I just got the Artcise CS90C with LB52 ballhead. My god, this thing is a beast, even compared to your CS80C (it's larger but the same construction). It's 4 sections also, but the top sections are 40mm carbon, tapering down to 29mm in the bottom sections. I'm 5'-9" tall and the top of the ballhead is a couple inches above my head, and that's with no camera mounted. There is no centre column, so this is as stable as it gets. Although this is huge, it's exactly what I'm looking for, for SOME photo outings, where I am looking to maximize the stability with my 61 MP Sony A7RIV. I shoot a lot of urban streetscapes and architecture, and the concrete and asphalt surfaces can transmit micro vibrations from nearby traffic and construction, so I am hoping this tripod will give me the maximum vibration dampening and stability possible. I'm looking forward to the extra height over my smaller travel tripod, where I will be able to get above hand-rails, short walls, and fences, which are so common in the city. The fact that this is a CS (not AS) model means the base at the top is compact (no bowl capability) and the legs fold in much more compact than the AS models can, which means it can fit into my camera bag side pocket. So far I am super happy with the design and feel, so we'll see how it goes in the field. How are you liking your CS80C after having it for a few months now?

hello, I have that same tripod and I am thinking of acquiring the same artcise ub40 ball head, my equipment is olympus m1x and zuiko 300 f4, a maximum weight of 3kg, I would like to know how happy or satisfied you are with that artcise ub40 ball head and if you recommend it over time, please answer me.

Which model? You don't specify. Artcise make several.

Hi @Michael, I'm struggling whether to choose UB40 or MB44 ballhead and I'm wondering, how many turns of main knob you need to make to lock the ballhead? Is it just a one turn which works as locked/unlocked and dumping is handled by the fringe knob? Or you need to make multiple turns to freeze it?