Novo LGH-40

£115/$152

www.novo-photo.com

Like the Benro head, the Novo LGH-40 is a low-profile design with a short 82mm height, though this is less important if your tripod legs fold up to surround the head. Such compactness does at least help contribute to the LGH-40’S low 496g weight.

Where most ball heads have a single slot to allow your camera to drop a full 90 degrees into portrait orientation, the LGH-40 has two. It’s a subtle but useful difference that enhances compositional flexibility.

Compared to the Manfrotto and Vanguard heads, Novo’s satin aluminium locking knobs aren’t as easy to tighten, but they clamp well and, like the rest of the head, feel very well made.

This quality extends to the 40mm ball’s smooth motion, which stays slick even when the friction is dialed up. Novo rates the head to support up to 8kg

– a bit less than the competition, but ample for most gear.

Topping off the ball is a no-nonsense Arca-swisscompatible mounting plate, flanked by a single but easily visible bubble level.

Pros

Most compact head here; smooth; dual portrait positions

Cons

Locking knobs aren’t the easiest to grip; lower payload

We say

If compactness is key, the LGH-40 is sure to please

Overall score