Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ball Head with Mini Screw-Knob Clamp
MPN's:
A truly exceptional ball head & clamp
I bought this in Feb. 2013 (direct from RRS since B&H didnt at that time sell RRS gear) and have used it with a Canon 40D, then a 7D, then a 5D Mk III and most recently a Nikon D810; Ive used RRS L-brackets with all the FX-sized bodies. The largest bodies (the 5D-III and the D810) were used on this head extensively with heavy pro-grade 70-200 f/2.8 glass with absolutely no problem (and I did so without using a lens collar/foot; just the L-bracket... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Lever release makes it easy
I purchased this ball head primarily because of the lever release. I was having issues loosening the knob on my older ball head. Not only does the lever make taking the camera off the ball head easy it's also a fast action. I recently bought a Nikon d-850 to concentrate more on landscape photography. I also bought an l-plate for the camera. Switching back and forth between landscape and portrait modes is so easy using the lever release. I had som... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Light weight yet solid
I use the BH-30 with Gitzo 1555 and 2542L tripod legs. Just took the BH-30/1555 combo to Australia and New Zealand for a month of shooting and couldn't be happier. I used that combination to support a Nikon D810 with 16-35mm f4and 70-200mm f4nikon lenses. The pictures don't betray the slightest evidence of vibration despite moderate winds in some instances and exposures as long as 30 seconds. I really like the Lever-release clamp, which closes gi... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good size for a monopod.
I purchased the BH-30 because I wanted a small, light and smooth ball-head to use on a monopod. I paired it with a Wimberley C-12 clamp and am using it on a Gitzo GM4532 (fitted with the smaller assembly disc from the 2542). When locked up this combo is rock solid. I mostly use it with a relatively small telephoto lens in the EF 400 f/5.6, but Ive also put a Sigma 150-600 C on it without any loss in mobility. I dare say it could handle larger le... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Really Great Stuff
A gem of a ball head right out of the box. Smooth, well designed, light, and tight locking. It holds my Sony A7rii with Sony Zeiss 50mm 1.4/f rock solid. The large locking lever has a much needed feature in that it can be rotated into different positions to always clear the upper plate as needed. My only disappointment was that the ball head didn't come with a quick release plate. For the price, it seems like it should have been included. I ordered the Really Right Stuff B9 Multi-Use Bi-Directional Plate which works beautifully with the ball head.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Perfect fit with Gitzo Traveler Series 1
I opted to go with this ball head instead of the one that comes with the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 tripod I purchased. I'm very happy that I did. It is beautifully build, smooth as silk, and the quick release lever clamp is so much better than the knob-type clamp. I'd certainly recommend this setup for travel and hiking. It fully supports my Fuji XT-2 with the 100-400mm lens easily without slipping. It could probably support my Canon 7D with the Canon 100-400mm as well but I wouldn't recommend that much weight for this size ball head routinely.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
An unconventional use
I actually bought these ball heads for studio use. I have a strobe light attached to each ball head which in turn is attached to a wall mounted arm that swings left and right, up and down. Now, where ever the arm is placed I can adjust the strobe light, using the ball head, into any position or angle. Why did I choose Really Right Stuff? Because I have used one of their ball heads on my tripod for two tears now and am very pleased with its performance. RRS makes the best ball heads that I have ever used.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great but certainly not the best
I bought this to go along with a RRS travel tripod so I could be as lightweight as possible on an Iceland/Switzerland trip this summer. This certainly fits the lightweight bill and it is quite steady without creep when holding my Sony A7rii w/ 70-200 f/2.8. The only reason I would give it a 4/5 stars is that it feels much less stable than my BH-55 I use when not travelling. I reserve the right to change that if it does well on my big trip, but just from feel alone, it's certainly not as solidly built.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid build quality and smooth operation.
This ballhead has very good load capacity for its size. I was able to hold a full frame SLR with some wide angle zoom or smaller telephoto lenses, even at a downward angle. However, I feel it's overpriced for what it is, and a few heads from companies like Sirui perform just as well and are half the price. For example, the Sirui B-00 head that came with my T-025sk tripod is just as smooth and well-built. Only reason I prefer RRS one is due to flexibility of using any standard clamp.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I like this ball head
The RRS BH-30 ball head is great for a travel size tripod if you want to save weight. I use it on my Gitzo. If this was the only ball head I used I would be totally happy with it. But...I also have the larger RRS BH-55 on my larger Gitzo tripod. Comparing the two and I always like the functionality of the larger head better. the lever on the 30 sometimes touches the plate and must be pulled to disengage and preposition to tighten.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Do NOT think twice... buy this ball head
Took this up for some astrophotography in the Northern Sierra Nevadas last weekend. This thing is simple to use in the dark, FIRM, no-creep hold in any position, and the clamp release is just a dream to use. And it's built SOLID. Buy this, and you will probably never need another ball head in your lifetime. It's that good... don't think twice, just buy it. As they say, buy mediocre quality twice, or buy the best quality once.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Simply the best.
Ive officially switched from Gitzo products to RRS. Easy choice really. The RRS tripod heads are just solid and I love the quick release clamp. Just a heads up.... my last two Gitzo heads that I bought had the same problem that could be easily fixed. The cheap, thin rubber grips around the knobs broke off within a few months. Just bite the bullet get an RRS head...pricey but worth it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Just about perfect for my use.
I've used at least a dozen different heads over the years and this one is by far the best I've ever used. I don't use excessively long lenses, and this model is more than secure for my use. The quick release and locking levers are perfect for me now that arthritic fingers make using screw knobs difficult. I would highly recommend this product, not inexpensive but well worth the price.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Simple, smooth, effective
Using this ball head with a Sony A7r ii and 90mm macro and it fits well together with lots of room for additional weight. At this time the ball head is mounted on a Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 and although the base of the BH-30 is quite a bit smaller than the base plate of the tripod, it all works well together. It's really a pleasure to use the BH-30 - it exudes quality and workmanship.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Fantastic piece of kit
Like all Really Right Stuff hardware, this is the best of its kind, If you seek a smaller ball head and are willing to pay what its worth, look no further. If youre only an occasional tripod user, this may be more than you need but if your tripod is like a third arm, youre soon going to wonder why every piece of camera kit you possess doesnt measure up.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sturdy, compact, lightweight
I was wondering if this head would be rigid and rugged enough, because it is so much smaller and lighter than full-sized heads. It is more than enough, and compliments a carbon flip-lock tripod perfectly. I would like to see a bubble level on the panning base (for panos and architecture), but those are available separately.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Why did I wait so long to get this?
Wow...what a great ball head! I LOVE the lever. Im on the ocean a lot taking photos and sometimes it can be so cold and damp...using the lever release makes it so much easier than trying to turn a knob. I also love the other ergonomic knobs to move the ball head and rotate the head. It is so incredibly smooth!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent Compact Quick Release Tripod Ball Head
Very compact quick release tripod ball head. Fits nicely inside of folded travel tripod and is also small enough to use on a monopod. It's 15 lb. load capacity is strong enough to hold a DSLR with long lens attached. I would recommend and would buy again.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The right stuff
Smooth, solid (locks tight) and beautiful. Also seems robust and surprisingly light. I replaced my Gitzo travel ballhead (GH1382TQD) because on the side/horizontal setting the Gitzo head was not smooth. This RRS is also more compact. Loving it so far.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Nice, but not worth the money
I wish I had not bought this thing. Yes it is nice, but it is sure not appreciably nicer in actual operation than much less expensive alternatives like Benro and Sirui. Not recommended unless you like to spend way to much money for stuff.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great craftsmanship!
This exceeded my expectation as far as quality. Material and craftsmanship are exceptional and very compact design, holds my DSL just as advertised. This along with the RRS L bracket make a very fast and precise pair for my tripod.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Finally Got It.
Purchased this and placed it on top of a RRS Series One Travel Tripod. Quality is second to none and the early results are very good. Looking forward to many years of this as my primary Tripod Ball Head Combo.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The best!
I love the build quality, size/weight and shape of this ball head. I especially like the clamp to lock in camera rather than the twist knob. So much easier! I think this will be the last ball head I ever buy!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
The best ball heads.
RRS manufactures high end equipment, I feel very comfortable mounting my camera and lenses to this ball head. I use both, the BH-55 and the BH-30 I also love the L bracket on my A7Rlll, I never take it off.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
