The RRS BH-55 Ball Head with Lever-Release Panning Clampfrom RRS BH-55 Ball Head with Lever-Release Panning Clampis a 2.3 lb ball head that will support large camera/long lens combinations weighing up to 50 lb. Crafted from aluminum and stainless steel, the BH-55 has all of the features you'd expect from a professional-level head. An over-sized, ergonomic locking knob allows 45-degree tilting in all directions and dual 90-degree drop-notches facilitate quick and accurate switching from the horizontal landscape position to vertical portrait orientation. A separate tension knob is provided to apply the appropriate pressure that safely corresponds to the weight of your camera. A third knob loosens and locks the panning base which is laser-engraved with markers every 2.5 degrees from 0 to 360 degrees. This version of the head has a special panning quick release with a bubble level and markings to 360 degrees making it ideal for panoramas.

Open Box Products Have a Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty    Load Capacity: 50 lb    Height: 4.6"    Dual 90° Notches for Portrait Mode    Tension Control    Panning Base with Engraved Degree Marks    Base Diameter 2.9", Ball Diameter 2.2"    Weight: 2.3 lb    Accepts Optional Arca-Type Plates

• 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
• Dual 90-degree drop-notches allow 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 unique drum and brake design for effortless locking
• Laser-engraved millimeter scale offers precise centering and positioning within the clamp jaw
• All components are machined from solid aircraft aluminum or stainless steel for maximum durability and minimum weight

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What do the numbers on the moving pan/swivel represent? Do those numbers (which appear in increments of 15) go all the way through to 360 on BOTH the swiveller at the very ballhead AND on the swiveller at the lever clamp? (They don't seem to on the swiveller at the very bottom of the ballhead, where it attaches to your tripod.)

A: The pan base on the bottom of the Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head is laser engraved in 2.5º increments from ±0º-90º-0º. Located on the main body just below the drop notch is an index mark for tracking progressive panning, used in multi-shot panoramic photography. The precision pan head on the bottom of the Really Right Stuff Lever-Release Panning Clamp is also laser engraved in 2.5º increments, except it is engraved from 0º to 360º.

Q: 2. I'm looking for something to use with my GoPro. Would this be able to handle it?

A: This RRS is a well built ballhead but basically any ball head will work with a GoPro camera.

Q: 3. does this head eliminate the need for a leveling base?

A: The Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Lever-Release Panning Clamp has panning at the top which allows for level panning. This can negate one of the uses of the leveling base.

Q: 4. Can the BH-55 mount on the TVC-24L versa tripod with TA-2-QC column? Do I need a TA-3-PF to make it work?

A: You can mount this head to the TVC-24L without any other accessory needed.

Q: 5. So without the model that has the Lever-Release Panning Clamp I cannot pan the camera...?? I see similar markings at the bottom of the ball head that I presumed was for panning too. Can someone please clear this up for me...??

A: The bottom portion will pan 360 degrees when the knob is loosened. The pan head on top of the ball joint allows you to level the camera independent of how the tripod is positioned, before panning. it is designed for panning the camera through a panorama sequence, and makes leveling the camera very easy.

Q: 6. I already own the RRS B2-LR II panning clamp. Could I just buy the BH-55 head without clamp and use my own panning clamp?

A: Yes, you can. Click on the link below to view the head without clamp; https://bhpho.to/2ZaGqqL

Q: 7. Why do you need the panning clamp if the base of the ballhead already pans?

A: If your base isnt level, use the ball head to level your shot. Boom, level panning.

Q: 8. It was mentioned thatPeak Design tripod (PETTCB5150CF) is not recommended for this ball head. Can you recommend some that are?

A: The Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Lever-Release Panning Clamp will work on the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. However, you will need the Peak Design Universal Head Adapter, BH #PEUHDADPT.

Q: 9. Is it compatible with a Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber tripod?

A: The RRS BH-55 lever release panning clamp style ballhead will mount without issue via its 3/8"-16 mounting point to the Manfrotto 055's 3/8"-16 mounting screw.

Q: 10. Do you give anything up with the Panning Head - stability, size of plates that can be used, and so forth?

A: This is Really Right Stuff: each item is perfect. This one only adds some bulk.