Uniqball IQ3P 36.4 Tripod and Ubh 45XC Ballhead Review
INTRODUCTION
Choosing a tripod can be an overwhelming experience, given how many different types and choices we are presented with. On one hand, a tripod is a very simple tool to keep our cameras steady when we use them in challenging light conditions. On the other hand, there are so many different variables that come into play when choosing a tripod: How tall should it be? How light should it be? How stable should it be? What kind of weight can it support? How much should I spend on a tripod? These are just some of the questions that might come up as you look into buying a new tripod, this can be an extremely frustrating experience, especially when there are so many variables to take into consideration such as budget, durability, design, weight, maximum height, minimum height and overall stability.
I personally use a tripod for one main reason – landscape photography. Shooting sunrises and sunsets can be quite challenging, especially when the light conditions are far from ideal. The use of a tripod for most types of photography is not necessary when shooting in daylight conditions. However,in Landscape and Seascape Photography we need a almost every time a tripod, as it allows them to keep the camera ISO as low as possible, which not only keeps the amount of noise in images to a minimum, but also provides the highest dynamic range the camera sensor can capture. In addition, a tripod can help in proper framing of a subject and allow to capture panoramic and HDR images. Lastly, there are situations where one must use a tripod in order to slow down and blur action, such as when photographing streams and waterfalls as shown in the image below. Therefore, if you are into landscape photography, a good tripod is a must-have tool in the field.
UNIQBALL AND THE MODEL NAME
The UniqBall story started in the late 90’s. When Balázs Kármán and László Novák worked in partnership for years and became known for their work of shooting quick flying birds with camera traps. Their creative thinking and engineering background was what made it possible to capture the impossible, make striking images and be honored with many international awards. Back than they used traditional tripod heads and struggled, because none of them worked as they would have liked.
So they analyzed the problem and came up with the idea of the ancestor of the Uniqball ball-head. A large double ball system that was able to keep the horizon level with large telephoto lens. They have been using that first model for over 10 years in all sorts of demanding environment successfully. In 2012, due to an unexpected encounter, the idea of converting this first model into a publicly availbale photographic tool was born. One year later UniqBall was shown to the photographic community for the first time, the rest is history.
Tripod manufacturers typically offer many different models and the model name often describes how the model fits into the family. The UniqBall IQuick3Pod 36.4 Carbon Fiber Tripod model name breaks down as follows: IQuick3Pod is what UniqBall names their tripod line. The “36” refers to the 36mm top leg section diameter and the “4” refers to the 4-leg-section design.
PACKAGING AND UNBOXING
After opening we can find this inside the package:
1 - A nylon case with the tripod user and maintenance manual
1.1 - user and maintenance manual
1.2 - a shoulder strap and
1.3 - two Screwdriver
1.4 - set of stainless steel spiked feet
1.5 - a warranty card
2 - A box for the ballhead
2.1 - the ballhead
2.2 - user and maintenance manual
2.3 - a warranty card
TRIPOD DIMENSIONS, SPECS AND WEIGHT
Tripods come in a wide range of sizes and weights, as a landscape photographer i can say you that we can carry the lightest tripod all day, but when we have a heavy tripod it became a nightmare in a very short period of time. Strength and rigidity are often the balancing factor between size and weight.
So, tripod selection involves finding a model that offers the right balance between dimensions and weight.
When I started getting into photography and decided to buy my first tripod, I was shocked to find that some tripod legs cost over a grand! How could I justify spending more money on a tripod than I had on my camera and kit lens? How could I justify spending so much money on a simple device which would just be used to hold my camera? I bought a cheap aluminium Manfrotto tripod, and then after few months i bougt a Manfrotto 3 ways millimetric ball Head. when i started to travel to multiple European countries in different scenarios and seasons, becoming very experienced on the field, even in the most demanding environments, i quickly learnt the hard way that you get what you pay for, cheap tripods just ruin your photos, and they can ruin your precious equipment too! After having a tripod stability in Iceland these year, I start to think that it was time to change that would never give me trouble again!
IQ3P is a powerful 4 piece, professional carbon fiber tripod that supports long-range lenses and heavy cameras. IQuick3Pod 36.4 models will be the new standard for Outdoor tripods, because of their stability with low weight and versatility. The spider part opens and closes, so each stand has an integrated leveling base that replaces the traditional flat tops (topPlate), but it can be used with all other series 5 systematic or other brands of accessories.
The iQ3P 36.4 weighs 2.30kg and provides outstanding 35kg load capacity. It reaches as low as 9 cm and up to 142 cm and folds down to 55 cm. Extremely reliable, versatile, portable solution, this model features 10 layer carbon tubes with a compact, rubberized bolt that securely connects the leg sections. Leg segments can be disassembled. The spider surface has 3 pcs of 3/8 “connection points, suitable for attaching external accessories.
The 36mm upper tube diameter guarantees the required stability and stiffness. Great choice for the heaviest professional devices and the largest telephoto lenses!
Let’s take a look at the specifications of the IQ3P 36.4 tripod:
- Type : IQ3P 36.4
- Material: carbon fiber
-Weight: 2,3 kg
- Load capacity: 35 kg
- Legs Tube diameter: 36 mm/ 32 mm/ 28 mm / 25 mm
- Leg sections: 4
- Top attachement: 3/8 ” screw
- Min height: 9 cm
- Max heigh: 142 cm
- Closed length: 55 cm
- Upper disc diameter: 80 mm
- Bubble spirit levelyes
- Color: black and red
The first thing I would look at is how much weight a tripod can support. Many photographers make the mistake of buying a tripod that can only support a few pounds and is not made for heavy camera equipment. What ends up happening is the obvious – at one point or another the whole thing collapses, destroying the camera and the lens. Always make sure that the tripod you want to buy can support at least 1.5 times more than the total weight of your camera and your heaviest lens. I say at least, because I prefer to keep it at around 2x more. Do not forget that you will at times apply pressure on your camera and sometimes even rest your hands on the setup if you are shooting with long lenses, which adds to the weight. You might also add a flash or a battery grip to your camera in the future, or potentially shoot with something heavier, so you have to keep all of that in mind.
I always recommend buying a tripod that matches your height, so that you do not have to bend to look into the viewfinder. Once you put your camera on a tripod, the viewfinder should be at your eye level. It is OK if it goes higher than your eye level, because you can always adjust the legs to be shorter. However, if it is much below your eye level, you will find yourself bending all the time, which can be a tiring experience, especially when you are waiting for some kind of action and need to constantly look through the viewfinder.
BILD CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS
iQuick3Pod HighEnd tripods, it's a superior, professional, modular, carbon fiber tripod product line with 85mm internal spider diameter at reasonable prices with 10-layer carbon fiber tubes, solid connections, patented spider, built-in leveling base, replaceable accessories.
-Chassis / Spyder
Starting at the top of the tripod, we have the part that holds everything together with the apex size and strength being keys for the overall strength and rigidity of the tripod. Skimp here and nothing else matters, most tripods offer a solid top plate/platform, a height-adjustable vertical/center column or the option of either with that last option of course offering the best of both worlds ,UniqBall came with as they call it , the “spider”, but this part is also referred to as the “chassis”, “main casting”, “spreader”, “apex”, “collar”, etc. The chassis’ size and strength are very important for the overall strength and rigidity of the tripod.
What if the entire tripod spider became a huge ball head housing with the top plate becoming the ball? That is the design IQuick3Pod tripods feature and that design makes these tripods unique.
Ball heads are frequently favored by photographers, in part because they can be quickly leveled. But, sometimes a level tripod is needed, such as when using a ball head’s panning base for panorama capture and for using heads with only two axis of rotation, including gimbal heads. This tripod makes leveling a tripod base easy.
- Leg Angle Stops
Unless you are only going to use the tripod on a completely flat surface, typically a floor, you want a tripod model with independent leg spread that allows the tripod legs to open at various angles, accommodating whatever terrain you may encounter. Models featuring independent leg spread have angle stops around the leg pivot axles and this seemingly basic design feature plays an important role in the tripod's functionality. One of the primary design observations to make is how strongly the leg angle locks transition into the stops provided on the chassis. Is the stop a weak little tab that protrudes from the chassis? This type of design invites failure and it must be considered that this failure may mean your camera and lens hitting the ground.
A primary consideration for tripod legs is what they are constructed of with aluminum and carbon fiber being the two most-common options. “Should I get an aluminum or carbon fiber tripod? Also, does the weight distribution go straight into the leg through the leg cups? Or is there a vibration-inviting angle design being used?
One advantage of a carbon fiber tripods is that they typically have a lighter weight than equal-load-rated aluminum models and another big carbon fiber advantage is its ability to better dampen vibrations. Carbon fiber does not transfer heat as easily as aluminum and if using the tripod in cold temperatures, you will much-appreciate holding the carbon fiber model. Also for consideration is that carbon fiber is less susceptible to corrosion than aluminum – especially if used in/around salt water.
- Gear Capacity Recommendations
The rated and tested load capacities of this tripod far exceed what most photographers will need to have supported. As discussed earlier, the load capacity of this tripod is high enough to support nearly any camera and lens – and even me. But, being able to hold heavy weights doesn't always mean that it will hold those loads without vibration and vibration cannot always be tolerated. The low center of gravity reduces unwanted vibrations. Even with the telephoto lens attached, shooting in mid-wind was very possible.
- Alternative Tripods Table
Our world is full varoious tripods models, cheap ones, expensive ones, quality ones and poor and mediocre-quality tripods.
The ones in the table below are stand-out high-quality models that I am comfortable recommending, along with others in the respective manufacturer's similar line.
Ubh 45XC Ballhead Review
Every once in a while I like going back and taking a fresh look at the tools that I have been relying on for years. During my last trip to Iceland, I had very difficulty to stabilise the photos, i had very strong winds tempest. After several discussions with my colleague, I realized that I have not a good tripod for this kind of trips, although I have continuously relied on it for years and take it with me everywhere I go. In a way, I have gotten emotionally attached to this remarkable ballhead and it has become an indispensable tool for my photography work.
WHAT IS UNIQBALL?
It’s basically one ball within another. While the outer ball functions in the same way as any regular ball head, the inner one limits movement to just pan and tilt. With this combination the head is something of a hybrid between a ball head and a pan and tilt head, which also serves to give it advantages that you would get from adding a leveling base, or using a gimbal head.
The accuracy of the leveling unit guarantees the most precise leveling of all photography tools, thanks to the special, parallax error-free, high sensitivity bubble level!
UniqBall’s amazing design combines two ball heads into one unit. The outer (red) ball can act as a conventional ball head, or most importantly, act as a leveling base for the inner ball (which than acts as a leveled pan & tilt head).
As it’s made from modern alloys and using modern manufacturing techniques, it has perfect friction to allow smooth movement for even the biggest telephoto lens. One minute you can shoot extreme action photography, the next UniqBall will let you shoot perfectly level landscapes or function as a traditional ball head for those difficult to reach macro shots.
It redeems the ball heads, pan and tilt heads and gimbals and you do not have to worry about the leveling!
It takes only 2-3 seconds to set the horizon level on the outer ball with the built-in precision spirit level, from that moment the system can be used as the perfect 2-way head with an always straight horizon and complete freedom of movement, even for fast moving action photography!
The UniqBall has very smooth panning properties, too! It is perfect for tracking fast moving subjects and also for recording video. With a twist of a single knob the UniqBall can be locked tight, it is strong enough for even the most demanding of photographer. It’s perfect for travel too, as it is very light.
So there you have it. UniqBall gives you several tripod heads in one unit with the ability to shoot level horizons! An amazing redesigned new product, made by photographers for photographers and tested in the field over decades.
UniqBall is one of those rare developments in the photographic industry that is truly unique!
PACKAGING AND UNBOXING
- Uniqball UBH45XC ball head
- X-Cross clamp
- Warranty card with PIN code for extended warranty with registration
- Allen Key for the plate and for the clamp
- User manual
Overview and Specifications
Let’s take a look at the specifications of the Ubh 45XC ballhead:
-Load Capacity: 40Kg
Height: 10.5 cm
Base Diameter: 6.9 cm
Ball Diameter: 2.2″ / 55mm
Ball Articulation: ±80-85º, 1×90º
Panning Base: 2.5º increments, ±0º-90º-0º
Tripod Mount: 3/8″-16
Weight: 720gr
UBH 45 ballhead with a built in leveling base and pan-tilt head. World’s only leveling ballhead. Machined from aerospace industry aluminium alloy to 1/100mm tolerance. Equipped with a precision bubble level, calibrated to 0.1degree of accuracy.
The Uniqball UBH45XC; our well know revolutionary ball head with X-cross clamp is suitable for all 38,1 mm wide standard Arca Swiss style plates. The plate may be in direction of the optical axis and also perpendicular to it. With the Uniqball 45 X-cross clamp the camera can be mounted according to the photographer’s needs. This configuration is especially useful for those who don’t wish to say goodbye to the comfort of the gimbal but wish to extend the head’s application with a Gimbal 250 or a double Gimbal 320. Because of the X-cross clamp the mounting of the camera becomes much easier, the camera or lens foot can go directly onto the plate, which saves carrying the X-adapter with you. Another great advantage is it’s super lightweight.
Recommended for any telephoto lenses, including super telephoto lenses:
600mm F/4, 800mm F/5.6, 200-400mm F/4, 500mm F/4, 400mm F/2.8, 300mm F/2.8, 100-400mm F/5.6, 50-500mm F/6.3, etc.
600mm F/4, 800mm F/5.6, 200-400mm F/4, 500mm F/4, 400mm F/2.8, 300mm F/2.8, 100-400mm F/5.6, 50-500mm F/6.3, etc.
For the delicate operation of the head it is highly important to carefully balance out the mounted equipment!
Do not use a longer than 8mm screw to secure the head to any stand, otherwise you can damage the outer red shell of the head!
The clamp can only capture 60 mm or longer plates.
Price vs Performance
The model as tested is currently available at 526 Eur and designed for 40kg camera setups including with super telephoto lenses.
The biggest drawback for many will be price. This is cheaper than a top quality gimbal head or a gimbal head + ball head combination, but the price is higher than most ball heads, including some high end products from more well known manufacturers like Gitzo, RSS.
IN THE FIELD ACTION
A few months back I’ve got the question for testing a new tripod brand. Because I am not tied to a brand in terms of tripods, no problem. I have not scheduled any of those difficult trips in the coming months, so I will tested it right here in Portugal.
The Iquick3pod 36.4 Tripod Ubh 45XC Ballhead it was my company some days in my photography
Below you can find some photos that I made from this tripod Portugal field.
My conclusion
The combination of Iquick3pod 36.4 and Ubh 45XC Ballhead works brilliantly and the high price is the only aspect I have found to complain about, is ideal for a heavy photographic equipment while traveling by plane. Even with stronger wind I had no bad feeling.
Wide-angle photography is easily possible even in adverse conditions. With a big telephoto lens, of course, oscillations will eventually start, but that too was in the frame.
Wide-angle photography is easily possible even in adverse conditions. With a big telephoto lens, of course, oscillations will eventually start, but that too was in the frame.
For travel photographers that are looking for a versatile tripod head, particularly those that regularly use longer lenses this is a very easy head to recommend. In particular the unique design offers a versatility that isn’t matched by any other product that I’m aware of. Obviously, many of the features while useful aren’t in the essential category – if you’re on a tight budget and aren’t shooting wildlife a regular ball head is perfectly adequate. This is however the kind of product that makes shooting a faster and more enjoyable experience.
Everything is super stable, who wants to complain the tripod, under the plate is a hook available. Cleaning is, as far as I can tell so far, super easy.
Overall, you have VERY valuable material in your hand and working with it is really fun.
Overall, you have VERY valuable material in your hand and working with it is really fun.
What I Liked
-It’s made from 1K carbon fiber which is ridiculously strong and durable
-There’s an incredible amount of controls that allow the user to dial in the perfect camera position
-The head glides around with ease! It’s as smooth as butter
-Easy to get perfectly level thanks to the leveling base
-Easy to make panoramas with the second head
What I Feel Could Be Improved
- The spiked feets could have a rubber cover, to avoid taking off
- The quality is awsome but i think price it's a little bit expensive
