- Max weight load: 3kg (6.6 lbs)
- Material: Precision-machined aluminum housing, with all-metal ball
- Slim-line clip: Universal ¼-inch camera screw, with additional 3/8-inch adapter
- Size: 68 x 45 x 63mm (2.7 x 1.8 x 2.5″)
- Weight: 310g (10.9oz)
Product Description
Built with the serious photographer in mind, the Joby Ballhead is lightweight and compact, yet still robust enough to support SLR cameras with zoom lenses. It further extends the functionality of the Gorillapod by allowing even more creative camera positions and an improved ability to capture great shots! Full 360-degree panning, and 90-degree tilt Position your camera at virtually any angle; get portrait or landscape shots with ease Adjustment knob easily locks the Ballhead into place, securing it tightly. The slim-line quick-release clip with bubble level stays connected to your camera and snaps into the Ballhead for nearly instant setup. The adapter screw allows the Ballhead to accommodate both 3/8″ and 1/4″ threads, allowing it to be used with virtually any tripod.
Scott Chou @ 4:10 pm
I own a Velbon Carbon Fiber tripod and I instantly shaved a pound or more off that system by removing the large 3-way magnesium head and replacing it with this little gem. Ball heads are already popular tripod heads for their small size and easy maneuverability, but they typically cost a lot more than this Joby.
Pros:
- price point may seem high for small tripods but this is a bargain compared to name brand quality equipment used on large tripods by photo enthusiasts.
- Feature rich including the quick release plate and bubble-leveler.
- Works as advertised.
Cons:
- the coin screw attachment on the quick release plate is not easy to attach quickly unlike other systems.
- only rated for 6 lbs but this is reasonable for the price range.
- Even for cameras under the 6 lb rating, positioning will sag a bit after locking. This is a common problem for heads as high as $200, but the Joby sag is less than many more expensive heads.
- does not support panning since lock screw freezes all degrees of freedom. More expensive Ball heads normally come with a separate lock for the panning direction.
Chris A. De Jabet @ 4:33 pm
This ballhead is made by Joby and marketed for Joby’s line of Gorillapod tripods. I bought it for use with my Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, but this also works very well with other tripods. It is crafted out of metal and has a good bit of heft to it. Definitely doesn’t have a cheap feel. Supports my 20D well. It is rated only for about 6 lbs. so watch how large of a lens you use with it.
Scott Headberg @ 7:18 pm
This product should be stock with the GP3 Zoom model. This completes the gorillapod and makes it much more flexible to use. I would also recommend it for other ballhead needs as the price point and quality make it very attractive. It performed well; placed on the ballhead and Gorillapod Zoom was my Canon 20D, battery grip, and 28-135 zoom lens with no problems.
Sean Lancaster @ 7:57 pm
i have a regular Boden tripod that i typically use, but when i went hiking i didn’t want to carry my big tripod so i bought a Joby Zoom Gorillapod and this Ball Head. the Gorillapod is adequate, but this BH1 Ball Head really stands out. without this accessory, i would have been disappointed with the Gorillapod, but this is really well designed and implemented and it’s very easy to use. i am quite pleased with this purchase.
L. Hui @ 10:54 pm
I use this regularly with the Joby GP3 Zoom Gorillapod. It is an excellent combo when you are on the go: lightweight, adaptable, and practical. The top part screws onto your camera (just use a small coin) and latches on and off the camera using a quick press of a button.
Note that you don’t need to use this ballhead on an SLR camera. I use it both with my point & shoot as well as my SLR. With the point and shoot it is very useful for closeup shots and in low light. With the SLR it is useful when you don’t want to lug along a regular tripod.
BTW The fluid level on it is very helpful.