Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg)

  • Price: $375.00
  • B&H # KIBH1
  • Mfr# BH-1

Product Highlights

  • Incl. Universal Q.R. Plate
  • Arca-Type Quick Release System
  • Separate Pan & Friction Control Knobs

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The Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release is a rugged and well-designed ballhead. It features the same efficiency of design and rugged construction that make other Kirk products so popular. Weighing in at under 2 lbs, this head is rated to support up to 50 lbs. In addition to the large single-action locking knob, the BH-1 also features two smaller knobs. One controls the 360° panning control, and the other the amount of ball friction.

The BH-1 ballhead comes with a universal quick release clamp that is compatible with all Arca-type plates. All external components are crafted from tough 6061-T aircraft aluminum including the solid, captive-design knobs, and the internal metal parts are stainless steel and brass to avoid corrosion. The ballcup is produced from self-lubricating Delrin composite.

Large 2.125" (54mm) ball diameter
Base diameter of 2.9" (73mm)
Quick release clamp features safety stop grooves and built-in spirit level
Maximum Camera Supported Large format
Load Capacity 50 lbs (22.6kg)
Height 4.5" (11.5cm)
Quick Release Yes
Spirit Level Yes
Tension Control Yes
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8"-16
Weight 1.9 lb (850g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg)
 
4.7

(based on 25 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (21)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

92%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (22)
  • Attaches firmly (21)
  • Strong clamp (20)
  • Large range of motion (19)

Cons

  • Heavy (5)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (19)
  • Night shots (14)
  • Portraits (14)
  • Wildlife (14)
  • Travel (7)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (12), Semi-pro photographer (10), Pro photographer (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (17)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

An essencial gear for nature photography

Easy to use, with tension control, level indicator, and rotation 360 degree controls.

It is the best combination with Gitzo 1340 tripods for nature photography.

I us...Read complete review

Easy to use, with tension control, level indicator, and rotation 360 degree controls.

It is the best combination with Gitzo 1340 tripods for nature photography.

I use it with a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 zoom lenses that has a rotatable collar. I can easily change camera to take either horizontal or vertical picture in seconds. Very elegant and solid product.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

You could be greatly disappointed

Greeting, I am in the process of returning this inasmuch as I did not even get out of the Fedex parking lot! I love my photo hobby and I know you wouldn't be reading ...Read complete review

Greeting, I am in the process of returning this inasmuch as I did not even get out of the Fedex parking lot! I love my photo hobby and I know you wouldn't be reading this if you also didn't love photography too!

The good news is that the way this ballhead feels is wonderful. The panoranic rotation can be a bit tight but the rotation is accurate.

However, the bad is mystifying to me. There are 360 degrees in the complete rotation in panoramic mode, it's smooth as silk. The degrees markings start at zero, then increase to 90,the decrease to zero as this makes half of a full rotation. Then the other sidehas the same degree markings. The markings are 0, 15,30, 45,60, 75,90, 75,60, 45,30, 15, 15,30, 45,60, 75,90, 75,60, 45,30, 15.

Notice anything? The second zero is missing. There are two lines between each consecutive number, i. e. say between 45 and 60, there's two lines. Sincethis is 60-45=15 degrees between each lines, easy.

Stay with me as the arithmetic gets complicated starting right now. The missing zero located between 15 and 15 ; someone forgot that there's 5 degrees on EITHER side has of zero ; thus there's one line MISSING!

Now, figure this out, where there is a "zero", then that location is a shorter circumferential distance than the 2 lines on EITHER side of 90.

Ok, so you are doing a panoranic photo and the distances around the circumferential are marked unequally.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 25 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

WONDERFUL !!!!

By Jan

from MI

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attaches Firmly
  • Good Stability
  • Large Range of Motion
  • Strong Clamp

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Home
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Night Shots
    • Portraits
    • Wildlife

    Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

    This ballhead worked like a charm...very smooth movement, easy to manipulate. I can't believe how much easier this has made my tripod shooting. Be sure to buy the L-shaped bracket for your camera too. This makes horizontal / vertical changes even faster and easier. This product has really been worth the investment.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    I would buy this product again and again

    By rip tides

    from ny

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability
    • Large Range of Motion
    • Strong Clamp

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Night Shots
    • Portraits
    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife

    Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

    landscape, nature, sports

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Simple, rugged and expensive

    By olcoach

    from Redmond, OR

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Easy and quick adjustment
    • Good Stability
    • Large Range of Motion
    • Strong Clamp

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Home
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Night Shots
      • Safely carrying camera
      • Travel
      • Weddings/Events
      • Wildlife

      Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

      This ballhead is simple to use but supports more weight than I'll ever put on it. It was chosen after a great deal of research and a search to see what very active photographers were using. This is the last ballhead I ever expect to buy. It is a solid piece of steel and I can't imagine what it would take the break this thing and I never expect to find out. I wanted a ballhead that would safely carry and support my camera so I would not have to be concerned about it's safety. This ballhead is silly expensive but in relation to what my camera is worth, buying it was pretty much a no brainer.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

      (2 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

       
      1.0

      You could be greatly disappointed

      By OC Mike

      from Orange County, CA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Pros

      • Good Stability

      Cons

      • Degree marks are not 360
      • MISSING 5 degrees

      Best Uses

        Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

        Greeting, I am in the process of returning this inasmuch as I did not even get out of the Fedex parking lot! I love my photo hobby and I know you wouldn't be reading this if you also didn't love photography too!

        The good news is that the way this ballhead feels is wonderful. The panoranic rotation can be a bit tight but the rotation is accurate.

        However, the bad is mystifying to me. There are 360 degrees in the complete rotation in panoramic mode, it's smooth as silk. The degrees markings start at zero, then increase to 90,the decrease to zero as this makes half of a full rotation. Then the other sidehas the same degree markings. The markings are 0, 15,30, 45,60, 75,90, 75,60, 45,30, 15, 15,30, 45,60, 75,90, 75,60, 45,30, 15.

        Notice anything? The second zero is missing. There are two lines between each consecutive number, i. e. say between 45 and 60, there's two lines. Sincethis is 60-45=15 degrees between each lines, easy.

        Stay with me as the arithmetic gets complicated starting right now. The missing zero located between 15 and 15 ; someone forgot that there's 5 degrees on EITHER side has of zero ; thus there's one line MISSING!

        Now, figure this out, where there is a "zero", then that location is a shorter circumferential distance than the 2 lines on EITHER side of 90.

        Ok, so you are doing a panoranic photo and the distances around the circumferential are marked unequally.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        I would recommend it to a friend

        By Gilbert

        from Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attaches Firmly
        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion
        • Strong Clamp

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Night Shots
          • Portraits
          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife

          Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

          I bought this product 3 weeks ago, and since then, i've used it for landscape, portrait and macro photography.
          I like the smoothness of the controls, and the overall stability.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          A great product...

          By Peter Denton

          from Halifax, Nova Scotia

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attaches Firmly
          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion
          • Strong Clamp

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Night Shots

          Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

          This is a great ball head. Smooth operation and locks up solid as a rock. It is a bit heavy but that seems like nit-picking frankly for something that works as well as the BH-1 does. I am very pleased. Pares very well with my Gitzo GT3530LS tripod to provide a vary stable and easy to work with shooting platform.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Very nice ballhead

          By Bruce

          from Kalamazoo, Michigan

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attaches Firmly
          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion
          • Strong Clamp

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Home
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Night Shots
            • Portraits
            • Sports/Action
            • Travel
            • Weddings/Events
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

            Solid, stable, smooth adjustments.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Respectable piece of equipment.

            By KevinMc2

            from Winter Haven, FL

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • Good Stability

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

              Selecting a ballhead is now second place on my list of "Most Daunting Tasks" . . . just behind tripods. Most of the challenge was arbitrarily justifying the cost of "higher-end" items. No doubt, some are better than others but the huge range of choices mixed with undisclosed specifications creates quite a mission to accomplish. That said, purchasing the Kirk BH-1 removes me from the ballhead market forever as I'm sure it will last that long. Movements are smooth and precise with a 100-400 mm lens and it's solid as a rock when tightened.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              No finer ballhead

              By Chuck L

              from Radford, VA

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Attaches Firmly
              • Good Stability
              • Large Range of Motion
              • Strong Clamp

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

                Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                This is the ballhead that made me forsake all others I've owned. It's a heavy thing, but it's rock steady and locks solid in all positions. I've already learned about lightweight tripods: they're for carrying, not for shooting. I've adapted.

                A bit on the pricey side; but it's well-made, built to perform, and built to last. I don't expect to need another for quite some time. Money well spent. My old Manfrotto ballhead is now a paperweight.

                Don't forget the appropriate QR plates when you order.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                Second BH1 Ballhead

                By walt

                from NJ

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attaches Firmly
                • Good Stability
                • Large Range of Motion
                • Strong Clamp

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

                • Home
                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Night Shots
                • Portraits
                • Travel

                Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                Purchased a 2nd BH1 ballhead after the 1st got damaged a a flight to Alaska.

                Heavy duty, easy to operate head that is durable for all types of photography.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                Very smooth operator

                By Globetrekker

                from Deer Lake, Wa

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attaches Firmly
                • Good Stability
                • Large Range of Motion
                • Strong Clamp

                Cons

                • Just a bit heavy

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Night Shots
                • Travel
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                The BHD Ball head is a dream to use. This is a great value, it very durable and precise, these are 2 things that normally are not said in the same breath. It is so smooth to use you would think that it is half the size it is. Even loaded up with my heaviest lens and camera it still operates with great ease and is incredibly stable.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Sturdy build, smooth action

                By NA

                from Orlando, Fl

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attaches Firmly
                • Good Stability
                • Large Range of Motion
                • Strong Clamp

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Portraits
                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                Very sturdy ball head that can be used with lightweight DSLRs, medium format film cameras and 4x5 and larger cameras. It's a bit on the heavy side.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Not quite perfect, but close.

                By Shedrick

                from Alabama

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attaches Firmly
                • Good Stability
                • Strong Clamp

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Night Shots
                  • Portraits
                  • Weddings/Events

                  Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                  Only thing that keeps this from perfection is the extremely stiff panning even when screw is completely loose. I basically have to force it to move.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Amazing support

                  By Berto

                  from Minneapolis, MN

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Pros

                  • Attaches Firmly
                  • Good Stability
                  • Large Range of Motion
                  • Strong Clamp

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Night Shots
                    • Travel
                    • Video

                    Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                    This is my first ballhead, paired with a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod, and it's really changed the way I look at capturing images. I'm sure all the options at this level are very good, and I can only speak to the performance of the BH-1, which is tremendous.

                    I have used it to support a variety of EOS bodies and lenses for stills and videos, and it's been wonderful. I have owned a couple nice aluminum tripods and heads in the past, but usually left them at home since they were too heavy/clunky/cold to the touch in bad weather. The BH-1 is rock solid, smooth, and quick to use.

                    I will say when I got the ballhead, the motion wasn't as smooth as I anticipated. Kirk recommends occasional cleaning with WD-40. When I wiped the ball down with WD-40, then a clean cloth, the motion became wonderfully smooth.

                    I know it's hard to drop this kind of cash on a tripod head, but over a lifetime (which is how long I plan on keeping mine), it's absolutely worth it!

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Well Built

                    By Frank

                    from Lindon, UT

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Attaches Firmly
                    • Good Stability
                    • Large Range of Motion
                    • Strong Clamp

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Shots
                      • Video
                      • Wildlife

                      Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                      Very user friendly, functions as expected.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      American Made Quality!

                      By Dabittner

                      from Farm country Indiana

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attaches Firmly
                      • Good Stability
                      • Large Range of Motion
                      • Strong Clamp

                      Cons

                      • None

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Shots
                      • Portraits
                      • Wildlife

                      Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                      I selected this ball head mainly because it's 100% American made. The quality was second to none that I have ever used. Really smooth operation and very steady. Worth every extra penny for the excellent USA made quality.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Incredible head...

                      By camare

                      from No. CA

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attaches Firmly
                      • Good Stability
                      • Large Range of Motion
                      • Strong Clamp

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Home
                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Night Shots
                        • Portraits
                        • Video
                        • Wildlife

                        Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                        I have to hide it from my other half!!!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Comment on this review

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Very Pleased

                        By M-Andy

                        from Monroe, Michigan

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Attaches Firmly
                        • Good Stability
                        • Large Range of Motion
                        • Strong Clamp

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Home
                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Travel
                          • Wildlife

                          Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                          Frist time around I purchased the BH-3 Kirk Ballhead, it worked great for my shorter lens but found it had a little to much play in it for longers lens (the canon 70-200 L-is).Ordered BH-1 and couldn't be more pleased. I love shooting marco & this head holds rock solid.

                          Comment on this review

                          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Extremely Nice Ballhead

                          By Mike

                          from Port Royal, VA

                          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                          Pros

                          • Attaches Firmly
                          • Good Stability
                          • Large Range of Motion
                          • Strong Clamp

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Night Shots
                            • Portraits
                            • Weddings/Events
                            • Wildlife

                            Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                            Just received my BH-1 from B&H. Totally awesome upgrade from my Manfrotto 322 action grip. [...]This Ballhead is everything I expected it to be. It mounted effortlessly onto my Manfrotto 3021BN tripod. I love the silky smooth operation of the ball. The locking knob, tension knob and panning knob all are very easy to turn and lock/unlock. I don't have anything really heavy per say: 30D, 70-200L f/2.8 IS, 580EX Flash. So this ballhead might be a bit of overkill for my gear...but I'm so glad I bought it. The peace of mind knowing that it's securely locked, and effortless motion and locking…mmm…mmm…mmm. Plus, no more drifting like I was experiencing with my 322 action grip.

                            Comment on this review

                            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Kirk BH-1 ballhead

                            By GB

                            from Easthampton, MA 01027

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easily Adjusted
                            • Good Footing
                            • Locks In Tight
                            • Smooth Movement

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Outdoors
                              • Portraits
                              • Sports/Action
                              • Wildlife

                              Comments about Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg):

                              I've never experienced such fine craftsmanship. The Kirk BH-1 is so smooth and locks into place so sturdily I know camera movement will never be a problem again. I have nothing bad to say about this fine equipment.

                              Comment on this review

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                              Quick Release Plates

                              Kirk -  LP-46 Replacement Arca-Type Quick Release Lens Plate/Foot
                              • Price: $80.00
                               

                              Spare Parts

                              Kirk -  Snap Collar for BH-1 Ballhead
                              • Price: $24.95
                               

                              Bags & Cases

                              Kirk -  BH-1P Pouch
                              • Price: $29.95
                               

                              What's in the Box

                              Kirk BH-1 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 50 lbs (22.6kg)
                              • Universal Quick Release Plate
                              • 5-Year Warranty
                               
                               
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