Review: SmallRig 4936 CH3 video fluid head 3kg load $35

Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4iQOiED Price as reviewed: $35 SmallRig CH3 Video Head, Tripod Fluid Head Pan Tilt Head with Quick Release Plate for Arca Swiss, Support 360° Swivel and 90° / 70° Tilt, Max Load 3kg / 6.6lb for Cameras, DSLR 4936 Brand: SMALLRIG This is a basic Pan/Tilt video head. It has a QR plate with pins that will keep it from detaching if the retaining knob loosens up slightly. (You have to unscrew it multiple turns before you can insert/remove the plate.) The QR plate only has a 1/4-20 stud, and you need a slot driver / coin or the included hex key to tighten it up. The pan head has degree markings and a lock/unlock knob, with a small integrated bubble level, which can be used to get the head level if your tripod has adjustable legs. You can't QUITE see the level directly from the top as it halfway hides behind the tilt knob, but you can mostly see the bubble and ring from slightly off vertical. There is a small amount of resistance even when completely loosened, just enough so that the head won't twirl in the wind, but easily overcome with one finger pushing. The tilt knob locks or loosens the tilt action, which has a spring return to center-ish action. The control handle is nice and long (for a small video head) and takes up a good 60% of the packing box size. The box and packaging are all paper based and recyclable. Overall this is a perfectly acceptable pan/tilt video head for a camera in the 3kg or less range, but as you may expect from the budget price, it doesn't have any fancy features.