April 26, 2020

Sunwayfoto Introduces EPIC Series Extremely Lightweight Traveller Ball Heads

Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC series ball head

It has been a long time since the last major design upgrade of the Sunwayfoto FB Series Mk II Lightweight Ball Heads. If I remember well it was back in 2014 not counting the introduction of model FB-52 sometime in 2017.

Well, it took a long time but maybe this is what was needed to come with something EPIC according to the new series name, just announced by Sunwayfoto.

Actually this is not an upgrade of the FB series with a face lift or minor cosmetic changes, but a totally new Series where although based on shape and mechanics of the previous series, almost everything is changed or new, as we shall see on the EB-36 ball head below in detail.

The Ball EB-36 EPIC Head

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:EB-36
Ball Diameter :36 mm
Base Diameter :50 mm
Height:83 mm
Net Weight:270 gr
Max Load:15 kg
Bottom Mounting Thread:3/8"-16 UNC
Clamp Type:Screw-knob Clamp 

First thing that one can spot in the Specification is the weight at 270 gr which is peculiarly lower than expected for the size of the head, actually 20% lighter than it's predecessors.
Computer Aided Design combined with stress point calculation, resulted into a streamlined ball head.
Starting from a completely new Skeletal QR clamp with screw knob, going down to the body shell any mass not needed by not being functional has been removed.

Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC series ball head top view

Then, besides the outer changes, the EB-36 is changed inside out, literally, since it's ball was also replaced by one of a completely hollow design becoming 42% lighter than the one fitted in the FB-36II.

Sunwayfoto FB-36II to EB-36 EPIC ball comparison

Nonetheless, there are also some functional and cosmetic changes. The knobs have now a silver anodizing. The QR clamp screw knob is short and smaller. The Main ball Lock knob became larger featuring a grooved rubber cover for the first time in Sunwayfoto's chronicles. Somehow this will enhance grip and ability to enforce more torque to lock the ball.
Finally, the Panning Base Lock knob is elongated for better grip and once again enforce more torque in locking the base. It is also equipped a spring mechanism so it can be pulled out and re positioned.

Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC series ball head side view

Nothing spectacular on the bottom though, as the usual 3/8"-16 threaded hole enables mounting on similar stud tripods. A reducer 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 bushing is also included for mounting on smaller pods.

Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC series ball head bottom view



Other Specification

The Sunwayfoto EB-36 will be accompanied by the Sunwayfoto DP-50SR QR Camera Plate for immediate utilization.

Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC series ball head with DP-50SR QR plate

The EB-36 will be a perfect match with the upcoming Sunwayfoto T2C40N lightweight traveller tripod without center column.

Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC series ball head on T2C40N Traveller tripod

Package Contents

Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC will come with all accessories listed below, a protective neoprene bag, a 3mm Allen hex key, a Cleaning cloth and as fore-mentioned a 50 mm QR plate and a Reducer Bushing. 
Sunwayfoto EB-36 EPIC series box contents

I hope you found the information useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos by courtesy of Sunwayfoto ©2020

Price & Availability:
Recommended Retail for the EPIC EB-36 Ball Head is US $ 79.99 and is available from Amazon or from eBay worldwide.

However, as of 2022 you may also purchase EPIC series ball heads directly from the Sunwayfoto Store.

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


Referenced Articles:

Sunwayfoto FB Series Mk II Lightweight Ball Heads Preview
Sunwayfoto FB Series Mk II Lightweight Ball Heads Preview
New Sunwayfoto FB Series Lightweight Ball Heads
New Sunwayfoto FB Series Lightweight Ball Heads







Relevant Articles:

Sunwayfoto FB-36DDH Lightweight Ball Head Review
Sunwayfoto FB-36DDH Lightweight Ball Head Review
Sunwayfoto DB-36TRLR Traveler Ball Head Review
Sunwayfoto DB-36TRLR Traveler Ball Head Review

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