Sunwayfoto DYH-66i reviewed last month (Nov 2012) is the entry level model, while the DYH-90 stands in the middle and the DYH-120TRO heavy weight tops the line.
Model DYH-90 forms its own series within the line by offering four different variations with added functionality.
Here we shall have a deeper look in the basic model, the plain DYH-90 which represents the base where all variations are built upon.
Leveling bases in general follow two design schools. The first and older design school uses a large half ball which operates withing a bowl installed on the apex of a tripod, while it is adjusted and tightened/locked by a large handle extending below the bowl, between the tripod legs. Gitzo®, Manfrotto®, Feisol and most of the video head manufacturers follow this design school with very fine products.
The big advantage of the leveling bases of the first design school is that the large handle below the leveling base proves very helpful when level adjusting heavy equipment. While their disadvantage is that they require a special tripod to be installed.
A second design school uses a half ball as well, with the difference that it operates within its own bowl which also serves as a mounting base. Tightening/locking of the half ball is done by side caliper/constrictor.
On the other hand the leveling bases of the second design can be installed on any tripod with a top mounting plate large enough to accept them. Nothing extends below, so the big advantage here is that the tripod may go down to ground level.
All Sunwayfoto DYH series leveling bases belong to this second category.
The Package & Contents
The DYH-90 Leveling Base I received for evaluation, was actually a combo with the new Sunwayfoto DDY-64iL Discal Quick Release Clamp which is also reviewed separately. This combo offers quite some saving if the clamp is also needed.
The Leveling Base comes in a recycled-carton box as all Sunwayfoto products released after a point in 2012; shrink wrapped which ensures that the product has not been opened after it left the factory. A large white label on the side shows the content photo, model and main specification; while a smaller white label exists in the front together with an oval-shaped transparent label that bears the Quality Control stamp.
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| The Leveling Base comes in a recycled-carton box as all Sunwayfoto products released after a point in 2012 shrink wrapped. |
The DYH-90 Leveling Base (here combined with DDY-64iL QR clamp) travels in the box within a thick foam padding, with all the accompanying documents and accessories in separate zip-lock nylon bags.
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| The DYH-90 Leveling Base combined with DDY-64iL QR clamp and all the accompanying documents and accessories. |
A credit card sized warranty Card is included with the DYH-90R leveling base, stating Model and Serial Number and a "Customer Information Card" for use together with the Warranty card in case of applying for a warranty claim.
As I always point out for Sunwayfoto gear, keep in mind that Sunwayfoto offers a 5 year limited warranty extension, for certain products upon registration in their website, within one month from the date of purchase.
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| A credit card sized warranty Card and a "Customer Information Card" are included among other things. |
Further, an 1/4"-20 ~ 3/8"16 top mounting conversion bushing (not shown in picture above) together with an Allen hex wrench, are also found in the box.
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| Microfiber Sunwayfoto Cleaning Cloth together with an Allen hex wrench included. |
There is an "Operating Instructions" fan-fold leaflet (sitting on top of the Sunwayfoto Cleaning Clothe above). However, the operating instructions are addressed to older DYH-120 and DYH-66 leveling base models but since the operating principle is exactly the same what differs are only the schematic diagrams. Further the instructions are basic but adequate to set up and maintain the leveling base.
Nevertheless, I was informed that Sunwayfoto is in the process of printing and electronically publishing new operating instruction leaflets for all their new products, more descriptive and detailed.
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| An "Operating Instructions" fan-fold leaflet, sitting on top of the Sunwayfoto microfiber Cleaning Clothe. |
The Leveling Base
| Manufacturer Specification: | |
|---|---|
| Model: | DYH-90 |
| Platform Diameter: | 90 mm |
| Base Diameter | 76 mm |
| Height:: | 50 mm |
| Bottom mounting thread: | 3/8"-16 UNC |
| Top mounting stud: | 1/4"-20 UNC |
| Weight: | 455 gr* |
| Max Load capacity: | >30 kg (66 lbs) |
*Verified weight on electronic scales: 524 gr stand alone,
625 gr w/ DDY-64iL and 647 gr w/ DLC-60L mounted.
Taking into account the dimensions and load capacity of the DYH-90 leveling base, I consider it most suitable for tripods without a center column and with a large top mounting plate. Such as Gitzo® Systematic 2, 3, 4 series, Feisol Elite series or Benro combination tripods to name a few.
This leveling base will prove equally suitable for use with a large Gimbal head, a 2-way Video Pan-head as well as with medium-format 6 X 6, 6 X 7 or large format 8 X 10 cameras.
As fore mentioned DYH-90 came fully equipped with the DDP-64iL Discal QR clamp. The usual Sunwayfoto sturdy structure with a very fine and high quality CNC machining and finishing. All aluminum parts are hard coat anodized in a satin black color with only accents of the stainless-steel stud, screws and base lock-knob shaft.
The discal clamp is attached by two 1/4"-20 hex-socket flat-head screws on its sides. Most prevailing characteristics are the quite large Lever Lock-knob protruding from the side of the base and the also large removable bubble level, which is attached on the perimeter of the top mounting platform. On the leveling base front side there is the laser engraving of the Sunwayfoto logo and the model name in white.
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| The DYH-90 fully equipped with the DDP-64iL Discal QR clamp in stripping down process. |
For a thorough check and testing the base was stripped down into individual components and their small parts. DYH-90 Leveling Base with top reducer bushing and bottom reducer busing (not shown); DDY-64iL Discal QR Clamp with its two short hex-socket flat-head screws and the appropriate 4mm Allen hex key.
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| DYH-90 Leveling Base with DDY-64iL Discal QR Clamp aside accomapanied by individual components. |
The half-ball is controlled via a large off-center ratcheted Lever Lock-Knob extending out from the side of the mounting base. The Lever knob is all metal, spring-loaded, capping a stainless-steel shaft that actually controls the Leveling Base locking mechanism. If in any case the rotation of the Lever lock-knob is blocked or it interferes with other equipment stopping its travel (upper left photo below) it may be easily pulled out until the internal hex nut is revealed (larger right photo below) and relocated in one of the 12 possible positions that proves more convenient (lower left photo below).
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| The half-ball control via a large ratcheted off-center Lever Lock-Knob explained. |
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| The large Lever lock-knob needs only half a turn from the "loose" to the "tightly locked" position. |
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| The verified* ability of DYH-66i to tilt +16° or ... |
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| ... -16° degrees, permits leveling of a tripod head in almost any terrain whichever the tripod leg angles may be. While, on the other hand gives a clear advantage to the DYH-90 over the competition. *Tilting to 16° was verified with an electronic inclinometer. |
Improvements over the previous version
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| Original DYH-90 Leveling Base. Photo by courtesy of Sunwayfoto.com |
The 3/8"-16 top mounting stud has been exchanged with an 1/4"-20 one for compatibility with more equipment, since it is easier to enlarge via a conversion bushing but not so easy to reduce.
The top platform now sports two pairs of threaded mounting holes in two distances between the holes, enabling the mounting of a selection of quick release clamps.
Finally, the Lever lock-knob has been enlarged. Its longer grip permits the application of greater force to the half-ball immobilization mechanism, thus enhancing the base's load bearing capacity with less effort from the user.
On the other hand the less obvious changes or better invisible but felt, are the improvements in the weight and the internal lubrication which lead in better yet far smoother handling of the leveling base.
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| Intermediate versions of Sunwayfoto DYH-90B and DYH-80A equipped with integral DLC-60 lever clamps. Photo by courtesy of Sunwayfoto.com |
Comparison with the Competition
The table below shows a comparison of Sunwayfoto DYH-90 leveling base with leveling bases of similar characteristics and price range coming from well known brands.
| Manufacturer: | Sunwayfoto | Sunwayfoto | Acratech | Manfrotto | RRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model: | DYH-90 | DYH-90R | LB-Large | 438 | TA-U-LB |
| Leveling: | +/-16° | +/-16° | +/-10° | +/-5° | +/-15° |
| Platform ∅: | 90 mm /2.60" | 90 mm /2.60" | 74 mm /2.90" | -- mm | 73 mm /2.9" |
| Base ∅: | 76 mm /2.37" | 60 mm /2.37" | 60 mm /2.37" | -- mm | 73 mm /2.9" |
| Height: | 50 mm /1.97" | 60 mm /2.36" | 46 mm /1.80" | 50 mm /1.97" | 68 mm /2.7" |
| Bottom thread: | 3/8"-16* | 3/8"-16* | 1/4"-20 | 3/8"-16 | 3/8"-16 |
| Top stud: | 1/4"-20* | 1/4"-20* | 1/4"-20 / 3/8"-16 | 3/8"-16 | 3/8"-16 |
| Weight: | 524 gr / 1.15 lb | 642 gr /1.41 oz | 295 gr /10.4 oz | 650 gr /22.9oz | 338 gr /11.6 oz |
| Max Load : | 30.0kg / 66 lbs | 30.0kg / 66 lbs | 11.4 kg / 25 lbs | 15.0 kg / 33 lbs | 16.0 kg / 35 lbs |
*Convertible via 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 bushing
Mounting on a Tripod
The bottom view, shows the sturdy structure of the base with concentric grooves, the "Made in China" logo and the Leveling Base serial number which reside in one of the concentric grooves.
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| DYH-90 comes preinstalled with a base mount 1/4"-20 ~ 3/8"-16 thread conversion bushing in the base 3/8"-16 mounting hole. In this way it may be mounted either on tripods equipped with an 1/4"-20 top mounting stud ... |
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| ... or by removing the bushing, on the top platform of tripods equipped with a 3/8"-16 mounting stud. |
Combined with DDY-64iL Discal QR Clamp
The Sunwayfoto DDY-64iL Discal Quick Release Clamp (L denotes the long shaft knob) was especially designed to offer a partner to the updated Sunwayfoto DYH-90 and DYH-90R Leveling Bases. Due to the 90 mm large top plate of these Leveling Bases no other clamp but one with a long shaft knob would be able to be controlled unobtrusively.
DYH-90 may be purchased as a combo with DDY-64iL preinstalled at the factory.
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| Due to the high load bearing capacity of the DYH-90 Leveling Base, DDY-64iL should be mounted on the top platform of the Base via the two included 1/4"-20 short flat-head screws and tightened by the 4 mm Allen hex key. |
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| DDY-64iL screwed and secured on DYH-90. As fore mentioned DDY-64iL's long shaft knob may help in the leveling base adjustment during the leveling process. |
Combined with DLC-60L Duo Lever/Knob QR Clamp
Same story goes for the Sunwayfoto DLC-60L Duo Lever / Knob Quick Release Clamp (L denotes the long shaft knob) which owes its existence for the same purpose but addressing a different user group. DLC-60L being equipped with both a Lever Release and a screw knob is most appropriate for fast action with frequent interchange of equipment on top of the leveling base.
DYH-90 may be purchased as a combo with DLC-60L preinstalled at the factory.
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| Once again the high load bearing capacity of the DYH-90 Leveling Base, requires that the DLC-60L be mounted on its top platform via the two included 1/4"-20 hex-socket bolt screws. |
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| Then thoroughly tightened with the little larger in this case 5 mm Allen hex key which comes with the clamp. |
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| DLC-60L screwed and secured on DYH-90 Leveling Base. DLC-60L's long shaft knob may be utilized in the leveling base adjustment during the leveling process. |
Torque Test Results
The number included in the model name DYH-90, implies both the diameter of the top mounting platform but also the diameter of the half ball that bears all the weight undertaking the leveling task. Therefore, considering the ball diameter the declared maximum load of 30 kg by the manufacturer is quite preservative as we can see further down.
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| The model name DYH-90, implies both the diameter of the top mounting platform but also the diameter of the half ball. |
The proof can come by measuring with some approximation the mass required to move this big 90 mm ball from inertia when fully locked. In this regard I decided to bolt the DYH-90R equipped with the DDY-64iL quick release clamp on a workbench, using a stainless steel 3/8"-16 bolt.
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| The DYH-90 equipped with the DDY-64iL quick release clamp bolted on a workbench via a 3/8"-16 bolt. |
Next thing was to level the base using its bubble level and tighten its lock knob as much as possible by hand. As a usual length rail was not enough a 10" rail and an 8" rail were bound together with another rail from below, creating a 18" long rail in order to measure the torque capacity of the leveling base.
Although I have made more precise devices to measure torque in the past, I decided that a simplified rough estimate is enough to give the reader an idea of what the leveling base is capable of.
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| The DYH-90 leveled and fully tightened by its lock knob prepared for the tortures to come. |
It was soon proven that my usual counter balance sand bag of 5 kg was not enough for this torque test as I would require a very long rail or pipe. Therefore, to compensate I had to add a second and heavier sand bag of 7 kg. Where after some experimentation the ~12.5 kg weight of the two combined bags + rails + carabiners etc. could remain hanging safely at a distance of 40 cm from the center of the quick release clamp, taken also as the pivoting axis of the leveling base.
The stress on the rails by the torque generated by this weight is evident from their bending shown in the photo below. But nonetheless, such a result means that the leveling base can withstand a torque of ~500 kgF*cm (~ 4905 N*cm). By deduction this could mean a load of ~41.6 kg with its center of gravity at a distance of 12 cm (4.7") from the pivot center (Gitzo method) or even more than 100 kg on top of the leveling base.
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| The stress on the rails by the torque generated by this weight is evident from their bending shown above. Nonetheless, such a result shows that the leveling base can withstand a torque of ~500 kgF*cm (~ 4905 N*cm). |
Mounting Heavy Gear Directly
As mentioned in the beginning a leveling base of this size and load capacity will prove equally suitable for use with a large Gimbal head, a 2-way Video Pan-head as well as with medium-format 6 X 6, 6 X 7 or large format 8 X 10 cameras.
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| The DYH-90 Leveling base comes with an 1/4"-20 ~ 3/8"-16 conversion bushing pre-installed on its top mounting stud, when purchased alone or in-the-box when purchased as a bundle with DDY-64iL or DLC-60L Duo QR clamp. |
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| In this way any gear with either an 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 mounting socket can be mounted directly on the large top platform of the leveling base. |
Using the Leveling Base
A large leveling base like the DYH-90 both in capacity and in base diameter, is most suited to be used on a Series 4 or 5 systematic tripod like the Sirui R-5214X shown below. The top mounting plate of the tripod has almost the same diameter with the base of the DYH-90.
Although the specific tripod is accompanied by an interchangeable 75 mm bowl, that could accommodate a leveling half-ball nicely, using a DYH-90 instead, wins clearly on points.
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| Sunwayfoto DYH-90 + DDY-64iL combo mounted on the large platform of the Sirui R-5214X Systematic CF Tripod. |
When a half-ball leveler is used, its long control handle below the tripod apex would make it impossible for the tripod to reach its lowest ground level position with legs splayed out.
This is especially of interest to videographers who would like to shoot ground level and leveled. Nonetheless, you could claim that DYH-90 adds some height, but even though it does add 50 mm, it is far less than locking the tripod legs on the second angle step, which is what a half-ball leveler handle would normally require.
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| Sunwayfoto DYH-90 + DDY-64iL combo on Sirui R-5214X with legs splayed out at ground level position. |
Same goes, with the following example using a Sunwayfoto T1A20 Aluminum real Ground Level tripod designed for high loads and really low shooting position.
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| Sunwayfoto DYH-90 + DDY-64iL combo on Sunwaufoto T1A20 Aluminum heavy duty Ground Level tripod at completely flat out ground level position. |
Pros
Innovative and original design ideal for low level shooting.
Exceptional machining, finishing, fitting and build quality.
30kg load bearing capacity, outperforming competition.
Compact size and low weight for its class.
Great stability and vibration absorption.
Very smooth ball operation at all angles.
Very Good value for money ratio.
5 year limited warranty extension upon registration.
Cons
A little excessive lubrication that may smear your hands and consequently anything you touch carelessly.
Not suggested for small sized and / or low weight gear.
Conclusion
Although pending some usability tests with really heavy equipment, I may come to some sound conclusions.
This is a strongly built Leveling Base for heavy loads. It can cope with offset mounted heavy gear without effort, locking almost anything within its angle range. However, with heavy loads is where this leveling base has its best and smoothest performance.
Users of lightweight gear may find it stiff to operate despite the lubrication and improved smoothness over the previous models. Therefore, this is more a professional product and considering its weight lifting abilities after the unparalleled Torque Test Results I would Highly Recommend for heavy duty and heavy weight gear.
Nevertheless, its actually a matter of correct research and choice before buying, as there is always the smaller DYH-66i Leveling Base in Sunwayfoto's line for lighter weight gear users.
Note :
The updated DYH-90 Leveling Base presented in this article was kindly offered by Desmond Photographic Distribution, USA, for evaluation and review.
Disclaimer:
This review and test was run on a single product sample, based on the specifically described methods. Although the findings are good 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 the article and ideas useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos & Photosynths: © 2012-2018 S.C.Vlachos
Price & Availability:
Recommended retail price for the DYH-90 Leveling Base is US$ 169.00, for DYH-90+DDY-64iL is US$ 209.00 and for DYH-90+DLC-60L is US$ 229.00 all models are available from Amazon.com
Update May 2017
Current prices and availability of the Sunwayfoto DYH-90i Series of Leveling Bases are greatly reduced. They are still available from Amazon and from eBay worldwide.
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