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

  • Price: $275.00
  • B&H # KIBH3
  • Mfr# BH-3

Product Highlights

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

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The Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release is a rugged and well-designed ballhead. It features the same efficiency of design and rugged construction as its bigger BH-1 brother, but only weighs in at 19 oz. It is rated to support up to 15 lbs, and is ideal for use with pro SLR cameras with pro zoom lenses attached. In addition to the large single-action locking knob, the BH-3 also features two smaller knobs. One controls the 360° panning control, and the other the amount of ball friction.

The BH-3 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 1.65" (42mm) ball diameter
Base diameter of 2.4" (61mm)
Quick release clamp features safety stop grooves and built-in spirit level
Maximum Camera Supported 35mm SLR
Load Capacity 15 lbs (6.8kg)
Ball Diameter 1.7" (4.3 cm)
Pan Base 360 degree rotation with positive lock
Pan Base Diameter 2.4" (6.1 cm)
Height 4" (10.2cm)
Quick Release Yes
Spirit Level Yes
Tension Control Yes
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8"-16
Weight 1.2 lb (540g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Kirk BH-3 Ballhead with Quick Release - Supports 15 lbs (6.8kg)
 
4.8

(based on 55 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (45)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (9)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (35)
  • Attaches firmly (32)
  • Large range of motion (30)
  • Strong clamp (30)
  • Fits well (7)

Cons

  • Heavy (4)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (27)
  • Night shots (20)
  • Portraits (19)
  • Travel (15)
  • Wildlife (12)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (23), Semi-pro photographer (12), Pro photographer (7), Casual photographer (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (22)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

High Quality at a Great Price

I won't lie to you -- this isn't the best ballhead out there. But for the price, you can't beat the quality and performance of the BH-3. I think it's far better ...Read complete review

I won't lie to you -- this isn't the best ballhead out there. But for the price, you can't beat the quality and performance of the BH-3. I think it's far better constructed than the Manfrotto 468RC2 Hydrostatic at the same price, and it's nearly the equal of the RRS BH-40 that is over $100 more expensive. In addition, this ballhead includes a QR plate, which is a $50 value if you don't own any Arca-Swiss-style plates already. My only complaint is the relative placement of the lock, friction, and panning knobs, which I personally find awkward. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this product!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Holds weight very steady.

BH-3 head came highly praised. It is well made and smooth to use. However I have found a couple things I am not happy with. It won't rotate to a full vertical shot...Read complete review

BH-3 head came highly praised. It is well made and smooth to use. However I have found a couple things I am not happy with. It won't rotate to a full vertical shot, I have to adjust one leg to get the vertical needed. Also the screw adjustment knob for the quick release plate isn't as easy to use as the lever release style. Because of the screw type of release plate I have loosened it a copule times and almost droped my camera thinking I had turned the knob to the ball instead. There is a learning curve with this ball head. I would recommend this to a friend with caution of making sure you know which knob you are truning.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 55 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

BH-3 DOES work in portrait orientation

By Shea

from Boston

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Reviewer

Pros

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

Cons

    Best Uses

      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.

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      No complaints

      By Brett

      from Washington, D.C.

      About Me Pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attaches Firmly
      • Good Stability
      • Strong Clamp

      Cons

        Best Uses

          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.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          keeps the camera/lens stable

          By gastwa

          from rockville, md

          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
            • Travel
            • Wildlife

            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.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Kirk BH-3 Ballhead

            By Leo

            from Moncton, NB

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

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

            Cons

            • None

            Best Uses

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

            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.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Finally

            By Adobephoto

            from New Mexico

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Good Stability

            Cons

              Best Uses

                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.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Great design

                By Hugo G

                from New York

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

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

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Night Shots

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Quality product

                  By Lad

                  from Lexington, Virginia

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

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

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Night Shots

                    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.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Fast, Smooth & Stable

                    By Bob

                    from Long Island, NY

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Macro
                      • Night Shots
                      • Portraits

                      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.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Solid, smooth, made in USA

                      By Sue B MI

                      from Grand Rapids, MI

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                      • Complicated Controls

                      Best Uses

                      • Home
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Portraits

                      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).

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Fast and smoooooth, great ballhead

                      By Matt

                      from new jersey

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Night Shots
                        • Portraits

                        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.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Very Nice Ballhead

                        By Paul

                        from Arlington, Virginia

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Good Stability
                        • Strong Clamp

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Night Shots

                          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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Kirk BH-3 ball head

                          By Caimi

                          from midwest

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

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

                          Cons

                          • None

                          Best Uses

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

                          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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Sturdy ballhead

                          By Gene

                          from Pittsburgh PA

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          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 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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Great light ball head

                          By Mr. X

                          from Honolulu, Hawaii

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Good Stability

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Travel

                            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

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Comment on this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Great Ballhead at great price

                            By Patrick Kirk

                            from Cincinnati, OH

                            About Me Casual Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Attaches Firmly
                            • Good Stability
                            • Large Range of Motion

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Home
                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Portraits

                              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.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Comment on this review

                              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              4.0

                              Smooth and Silky

                              By Raveman

                              from Durban, South Africa

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                              • Does drift

                              Best Uses

                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Portraits
                              • Travel
                              • Weddings/Events

                              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)

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Comment on this review

                              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              Great ballhead!!!

                              By Mike in Miami

                              from Miami, Florida

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Reviewer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

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

                                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.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Comment on this review

                                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                4.0

                                Solid Ballhead

                                By Chris

                                from Dubai, UAE

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Attaches Firmly
                                • Good Stability
                                • Strong Clamp

                                Cons

                                • Heavy

                                Best Uses

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

                                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.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Outstanding

                                By SK

                                from Franklin, MA

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Attaches Firmly
                                • Good Stability
                                • Large Range of Motion
                                • Smooth and sturdy

                                Cons

                                • Pricey

                                Best Uses

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

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

                                This is my first ballhead. Last few years I had been using Manfrotto 3265 head. BH-3 is way way ahead in terms of smooth movement. This allows me to compose easily. I highly recommend this.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                As expected

                                By Hans

                                from Norway

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Attaches Firmly
                                • Good Stability
                                • Large Range of Motion
                                • Strong Clamp
                                • Sturdy smooth to operate

                                Cons

                                • A bit on the heavy side

                                Best Uses

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

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

                                This ballhead was smooth to operate and solid. Works excellent with my 300s / 70-200 Nikon. Easy to lock and it stays put.

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                                • No

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                                Quick Release Plates

                                Kirk -  PZ-3 Arca-Type Compact Quick Release Plate
                                • Price: $39.00
                                 

                                Spare Parts

                                Kirk -  Snap Collar for BH-3 Ballhead
                                • Price: $24.95
                                 

                                Bags & Cases

                                Kirk -  BH-3P Pouch
                                • Price: $19.95
                                 

                                What's in the Box

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