Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg)

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

holds camera/lenses rock solid. works very smoothly

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

It's ultra strong and doesn't slip. I've used tripods where you can manually force the camera to move even when it's fully locked but this is rock solid. I have had my 24-70 f2.8 and speed lite flash taking night landscape shots with 30 second plus exposures and the photos came out tack sharp.

If you want to change angle, simple. Just lightly unscrew the master nob and the ball head is light and silky smooth. Once you find your shot, lightly tighten the screw and your back to rock solid. Panning is controlled separately and is as silky smooth as the ball.

There is a bubble level built in but is no use when you drop the ball in portrait mode.

The head comes with a Swiss-arca style quick release and plate for your camera or ring.

It's not that heavy either, which is what you would expect for such a high quality product.

If there is one thing i would say its that I can't get over how sturdy this thing is! Plus it looks good too, which is always important.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

Most of the positives regarding this ballhead have already been mentioned in other reviews. I want to reply to some negative views that suggest the ballhead cannot be fully rotated 90 degrees for use with your camera in portrait (vertical) orientation. In fact, this CAN be done: to use the ballhead in portrait orientation, just screw in the quick release plate so that the longer axis of the plate runs parallel with the longer axis of your camera (in other words, mount the quick release plate onto the quick release clamp from left-right instead of forward-backward). Done this way, you can rotate the ballhead into the slot at a full ninety degrees without the knob from the quick release clamp getting in the way.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

You get just what you expect - smooth movement, solid locking. The QR knob is quick enough. Panning is a bit slow and the whole unit is a bit skinny and tall for my taste, but those are all things I knew before buying. It's a well-made basic ballhead that does what it says it seems built to last. I like that the plate is universal. 4 not 5 because the knob block it from going 100% vertical.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

this head is much easier to manipulate than many of the well known brands. seems to work much better for me in keeping the camera or lens stable during/after adjustments. very high quality build. I have subsequently purchased camera plates for my other cameras.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

- Top quality construction.
- Smooth action.
- A must for all lenses that require a smaller mount than a Gimbal.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

I wish I would have just bought this from the start.
i have been through several hundred dollar ball heads that have all failed. This one is rock solid and light enough for carry.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

Great quality build, very smooth operation. Takes my D5100 and up to 55-300mm lens without any trouble. In-built spirit level can be tricky to use as it is small and partially hidden when a camera is mounted on the head. Overall I'm very happy to have made the investment.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

This is a precision instrument, easy to use but rugged and American-well-built; consequently it isn't light. I'm using it on a Gitzo aluminum tripod, with a Nikon D300 camera, and they all seem very well mated. I think an L-bracket would make this ballhead even more convenient, but I have absolutely nothing but praise for the Kirk workmanship.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

I use the BH-3 with a D300 w/MB-D10 grip along with the BL-D300G L bracket it makes a quite stable setup for macro & landscape work.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

Love the quality and smooth operation, but admit I'm still getting the hang of the knobs and which does which. I'm still paranoid at my camera being locked in as I'm used to a Manfrotto quick release, but I like the quality on this ballhead (as well as the bracket gives me back the screw hole for using a different type of camera strap).

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

I tried several ballheads in an effort to find a smooth and strong ballhead. The Kirk ballhead is strong, easy to use, and smoother than any of the other ballheads I tried out. Works well with speed clamps.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

I plan to use this as a travel ballhead for my D700 abd D200 cameras; I have an RRS ballhead which is great, but too large/heavy for travel. I wish the clamp were a bit larger, but one can always replace it with a longer one.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

The Kirk BH-3 ball head is attractive, well-made and rock solid for the uses I put it through. I do not use any long telephotos but it handles an Olympus E5 with attery grip and the Zuiko 12-60mm lens with no creep in any position. An excellent ball head at any price.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

Sturdy. Built like iron. Seems to work well. I like well made items, not pieces of junk.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

Use this on light gear, rock solid, smooth operation, great value for the money

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

Good value for price. I did not need the BH-5.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

The build quality lets you know you have some serious real estate. I graduated to this after many years with my pistol grip manfrotto 222 ballhead. Took a little while to get used to but now I'm hooked. The adjustment knobs are perfectly sized and positioned and motion is very very fluid. I still marvel at how the ball locks and holds "big glass" even in "crazy"angles. My only gripe would be that when you using long lens/heavy glass (70-200 f2.8) you position your focus spot through the lens and lock the ballhead only to find that it does drift down a few millimetres (I have slowly learnt that you have to factor this when determining your critical focus spot)

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

I already own and love the BH-3's big brother, the BH-1 but I needed a smaller and lighter head to use with my walk-around kit. This fit the bill flawlessly. Its very strong, holding my 24-70 and 70-200. No creep what-so-ever! Well built, should last a long time. Probably the last heads I ever need to buy. Very happy with the purchase.

Comments about Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg):

Its heavier than I thought but still lighter than some of the other ballheads out there.
It seems to be very well constructed and provides really good stability.
Seems like it will last forever - I certainly hope so, just wish it was a little lighter as I use it for travelling.