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Oben BC-1 Ball Head
- Price: $159.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # OBBC1
- Mfr# BC-1
Product Highlights
- 26.4 lb Load Capacity
- Separate Panning Lock
- Integrated Friction Control
- Arca-Style Clamp for Quick Release
- Includes Quick Release Plate
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction
The Oben BC-1 Ball Head is a sturdy, lightweight aluminum ball head for photography that features - in addition to the main ball locking knob - a separate panning lock, and an integrated friction/tension control. The tension control dial is integrated into the larger ball-locking knob that controls the head's movement. With a load capacity of 26.4 lb, the BC-1 head will support DSLR cameras even as they're equipped with multiple accessories and long telephoto lenses.
The BC-1's multiple knobs enable higher-precision adjustments to the head than are possible with single-lever heads. Panoramic photography is well-served, for instance, because you can pan a specific number of degrees while keeping the head's tilt position locked. In fact, the BC-1 features degree markings around its circumference to aid in that task.
The tension-control knob accommodates the varying requirements of lighter and heavier camera setups, as well as the preferences of individual photographers as they adjust and readjust their camera's orientation. At any tension level, the locking of the head's ball is remarkably strong.
The included quick-release plate attaches to your camera via its standard 1/4"-20 screw. The BC-1 head features an Arca-Swiss-style clamp for securing the quick-release plate. A rubberized knob controls the opening and closing of the aluminum clamp simply and reliably. Two studs on the bottom of the plate help prevent the camera & plate from sliding all the way forward or backward out of the head, in case the clamp is inadvertently left loose.
- The head pans a full 360°, and degree markers around its base help you properly orient your shooting
- 90° groove for tilting the camera to portrait orientation
- Spirit level underneath the quick-release plate indicates whether your tripod and head are aligned with the horizon before you attach the camera
- Rubberized quick-release plate surface
| Load Capacity | 26.4 lb (12 kg) |
| Ball Sphere Diameter | 1.5" (38mm) |
| Quick Release | Yes, Arca-style |
| Spirit Level | Yes, 1 |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 (1/4"-20 reducer bushing is provided) |
| Height | 3.9" (10.0 cm) |
| Base Diameter | 2.0" (52mm) |
| Weight | 14.1 oz (400 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (6)
- Attaches firmly (5)
- Large range of motion (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (4)
- Travel (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
After receiving my BC-1 I would say I was pleased but not overwhelmed. Then I realized it was my less than stellar Slik tripod causing the problem. Trying to save a few bucks I believed I could get by. Realizing how much money was sitting on the top of the tripod I placed a call to my friendly experts at B & H. They suggested a Oben CT 2410. It arrived today and after using it together for the past couple of hours I am now a happy guy.
The BC-1 is everything I hoped for and more. Quality construction equals smooth adjustments. The slippage I was experiencing was from the legs of the Slik. Based on this short period of time I feel very confident my equipment will be supported well. Yes, I would recommend my BC-1 to all and the CT2410.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I purchased the BC-1 to replace the BA-0 (single lever) ball head that came with the Oben CT-2400 tripod kit. Now I have a competent travel tripod setup that allows me to take pano or long exposure shots. My normal travel rig mounted to this is a Nikon D7000 with the 28-300mm lens. So far I've had no issues with the BC-1 -- the head locks down snugly and the control knobs are easy to grip. Granted it doesn't feel as sturdy as a studio tripod but that's one of the trade-offs for compactness and light weight. The arca-swiss release works well. I still can't fully appreciate the tension setting even though I've watched Oben's video covering that. Suffice it to say that the head works and I haven't had any difficulties. The panning action is smooth and the degree markings are helpful. Overall, this is a well designed ball head that gives me reliable performance in a travel tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Oben CT-2400 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I replaced the head that came with my tripod that had a quick release. It had play and D7000 would move when shutter was released. The BC-1 Ball Head solve that problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- Complicated Controls
Best Uses
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I don't find much benefit from integrated tension knob. I tried to choke up on it so that I could have really precise control over the angle on my 7D, but the knob got locked in tight. Be warned not to tighten it too much!!!
I do like the fluid panning motion with the degree markers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I used this ballhead with the Oben CC2320L tripod and really enjoyed taking photos. I was in windy and rough terrain and never had a problem. The ballhead was very easy to operate with no prior experience. The movements were very smooth and when tightened everything was held securely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Oben CC-2320L 3 section tripod
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I haven't used it a lot yet, maybe 10 times, but so far it works very well. Can adjust camera very precisely and smoothly and the friction control works well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-6
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (6)
- Attaches firmly (5)
- Large range of motion (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (4)
- Travel (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
After receiving my BC-1 I would say I was pleased but not overwhelmed. Then I realized it was my less than stellar Slik tripod causing the problem. Trying to save a few bucks I believed I could get by. Realizing how much money was sitting on the top of the tripod I placed a call to my friendly experts at B & H. They suggested a Oben CT 2410. It arrived today and after using it together for the past couple of hours I am now a happy guy.
The BC-1 is everything I hoped for and more. Quality construction equals smooth adjustments. The slippage I was experiencing was from the legs of the Slik. Based on this short period of time I feel very confident my equipment will be supported well. Yes, I would recommend my BC-1 to all and the CT2410.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I purchased the BC-1 to replace the BA-0 (single lever) ball head that came with the Oben CT-2400 tripod kit. Now I have a competent travel tripod setup that allows me to take pano or long exposure shots. My normal travel rig mounted to this is a Nikon D7000 with the 28-300mm lens. So far I've had no issues with the BC-1 -- the head locks down snugly and the control knobs are easy to grip. Granted it doesn't feel as sturdy as a studio tripod but that's one of the trade-offs for compactness and light weight. The arca-swiss release works well. I still can't fully appreciate the tension setting even though I've watched Oben's video covering that. Suffice it to say that the head works and I haven't had any difficulties. The panning action is smooth and the degree markings are helpful. Overall, this is a well designed ball head that gives me reliable performance in a travel tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Oben CT-2400 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I replaced the head that came with my tripod that had a quick release. It had play and D7000 would move when shutter was released. The BC-1 Ball Head solve that problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- Complicated Controls
Best Uses
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I don't find much benefit from integrated tension knob. I tried to choke up on it so that I could have really precise control over the angle on my 7D, but the knob got locked in tight. Be warned not to tighten it too much!!!
I do like the fluid panning motion with the degree markers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I used this ballhead with the Oben CC2320L tripod and really enjoyed taking photos. I was in windy and rough terrain and never had a problem. The ballhead was very easy to operate with no prior experience. The movements were very smooth and when tightened everything was held securely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Oben CC-2320L 3 section tripod
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben BC-1 Ball Head:
I haven't used it a lot yet, maybe 10 times, but so far it works very well. Can adjust camera very precisely and smoothly and the friction control works well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-6
Reducing/Enlarging Bushings
- Price: $2.49
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $23.99
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