The Sirui K-10x Ball Head is an extremely sturdy head with control knobs for pan, tilt, and tension, plus an Arca-style clamp for the included quick-release plate. The pan, tilt, and quick-release knobs are all separate, while the tension knob is integrated into the ball-locking (tilt) knob. The head tilts 90° for portrait orientation, and the quick-release plate features two pop-up pins that prevent camera twist when it's tilted 90°. There's also a video pin on the plate to keep camcorders from twisting.

The interior ball locking of the K-10x head has a sphere tolerance of 0.01mm, and it's equipped with an orientation-memory locking dial. This helps yield a high load capacity of 44 lb. The quick-release clamp features a secondary release button that prevents any inadvertent disengagement of the camera/plate from the clamp, thereby adding to the head's overall security & stability. The Arca-style platform conforms to standard sizes, so you can use compatible plates from other manufacturers.

The three control knobs allow a photographer to exercise extremely fine control over the orientation of the camera, whether it's a DSLR, 35mm, medium-format camera, or even a camcorder. Pan, for instance, can be adjusted while the tilt stays locked, enabling precise movement that's measurable – there are degree markers at the panning base for panoramic photography.

The K-10x is CNC-machined from an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and anodized with an oxidation treatment that ensures a durable, high-quality finish.

Knobs for Pan, Tilt & Tension    44 lb Load Capacity    Quick-Release Plate with Anti-Twist Pins    Arca-Style Clamp for Quick Release    90° Tilt, 360° Pan    CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy

Arca-style quick-release clamp with secondary safety lock

Two bubble levels (horizontal and vertical) on the quick-release platform ensure that your framing hews to the horizon in either portrait or landscape orientation

The friction-control knob, integrated into the ball-locking knob, allows the operator to adjust the resistance of the ball's movement

Quick-release plate is aluminum alloy with a rubberized surface

Stainless steel camera screw

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the ball head interchangeable?

A: Yes it is interchangeable

Q: 2. Will a battery grip get in the way of the ballhead/sidekick when the lens/camera is pointed up?

A: My battery grip hits the ball head...and at not too sharp an angle up. The solution in the instructions involves tilting the Sidekick from it's standard orientation= vertical, by loosening the main ballhead. Not the panning knob, but the main ballhead. And then simple tilt the Sidekick towards you if you want to shoot up more (higher elevation), or away from you if you want to shoot down. Lock the ballhead down once you have the elevation where you want it. Doing this you can shoot point up as much as you want...of course, you won't be able to shoot down now unless you readjust the ballhead to return the sidekick to vertical or even past vertical to shoot down at a steep angle. None of this changes the total range of motion between up and down. It changes where that range is expressed. Normal up and down with the sidekick vertical, mostly up with the sidekick leaning towards you, or mostly down with the sidekick leaning away from you. In all 3 of these orientations, the ball head quick release joint is sitting at the bottom of the cut out "U". You don't lift it off the bottom to tilt the sidekick...just to be clear. Loosen the ballhead and you could spin the sidekick upside down while the quick release of the ballhead stayed at the bottom of the "U".

Q: 3. Can I use this tripod in streams/standing water around a foot deep?

A: Yes, the Sirui ET-1204 Carbon Fiber Tripod with E-10 Ball Head may be used in water. I simply recommend to wipe the tripod down as soon as possible after usage in water, especially if near/in salt water.

Q: 4. Will the Sidekick support a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport lens (7 pounds) on a Canon 5DM3?

A: I use the sidekick with a 500mm f4 Nikon lens with a D300 body, and it handles it very well. The secret to smooth operation is to get the camera lens combination balanced so that you can easily move to recompose or track a subject. I am very happy with this product. One thing to keep in mind with a zoom lens, if the physical length of the lens changes with focusing, it can change the balance of the lens/camera combination on the sidekick. This is easily corrected by adjusting it slightly in the quick release mount.

Q: 5. Is the ball head removable? How to remove it?

A: The Sirui VHD-2004L 2 Series Aluminum Tripod with Leveling Head does not have a removable head.

Q: 6. Has anyone used this with a RRS BH-40 w/ the full size Lever clamp? BH-40 LR II

A: Though this ball head will work with the Wimberly, I would not recommend it. We usually recommend heads that hold 30 or more pounds for gimbal assemblies, especially if you are to use a prime lens larger than 400mm.

Q: 7. Without reversing the legs and without a ball head, what is the height measurement?

A: The minimum height with the legs down and without the ball head is 15.4 inches.

Q: 8. Is the bolt 1/4" or 3/8"? The "in the box" section says "3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 Adapter Bushing" but the manual says 3/8".

A: The Sirui VHD-2004L 2 Series Aluminum Tripod with Leveling Head would have a ¼-20 male stud with a ¼-20 to 3/8-16 bushing over it. If you need to attach the tripod to a camera that has a ¼-20 thread, you would remove that bushing to do so.

Q: 9. Does this tripod have a retractable hook at the bottom of the certer column for holding a sandbag to stabilize the tripod?

A: Yes. But so far it is not needed. I feel the tripod is stable enough for my Nikon D810 with zoom lens in the normal condition.

Q: 10. Cam the tripod head be purchased separately?

A: Unfortunately, at this time, the Sirui SH05 head can only be purchased with the tripod kit, the Sirui SH05 Video Tripod & Fluid Head Kit.