Smith-Victor BH5 Metal Alloy Ball Head with Quick Release Plate, 26 lb. Capacity

2013-06-10T21:00:00

My first 'good' tripod head, seems to work very well. None of the widdle as I was experiencing from my old quick release head.

Robert A.

2013-04-07T21:00:00

Very sturdy, the only problem I have is you will need an adapter if your tripod is a 1/4" mount. The adapters are sold at Adorama. otherwise a very good ball head.

Bob

2012-12-26T19:00:00

I am using this ball head on my light weight travel tripod.

Doug

2012-10-31T21:00:00

Works great with my Medium size DSLR, sturdy and solid.

LIZ J.

2012-08-01T21:00:00

I got this to use with my monopod, knowing that it wasn't a lightweight piece, but also not being horribly concerned with the sturdiness of the lock, since it would only be used on a monopod anyway. I got it specifically because it would work with my Arca-Swiss plates, which are what I use on everything, but I didn't want to spend the cost for a Kirk, Acratech, Arca Swiss etc ballhead just for a monopod. This head locks very well, although the tension knob kinda loosens and tightens a bit oddly at times. It fully and firmly locks while using my heaviest setup, which is a D300 w/grip, SB900 on hotshoe, Sigma 50-500, and a radio transmitter. I tested it by attaching the setup to the head in a vertical orientation and then moving the monopod onto its side to see if the head would still lock, and it worked great with no slipping. The movement for panning is a bit stiff but very smooth and nice. The angle markings are useful, though small, but they are not 0-360 but instead are in basically +/- 90 degree increments. The head does work with my Acratech plates, but I had to disconnect the detent pin. The plates must also be fed into the side, they cannot be lifted directly away. Locking power is good, but a little odd initially. The plates that come with it are okay... but I wouldn't use them for heavier setups since they lack tabs to help lock them onto the body of the camera or the foot of the lens, so it all comes down to cranking down the bolt, which I don't like to rely on. They also cost a fraction, so I don't quite expect them to be the same. All in all, this performs well as a strong ballhead that won't break the bank. It's got some quirks, but it accommodates Arca-Swiss plates and is a great choice for a monopod if you don't mind the weight and are looking for something cheaper. It would also work great for somebody who is trying to go cheaper on their tripod setup but still retain high locking power.

DEREK G.

2011-02-06T19:00:00

It's my first standard ballhead and I'm mostly impressed, but the panorama base isn't solidly attached and causes the ballhead and camera to move slightly when the pano knob is being tightened - especially noticeable, and bothersome, when the camera is positioned in vertical. The panorama rotation is well-damped and has a high-quality oil-damped feel, but the ball damping adjustment knob sometimes turns when the ball is rotated, and the ball has lower-quality friction-damping. The quick-release plate is very high-quality, easy to use, and firmly clamps the camera. Overall, the ballhead is good quality for a low price, is supremely solid when the knobs are tight, and looks high-quality, but it's only an economy ballhead.

Richard D.

2010-11-12T19:00:00

If you want a very secure setup for occasional use, this is a terrific buy. Frequent tripod users might find it time consuming to use. The product is slightly different than the stock photo. See my photo. I was looking for a low cost entry point to a Really Right Stuff mounting plate, and this fits the bill. The stock plate is better than most entry level units, and the safety latch is nice, but I removed both in favor of a RRS mounting plate. It is a little snug sliding in. The ball clamping mechanism shifts as you snug the knobs (but is secure when tight). The friction preload is also inconsistent. I loosen both knobs and progressively tighten as I dial in composition, then use my in-camera composition adjust. The panning rotation is silky smooth and has a grease style damper, but the rotation scale is impossible to read. I have not used a high-end ball, but if I were shopping for one, I would expect much quicker results in composition. But a couple hundred dollars in my pocket and a rock solid mount is worth a few seconds of my time.

JOHN D.

2009-09-04T21:00:00

I know it's no $200 head but it holds the weight of my d40 with my speedlight sb-28 and 55-200mm lens at all angles (No easy task as they are pretty heavy) I was out shooting the other day and the ease of use was just amazing, it pans and moves very fluidly. Even though the price is cheap the build quality sure isn't.

jonathan b.