very thin and flat pliers that fit between the nut sides and the round disc. Something even thinner than This one.
It also requires to use some heat in order to break the thread-lock bond.
However, in order to make your life easier and avoid damaging the stud, an alternative way to remove it is to get two 1/4"-20 nuts from a hardware store and counter tighten them on the protruding stud thread. Then the use of a wrench will apply enough torque to break the thread-lock compound and unscrew the top-plate.
I hope that helps.
Regards,
Sotiris
Hi Sotiris:
ReplyDeleteI tried the 2 nut method without success. Could you explain how you heated the bond to loosen it? Do you apply a solder iron to the nut or some other method? I also tried a small set of pliers but all I managed to do is strip the nut a little.
Best Regards,
Ron
Hi Ron,
DeleteBefore going into heat, which is a method I'm reluctant to suggest publicly, I would suggest that you try the two nut method once again and after fitting a wrench on the tightened nuts, bang the end of the wrench grip abruptly with a hammer sideways. This most probably will brake the bond.
If this still does not work, you may proceed with heating the stud, but I should warn you first about the dangers and the possibility of damaging the head!
For difficult nuts I use a small butane gas soldering iron which may also be used as a very pointed torch after removing the solder iron point. If you decide to go with this method, take all precautions to remove the rubber pad from the top plate first (which is flammable) and protect your hands wearing thick workers gloves as the Aluminium top plate will get very hot. Any heat should be directly pointed to the stud only.
I hope you succeed this time. Good luck!
Best Regards,
Sotiris
Hi Sotiris:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice. I will try the 2 nut method again.
Best Regards,
Ron
Hi Sotiris:
ReplyDeleteThe problem I find with the 2 nut method is that the 1/4"-20 stud that is exposed is not long enough to accommodate 2 nuts to be able to wrench the stud free.
Ron