Last updated: 7 August 2026. Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing. Payloads are O'Connor's published figures at a stated centre-of-gravity (CoG) height, see the note below.
Choosing an O'Connor head is mostly about payload: match your fully rigged camera weight to the head's capacity, then confirm the base and tripod. Every O'Connor head shares the same stepless drag and Sinusoidal Counterbalance feel (explained in our complete O'Connor guide), so the decision comes down to how much weight you carry.
First, a word on centre of gravity
O'Connor rates payload at a specific centre-of-gravity (CoG) height above the platform, because a taller-stacked rig loads the counterbalance more. The same head carries more at a low CoG and less at a high one. The figures below are quoted at O'Connor's stated CoG, use them as a guide and confirm against your actual build.
The heads by payload
| Head | Payload (at stated CoG) | Base | Typical rigs | From (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate 1040 | 0 to 20 kg (at 5") | 100 mm | Large-sensor cine up to mid-weight builds | ~$15,899 |
| Ultimate 2560 | ~29.5 kg (at 6") | 150 mm / Mitchell | Built-up cine with zooms & accessories | ~$25,099 |
| Ultimate 2575E | 0 to 47.7 kg (at 6") | Mitchell / 150 mm | Heavy cinema, big lenses, studio | ~$32,399 |
| 120EX | ~54 kg at ±90° (up to ~109 kg at reduced tilt) | Mitchell | The heaviest studio & cinema builds | ~$39,899 |
How to choose
Ultimate 1040 is the entry to the O'Connor cinema feel, large-sensor cameras with prime or light zoom, up to around 20 kg, on a 100 mm base. Step to the 2560 when your builds get heavier (bigger zooms, matte box, follow focus, onboard monitor) and you want 150 mm or Mitchell rigidity. The 2575E is the heavy-cinema standard for fully built-up rigs approaching 48 kg. The 120EX is for the very heaviest studio and cinema loads, where its stepless counterbalance progressively supports more weight as you limit the tilt range.
Then match the base and tripod
Take the base your head uses, 100 mm for the 1040, 150 mm or Mitchell for the 2560/2575E/120EX, and pair it with the right legs: the fast-deploying flowtech100 or carbon 30L for the 1040, the 60L or Cine HD for the heavier heads. Complete head-and-tripod packages take the guesswork out, for example the 1040 & flowtech100 or 2560 & 60L systems.
Frequently asked questions
Which O'Connor head do I need for my camera?
Weigh your fully rigged camera and match it to the head's payload at your rig's centre-of-gravity height. As a guide: up to ~20 kg the Ultimate 1040; heavier built-up rigs the 2560; up to ~48 kg the 2575E; and the very heaviest loads the 120EX.
Why does O'Connor list payload at a centre-of-gravity height?
Because a rig's balance point height changes how much leverage it puts on the head. O'Connor quotes capacity at a set CoG height so the figure is meaningful; your head will hold more at a lower CoG and less at a higher one.
What is the difference between the 2575E and the 120EX?
The 2575E carries up to about 47.7 kg (at a 6" CoG) on Mitchell or 150 mm and suits heavy cinema builds. The 120EX is the flagship for the very heaviest loads, around 54 kg at full ±90° tilt and progressively more as the tilt range is reduced, on a Mitchell base.
Do O'Connor heads come as packages with tripods?
Yes, O'Connor offers complete head-and-tripod packages (for example 1040 with flowtech100 or 30L, and 2560/2575E with 60L or Cine tripods) so the head, base and legs are matched.
Black Flag is the distributor of O'Connor in Australia
Where to buy in Australia
Black Flag Distribution is the official Australian distributor of the professional film, television and production brands featured in this guide. We support our valued specialist retail partners and prefer that you purchase through them wherever possible: use the store finder to locate your nearest authorised dealer. If you would rather buy direct, we can also facilitate your order.
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