who cares about brand affiliation, NOT me!!!,

who needs the over-priced / over hyped manfrotto heads when you can get this vanguard SBH-250.

huge load capacity and easy use!

(Posted on 7/7/10)

I spent a lot of time comparing heads/legs (probably more time then I spent deciding on a camera!) and for the price, this head can not be beat.

I initially purchased the SBH-100, which was a great had and was very smooth but decided to upgrade to the SBH-250 to gain the friction adjustment knob and am glad that I did.

The movement is extremely smooth, it locks very tight with about 1/2 - 3/4 of a turn of the locking knob, the panning base is smooth and locks tight, and there are varying levels of tension that can be set with the friction knob which makes for a great experience.

My only gripe is the lack of a standard quick release platform. It will not fit Arca plates so this makes getting additional plates aside from Vanguard ones or L-brackets impossible. The quick release platform is removable so it can be replaced with any other QR system on the market, and will still come in for less then many other heads out there.

Overall I would highly recommend this head! (Posted on 1/10/10)