Top Rated Gear

Really Right Stuff BH-40 Ball Head with Compact Lever-Release Clamp, 18 lb Capacity

SKU: RRSBH40LR MFR: BH-40 LR
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Key Features

  • Capture sharp photos with this Really Right Stuff ball head's 18 lb load capacity.
  • Enjoy smooth panning for stunning panoramas with the 360-degree panning range.
  • Achieve precise leveling using Arca-Swiss compatibility for perfect horizons.
  • Benefit from secure and rapid setup with the integrated lever-release clamp.
  • Maintain optimal control with the adjustable friction control for any camera.
  • Experience lightweight durability with its robust aluminum build for field use.
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Q&A

Questions & Answers

Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?Adrienne A : I've not had a quick release before and this one will fit the weight capacity for my needs. I don't mind paying the extra money for the quality. My theory is . . . you get what you pay for.HAN N : RRS is the best and made in USATIMOTHY S : It's the best you can buyPETER L : replacement head for the peak design tripodSARAH M : Solid and light weightJAIME L : Brand recognitionYanti D : Recommendation from instructor workshop

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2024-03-12T19:28:40

Rated 2 out of 5

High Price, Low reliability

Sorry to do this. I know RRS makes a fine product but I'm not happy. I take care of my gear and I I've been using this for two years. Just used it the other night and everything was fine. Today, I drove to my location, hiked all the way there, pulled out my equipment, set up and, BOOM, it's broken. The knob that adjusts the panning was vice grip tight and the camera had no tension on the panning. So, it's broken and I'm upset because this was an expensive piece of equipment and I have ballheads that are 25% the cost of this and I've used them ten+ years and they still work. I know I'm not supposed to use the drag knob to lock the ball head, so If I did something wrong that stinks because everything is normal use for a ball head. The thing just stopped working and it happened within the last 48 hours. Thankfully I wasn't on an important trip but how am I supposed to trust this brand when the equipment just breaks suddenly with normal use?

Joseph L.

2023-01-28T03:00:50

Rated 5 out of 5

Really right stuff ballhead

First class build

Michael C.

2022-07-12T09:41:13

Rated 5 out of 5

Small yet mighty

Excellent quality. I have the larger RRS head but needed a second head for another tripod. With todays mirrorless bodies being lighter I didn?t need the big brother. The size and weight savings is awesome.

DAVID T.

2022-05-07T09:06:23

Rated 5 out of 5

Great product1

much lighter than my current ball head. I like the quick release ans simplicity of the knobs.

Adrienne A.

2022-05-04T15:15:16

Rated 5 out of 5

Sturdy and easy to use.

A few cosmetic defects but nothing that prevents it from functioning as when it was new. It will hold up to 50lbs. Very steady and dependable.

JANIE L.

2021-11-15T08:03:31

Rated 5 out of 5

RRS BH 40--Solid Ballhead!

This is a rock solid ball head worth every penny. I have used it so far doing Macro (flowers) and landscapes this past weekend, and it is rock solid. Great service from Adorama!

RENE C.

2021-11-10T17:31:54

Rated 5 out of 5

An awesome built ball head

An extremely well built ball head, it?s everything it was described to be and more.

DWAIN H.

2021-10-28T10:24:52

Rated 5 out of 5

Solid ball head.

Rock Solid ball head. Pricey but worth the extra money.

Richard Y.

2021-09-09T18:02:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent ball head.

I had another ball head from a different brand which was driving me crazy every time I needed to make adjustments to the drag of the ball. I sold that one and got this one after reading great reviews. Solid construction. Good size knobs and it works as intended.

JAIME L.

2021-06-30T05:17:46

Rated 4 out of 5

Manfrotto to RRS

I after years of using Manfrotto, I wanted to swap over to an Arca style quick-clamp. I swapped out my trusty 486 RC2 for the RSS BH-40, and have been completely pleased since. I like to have the clamp lever at the rear of the camera, so the position of the bubble level on this model makes it fairly useless, (hence the 4 stars) but no big deal for me......

paul k.

2021-06-11T08:33:09

Rated 5 out of 5

Happy!

Wonderful!

THOMAS C.

2021-04-22T14:16:48

Rated 5 out of 5

Professional, Smooth & Very Well Built

This ball head is truly a fine piece of machinery. Very well built and nice smooth controls. The locking lever securely holds camera in place.

ROBERT J.

2021-04-14T08:47:22

Rated 5 out of 5

A thing of beauty

Not only a thing of beauty, but also well engineered, smooth, precise, and secure in its movements. Well worth the money and perfect for a Field camera in my opinion. Bob Wood

Robert W.

2020-12-10T08:42:31

Rated 4 out of 5

Good, but could be better.

RRS has some incredible products. Unfortunately, this one falls a little short. Mainly it’s the design of the knobs. Pull out, turn, twist, pull out again, and don’t let the slight frustration seep in when you’ve accidentally over tightened one of the screws. Get the pliers out. I like the ease of movement, the quick clamp design, and the weight.

Thomas O.

2020-02-14T10:00:07

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent ball head

This is my third tripod and the first time I've bought a separate ball head. With my previous tripod, I would frame up my shot and tighten everything down, let go and the camera would drop just a little. With this ball head, that doesn't happen! I'm delighted - it's a joy to use. I love that I can tighten it with just one lever. I also like the lever-release version to secure the camera - easier than tightening a knob. As other reviewers have mentioned, there are times that the lever gets in the way of the camera, and I find myself having to swivel the base of the ball head to keep the lever from restricting where I want to aim the camera. But all in all, it's a wonderful experience to use this ball head.

Julia O.

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Really Right Stuff BH-40 Specifications

  • Head Type

    Ball Head

  • Base Mount

    3/8"-16 Thread

  • Quick Release Plate Type

    Arca-Type, Classic Arca Swiss

  • Load Capacity

    18 lb (8.1kg)

  • Number of Bubble Levels

    None

  • Friction Control

    Yes

  • Independent Pan Lock

    Yes

  • Material

    Aluminum

  • Vertical Tilt

    0 to +90 Degree

  • Panning Range

    360 Degree

  • Ball Sphere Diameter

    1.6" (4.06cm)

  • Base Diameter

    2.1" (5.33cm)

  • Dimensions

    Height: 3.1" (78mm)

  • Weight

    15.7 oz (445g)

  • UPC Code

    818413022409

About Really Right Stuff BH-40

FEATURED REVIEWS

Excellent ball head

By Julia O.

This is my third tripod and the first time I've bought a separate ball head. With my previous tripod, I would frame up my shot and tighten everything down, let go and the camera would drop just a little. With this ball head, that doesn't happen! I'm delighted - it's a joy to use. I love that I can tighten it with just one lever. I also like the lever-release version to secure the camera - easier than tightening a knob. As other reviewers have mentioned, there are times that the lever gets in ...

View full Review

Really right stuff ballhead

By Michael C.

First class build

Enhance your photography experience with the BH-40 Ball Head with Compact Lever-Release Clamp from Really Right Stuff. This high-quality, durable ball head is an ideal choice for all types of photography, providing fast, accurate control and solid support for your camera or lens. With its intuitive design, aiming and horizon leveling can be achieved in one smooth motion, and securing your equipment requires just a quick twist of a single control.

Unlike traditional 3-axis pan-tilt tripod heads, this compact ball head offers superior speed and stability. Its sleek profile, devoid of protruding handles, makes it not only easier to carry but also more convenient to pack.

The BH-40 Ball Head is equipped with a unique lever-release clamp, which simplifies the process of attaching and detaching your camera. This feature, combined with its impressive 18 lb load capacity, makes it a versatile choice for photographers using a range of equipment.

Designed for adaptability, it comes with a 3/8"-16 tripod mount thread size and a 1/4"-20 adapter, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of cameras and tripods. Experience the simplicity, versatility, and robustness of the BH-40 Ball Head with Compact Lever-Release Clamp, and elevate your photography to new heights.

Really Right Stuff BH-40 Features

  • Patented lever-release clamp for fast & easy mounting
  • Ergonomic design gives superior handling and unsurpassed reliability
  • Lowest height profile in its class
  • Knobs are captive and uniquely shaped, making operation "by feel" very intuitive
  • 90 degree drop-notched allows maximum flexibility for positioning the camera for portrait-orientation or extreme angle shots
  • Micrometer drag tension adjustment is repeatable and absolutely reliable
  • Precision panning base is finely laser-engraved at 2.5 degree intervals and features our unique drum & brake design for effortless locking
  • Laser-engraved millimeter scale offers precise centering and positioning within the clamp jaw
  • Spring-loaded lock knob can be repositioned

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 60 months.

Key Features

  • Capture sharp photos with this Really Right Stuff ball head's 18 lb load capacity.
  • Enjoy smooth panning for stunning panoramas with the 360-degree panning range.
  • Achieve precise leveling using Arca-Swiss compatibility for perfect horizons.
  • Benefit from secure and rapid setup with the integrated lever-release clamp.
  • Maintain optimal control with the adjustable friction control for any camera.
  • Experience lightweight durability with its robust aluminum build for field use.

What's in the box:

  • BH-40 Ball Head
  • B2-40-LR Lever-Release Style Quick-Release Clamp (Installed)
  • Padded Cordura Pouch with Drawstring Closure
  • 5/32 " Hex Key (Required to Remove/Replace Clamp)
  • User's Guide
  • 1/4 "-20 x 3/4 " Stainless Steel Flat Head Mounting Screw
  • Really Right Stuff 5 Year Limited Warranty