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800.606.6969 / 212.444.6615
Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels
- Price: $94.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # VASBH300
- Mfr# SBH-300
Product Highlights
- Lightweight Magnesium Alloy
- Precision-Cut Ballhead
- Supports Up to 70 Lbs (32 kg)
- Weighs Just 1.66 Lbs (0.75 kg)
- Includes Sliding Quick Shoe QS-45
Vanguard's SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels is an enormously sturdy ballhead (it supports up to 70 lbs/32 kg) that weighs a mere 1.66 lbs (0.75 kg). Made from durable magnesium alloy, the SBH-300 has molded body parts, not assembled cut parts, and its locking knobs allow you to securely move the ballhead into position very quickly, with 2 bubble levels and a 360° panning scale for precise positioning. A fine-tuning knob and safety lock provide additional security. A QS-45 quick shoe is included.
- Lightweight magnesium alloy
- Precision-cut ballhead
- Large camera plate has outstanding loading capacity for professional gear; supports up to 70 lbs (32 kg)
- Weighs just 1.66 lbs (0.75 kg)
- Includes sliding quick shoe QS-45
| Load Capacity | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
| Quick Release | Yes, QS-45 |
| Spirit Level | Yes, 2 |
| Tilt Range | +90° to -40° |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Height | 4.75" (120 mm) |
| Weight | 1.66 lbs (0.75 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 20 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (18)
- Attaches firmly (17)
- Large range of motion (15)
- Strong clamp (15)
Cons
- Heavy (10)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (17)
- Night shots (13)
- Portraits (12)
- Wildlife (10)
- Home (9)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Semi-pro photographer (6), Photography student (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (19)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 20 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I love how large the plate is, makes for a good strong mount for my D800.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- D800
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- HDR
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Panoramic
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I use this ballhead for HDR photography and panoramic photography, along with studio work and other general forms of photography. It is very solid, will hold a great deal of weight, and is easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
very nice weight compared to size and load capacity. also have vanguard abh-340K head, which can be had for a similar price (used to be quite a bit more) but the abh unit is smaller, lighter, higher capacity and easier operation wtih higher end feel. this unit does the job though, and is priced right. panning lock not completely lockable, and the rubber ring around that knob is a little lose. other than that, happy using it with a slik 700dx pro.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Large ball which will support a lot of weight which you can set the friction on.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Well-built
Cons
- Arca swiss incompatible
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I bought this ballhead in 2010 and I am still using it. Well-built and heavy but works very well. The only issue I have with this ballhead is that the clamp is not arca swiss compatible.
Anyway, I replaced the quick release clamp with a Kirk arca swiss compatible one and it works very well now. I had to get a hex screw and cut the screw head to attach the Kirk clamp to the ballhead. A little loctite was used to help with the bonding.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
It's a great ballhead; I have had issues with the head moving when I had a heavy lens on my old trigger head but so far not with this one. It is very sturdy and a great value! Others suggested heads that were $300 to $1200 but I see no problem with this head at all and would highly suggest it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Complicated Controls
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Sturdy, well-built. I feel confident when I attach my camera to this. This is hands down the best ball-head in this price point.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Manfrotto 055XPROB
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Got the ball head hoping it would work with my existing manfrotto 357 and giottos quick releases and it doesn't (not the 501 or 701 plate)... the vanguard plate will not slide onto the giottos quick release adapter, but it will slide onto the manfrotto. However, you cannot slide a manfrotto or giottos plate onto the vanguard ball head because the angle on the plate is different.This is a super nice ball head and very sturdy, it pans really smooth too for video. Unfortunately, I can't use it for my purposes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Very easy to use, stable, and with plenty of features.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Feel's verry sturdy
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None whatsoever
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Verry well build , feel nice and strong , nice motion and lock's firmly
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
This ball head is bigger and heavier than others but can handle a lot more that most in this price range. The levels are great. The quick release is is easy to use and sturdy. You can use this ball with confidence.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I'm really surprised that this ballhead doesn't have more reviews! I paired this with a Slik Dx700 for a sturdy, if not a bit heavy, combination. And now that I've had a chance to use both on a few photo shoots, I wouldn't change a thing. I would most definately recommend this ballhead to others. Rock solid, good adjustability, and arca-swiss compatibility make this a great choice at this price point.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Purchased this head for a time-lapse dolly creation. Specifically liked the all-knobs adjustment. No levers or handles. The head works great. Sturdy, smooth, and a great value for the price tag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Good construction and it will hold anything.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I use this ball head on my Induro Alloy 8M AT413 Tripod and it is a heavy duty ball head that provides great stability for my photography. Its a great price for this quality of product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
For the price and especially for the weight this is a top-notch product. I bought it because of how much weight it can handle, but to my surprise it is very light for its size. Has nice controls for adjusting tension. Like the adjustable quick release. Has a dovetail setup that give me more range of positioning. The quick release head even stores the 1/4-inch stud and whatever insert you don't use so you won't lose these screws.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
i will only say some few words...
these head is really great.the size on the tripod is perfect and it fits in the bag mounted on my Alloy 8M AT413 Tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I put this one up for a test with my 5d mkII, 70-200is and then hung another 5d with strap off of the lense. held it perfectly steady for 2hrs. bubble levels stayed perfect.I will say that if you tighten it down all the way and then muscle it you can get it to budge, it's also smooth but not the smoothest when panning etc. The bottom line is, for up to say 40lbs this is a fantastic ballhead and should not be overlooked. At [$] it's a steal!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
lightweight yet holds incredible amount of weight, works great with my 60d, doesn't budge or creep.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I really have not had a lot of oportunity to play around with this ball head but I can say that I can attach my D300 with battery grip and a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens and the thing will not move once it is locked.
Seems well built and of good quality. Really happy so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 20 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (18)
- Attaches firmly (17)
- Large range of motion (15)
- Strong clamp (15)
Cons
- Heavy (10)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (17)
- Night shots (13)
- Portraits (12)
- Wildlife (10)
- Home (9)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Semi-pro photographer (6), Photography student (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (19)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 20 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I love how large the plate is, makes for a good strong mount for my D800.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- D800
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- HDR
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Panoramic
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I use this ballhead for HDR photography and panoramic photography, along with studio work and other general forms of photography. It is very solid, will hold a great deal of weight, and is easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
very nice weight compared to size and load capacity. also have vanguard abh-340K head, which can be had for a similar price (used to be quite a bit more) but the abh unit is smaller, lighter, higher capacity and easier operation wtih higher end feel. this unit does the job though, and is priced right. panning lock not completely lockable, and the rubber ring around that knob is a little lose. other than that, happy using it with a slik 700dx pro.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Large ball which will support a lot of weight which you can set the friction on.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Well-built
Cons
- Arca swiss incompatible
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I bought this ballhead in 2010 and I am still using it. Well-built and heavy but works very well. The only issue I have with this ballhead is that the clamp is not arca swiss compatible.
Anyway, I replaced the quick release clamp with a Kirk arca swiss compatible one and it works very well now. I had to get a hex screw and cut the screw head to attach the Kirk clamp to the ballhead. A little loctite was used to help with the bonding.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
It's a great ballhead; I have had issues with the head moving when I had a heavy lens on my old trigger head but so far not with this one. It is very sturdy and a great value! Others suggested heads that were $300 to $1200 but I see no problem with this head at all and would highly suggest it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Complicated Controls
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Sturdy, well-built. I feel confident when I attach my camera to this. This is hands down the best ball-head in this price point.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Manfrotto 055XPROB
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Got the ball head hoping it would work with my existing manfrotto 357 and giottos quick releases and it doesn't (not the 501 or 701 plate)... the vanguard plate will not slide onto the giottos quick release adapter, but it will slide onto the manfrotto. However, you cannot slide a manfrotto or giottos plate onto the vanguard ball head because the angle on the plate is different.This is a super nice ball head and very sturdy, it pans really smooth too for video. Unfortunately, I can't use it for my purposes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Very easy to use, stable, and with plenty of features.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Feel's verry sturdy
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None whatsoever
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Verry well build , feel nice and strong , nice motion and lock's firmly
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
This ball head is bigger and heavier than others but can handle a lot more that most in this price range. The levels are great. The quick release is is easy to use and sturdy. You can use this ball with confidence.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I'm really surprised that this ballhead doesn't have more reviews! I paired this with a Slik Dx700 for a sturdy, if not a bit heavy, combination. And now that I've had a chance to use both on a few photo shoots, I wouldn't change a thing. I would most definately recommend this ballhead to others. Rock solid, good adjustability, and arca-swiss compatibility make this a great choice at this price point.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Purchased this head for a time-lapse dolly creation. Specifically liked the all-knobs adjustment. No levers or handles. The head works great. Sturdy, smooth, and a great value for the price tag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
Good construction and it will hold anything.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I use this ball head on my Induro Alloy 8M AT413 Tripod and it is a heavy duty ball head that provides great stability for my photography. Its a great price for this quality of product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
For the price and especially for the weight this is a top-notch product. I bought it because of how much weight it can handle, but to my surprise it is very light for its size. Has nice controls for adjusting tension. Like the adjustable quick release. Has a dovetail setup that give me more range of positioning. The quick release head even stores the 1/4-inch stud and whatever insert you don't use so you won't lose these screws.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
i will only say some few words...
these head is really great.the size on the tripod is perfect and it fits in the bag mounted on my Alloy 8M AT413 Tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I put this one up for a test with my 5d mkII, 70-200is and then hung another 5d with strap off of the lense. held it perfectly steady for 2hrs. bubble levels stayed perfect.I will say that if you tighten it down all the way and then muscle it you can get it to budge, it's also smooth but not the smoothest when panning etc. The bottom line is, for up to say 40lbs this is a fantastic ballhead and should not be overlooked. At [$] it's a steal!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
lightweight yet holds incredible amount of weight, works great with my 60d, doesn't budge or creep.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Vanguard SBH-300 Ballhead W/2 Bubble Levels:
I really have not had a lot of oportunity to play around with this ball head but I can say that I can attach my D300 with battery grip and a Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens and the thing will not move once it is locked.
Seems well built and of good quality. Really happy so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $14.95
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