Are there Chinese "copies" of Bogen?

[river251]

Hi, I picked up a head used at a Camera shop outside Santa Fe a couple years ago, for the day when I got a "real" camera. Now I am trying to identify it, and it looks exactly like this:

Pardon Our Interruption...

except that it has no writing or logo anywhere, no stamped in name, the base and quick release and plate are all black, the pad on the release plate is black rubber, not cork, on mine. It does, however, have a white sticker with black writing, "Made in China." Since lots of good brands make their stuff in China I did not know whether this might be conclusive.


The movements, locking, and controls all feel great to me, a novice who does not have it on a tripod yet. I don't recall what I paid but it was on the order of $75 I think. I like it, and don't plan to get rid of it, but just would like to know what it is.

Thanks

Jim

 

[mbernard]

The older version of this head had a black QR plate: http://www.bogentripodparts.com/parts/head3030.htm

 

[Nigel Wilkins]

mbernard wrote:

The older version of this head had a black QR plate: http://www.bogentripodparts.com/parts/head3030.htm

I had two of these heads, neither had a black QR plate, though they were the UK versions.

I wouldn't be too concerned whether it's Manfrotto or not if it works ok. Many on the Chinese tripods & heads are excellent quality. My Benro tripod is much better quality than the Manfrotto one it replaces.

 

[river251]

Nigel Wilkins wrote:

mbernard wrote:

The older version of this head had a black QR plate: http://www.bogentripodparts.com/parts/head3030.htm

I had two of these heads, neither had a black QR plate, though they were the UK versions.

I wouldn't be too concerned whether it's Manfrotto or not if it works ok. Many on the Chinese tripods & heads are excellent quality. My Benro tripod is much better quality than the Manfrotto one it replaces.

Thanks much, Nigel.

Jim