[Leo.G (Leo)]

I've recently purchase an Artcise NB36 mm ball-head, it's amazing build/finish quality and so smooth, especially for under $50.
I've mounted my Megrez 80mm (original model) with my D810 Nikon and a heavy extension tube to set it as I'd be using it and left it sit at an extreme angle for over 1 hour, not the slightest hint of slippage.
I am so impressed for the money BUT, one thing confused me.


NB: Plastic insert


KB: Plastic insert


LB: All alloy and the stronger, longer lasting professional unit according to the company.


I've been emailing everywhere to get an explanation and finally got the answer.
The NB and KB ball-heads utilise a plastic insert to keep the ball in place. The LB is all alloy, no plastic insert.

Hopefully this information may help others considering purchasing high quality, cheap Chinese accessories.

I also have an Artcise geared head and I was blown away by the quality, quality like this always used to cost a LOT more. Loaded up at near it's 6Kg load capacity in a strong breeze doing some moon photos a few nights back and the gear wind is so smooth and precise, comparable to much higher priced units on the market. It was also so easy to use with the small incremental change in the moons position, well worth a look.

I've now just (only just) invested in an LB52 ball-head, I don't need its capacity but it was cheaper than the LB44 I wanted (numbers relate to ball size) and will go on a heavy duty Manfrotto tripod.

If you've seen this equipment online I'd highly recommend giving it a go (or at least a look, same thing I was told by another member some time back) if it ticks all of the boxes.
Is it comparable to a Gitzo head?
I'd highly suggest not but it's a heck of a lot cheaper for what I need and can afford.

EDIT: A quick note on the Australian Artcise eBay seller, they list low prices for only a couple of items then cancel the orders with the excuse "incorrect shipping address information", the same information provided to them by both eBay and Paypal, which I have used all around the globe for the last 15 years.


I am highly impressed with the manufacturing standards and quality/finish of the equipment, NOT the Australian eBay seller and I've let them know exactly that and ordered a more expensive unit elsewhere (different brand with a friction control knob, slightly larger) and will NEVER purchase from this eBay seller again. The smaller unit and gear head I purchased through AliExpress, fuss free purchase with extremely fast shipping (around 8 days) direct from China.


If it looks too good to be true...........