March 18, 2018

Announcement of Sunwayfoto XB-28II Low Profile Double Panning Ball Head

Sunwayfoto XB-28II Low Profile Ball Head overview

About 18 months after the introduction of the smallest member in their XB series of low profile ball heads specifically the Sunwayfoto XB-28 Low Profile and Lightweight Ball Head  Sunwayfoto has just released its Mk II sibling.

The new Mk II version, as obvious from the illustration, is almost identical with its predecessor but for a small panning  base inserted below the quick release clamp. Which gives it the double panning attribute, making it ideal for leveled panoramic work.

The XB-28II Ball Head

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:XB-28II
Ball Diameter :28 mm
Base Diameter :40 mm
Height:72 mm
Net Weight:236 gr
Max Load:4.5 kg
Mounting Thread:3/8"-16
Clamp Type:Screw-knob

This extra panning feature, also gives it some 5 mm increase in height rising from 67 mm to 72mm and another increase of 46 gr in weight going from 190 to 236 gr.
Otherwise the large ratcheted lever-like Lock-knob is there, which allows for extra torque to be applied -compared to a small sized knob- in order to lock the ball.
As with the XB-28 and the FB-28i the independent panning lock knob on a ball head of this size distinguishes all of them from similar size models coming from competition.
The small DDC-37 Arca-Swiss® compatible QR clamp is used once again here, without bubble level.
Nevertheless, the XB-28II has obviously another smaller ratcheted lever-like Lock-knob responsible for locking the panning clamp.

Sunwayfoto XB-28II Low Profile Double Pan Ball Head front
Both top and bottom panning bases are laser engraved with full 0 to 360° scales.

As I mentioned in the XB-28 presentation the double drop notch inherent on the larger XB series ball heads is missing but it doesn't seem feasible considering the palm size of the head.

Same as with the previous version, the panning base at the bottom is made from a different metal probably stainless steal which makes the mounting hole thread more wear resistant than aluminum. The laser engraved scale is a full 360° though.

Sunwayfoto XB-28II Ball Head bottom
Sunwayfoto XB-28II Low Profile Double pan Ball Head SS panning base with standard 3/8"-16 bottom mounting hole



Mounted on Tabletop Tripod

The QR clamp size combined with the correct positioning of the lock-knobs make the XB-28II a perfect companion for small tabletop tripods as the recent Sunwayfoto T1A11 Aluminum Table Top Tripod (Preview) pictured below...

Sunwayfoto XB-28II Ball Head on Sunwayfoto T1A11 Tripod
Sunwayfoto XB-28II Low Profile double pan Ball Head on Sunwayfoto T1A11 tabletop aluminum Tripod
or the larger Sunwayfoto T1A20D 2 Section Aluminium Tabletop Tripod (Preview) presented in an individual post.

Sunwayfoto XB-28II Ball Head on Sunwayfoto T1A20D Tripod
Sunwayfoto XB-28II Low Profile double pan Ball Head on Sunwayfoto T1A20D tabletop aluminum Tripod

Considering the silky smooth operation derived from the Sunwayfoto ellipsoidal balls offered in a very compact package with increased features of the dual panning at the same very tempting price, it's indeed a very good value for money!

I hope you found the info useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos used by permission ©2018 Sunwayfoto.com

Price & Availability:
Recommended Retail Price for the XB-28II Ball Head is US$ 39.00 (+shipping where applicable) exactly the same as the XB-28 and will soon be available either from Amazon or from eBay among others, but unfortunately not directly in the US.

Nonetheless, you may also purchase directly from the Sunwayfoto Store.

Please note that we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases through above affiliate links.

Referenced Articles:

Sunwayfoto XB-28 Low Profile and Lightweight Ball Head Preview
Sunwayfoto XB-28 Low Profile and Lightweight Ball Head Preview
Sunwayfoto T1A20D 2 Section Aluminium Tabletop Tripod Preview
Sunwayfoto T1A20D 2 Section Aluminium Tabletop Tripod Preview
Sunwayfoto T1A11 Aluminum Table Top Tripod Preview
Sunwayfoto T1A11 Aluminum Table Top Tripod Preview







Relevant Articles:

Sunwayfoto Released an Improved FB-28i Lightweight Ball Head
Sunwayfoto Released an Improved FB-28i Lightweight Ball Head
New Sunwayfoto FB-28 Lightweight Ball Head Preview
New Sunwayfoto FB-28 Lightweight Ball Head Preview


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