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HomePhotographyTripods & SupportTripod HeadsTripod HeadsReally Right Stuff BH-55

Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp (Chrome)

BH #REBH55LR • MFR #BH-55 LR
149 reviews
Really Right Stuff
Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp (Chrome)
Key Features
  • 50 lb Load Capacity
  • Max Height: 3.7"
  • Dual 90° Notches for Portrait Mode
  • Separate Tension Control Knob
The BH-55 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp (Chrome) from Really Right Stuff is a 1.96 lb ball head that will support large camera/long lens combinations weighing up to 50 lb. Crafted from aluminum and stainless steel, the BH-55 has all of the features you'd expect from a professional-level head. An over-sized, ergonomic locking knob allows 45-degree tilting in all directions and dual 90-degree drop-notches facilitate quick and accurate switching from the horizontal landscape position to vertical portrait orientation. A separate tension knob is provided to apply the appropriate pressure that safely corresponds to the weight of your camera. A third knob loosens and locks the panning base which is laser-engraved with markers every 2.5 degrees from 0 to 360 degrees.
In Stock
$540.00
$90/mo. suggested payments for 6 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
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Really Right Stuff BH-55 with Full-Size Lever... Overview

The BH-55 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp (Chrome) from Really Right Stuff is a 1.96 lb ball head that will support large camera/long lens combinations weighing up to 50 lb. Crafted from aluminum and stainless steel, the BH-55 has all of the features you'd expect from a professional-level head. An over-sized, ergonomic locking knob allows 45-degree tilting in all directions and dual 90-degree drop-notches facilitate quick and accurate switching from the horizontal landscape position to vertical portrait orientation. A separate tension knob is provided to apply the appropriate pressure that safely corresponds to the weight of your camera. A third knob loosens and locks the panning base which is laser-engraved with markers every 2.5 degrees from 0 to 360 degrees.

Benefits

  • Ergonomic design gives superior handling and unsurpassed reliability
  • Lowest height profile in its class
  • Knobs are captive and uniquely shaped, making operation by feel very intuitive
  • Dual 90-Degree drop-notches allow maximum flexibility for positioning the camera for portrait-orientation or extreme angle shots
  • Micrometer drag tension adjustment is repeatable and absolutely reliable
  • Precision panning base is finely laser-engraved at 2.5-degree intervals and features unique drum and brake design for effortless locking
  • Laser-engraved millimeter scale offers precise centering and positioning within the clamp jaw
  • All components are machined from solid aircraft aluminum or stainless steel for maximum durability and minimum weight
    • UPC: 818413022508

    Really Right Stuff BH-55 with Full-Size Lever... Specs

    General
    Head TypeBall Head
    Base Mount3/8"-16 Female
    Quick Release Plate TypeArca-Type
    Load Capacity50 lb / 23 kg
    Number of Bubble Levels1
    Friction ControlYes
    Independent Pan LockYes
    MaterialAluminum
    Pan & Tilt Range
    Lateral Tilt-45° to +45°
    Vertical Tilt+90° to 0°
    Panning Range360°
    Physical
    Ball Sphere Diameter2.2" / 55.88 mm
    Base Diameter2.9" / 73.66 mm
    DimensionsH: 3.7" / H: 94.0 mm
    Weight2 lb / 0.91 kg
    Packaging Info
    Package Weight2.42 lb
    Box Dimensions (LxWxH)6 x 5.85 x 5.3"

    Really Right Stuff BH-55 with Full-Size Lever... Reviews

    Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with lever

    By Aaron
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2022-03-15

    The BH-55 ball head with lever locks up solid, is quick and fast to set up, and is easy to adjust. I found it invaluable on my tripod for quick setups to aid in acquiring and ranging targets, then mounting my rifle for shooting. It has tension adjust for the ball head and another for swivel. The main ball head lock for the ball locks up tight with minimal backlash, making accurate adjustment easy and quick.

    FLAWLESS !

    By EUGENE
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2022-01-09

    Ultimate awesome and I am speechless when I use it for my Nikon Nature Photography at Ohio State Parks. Far better than rest of ballheads I have use. No exception, period.

    Can't go wrong

    By Greg
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2022-01-05

    Extremely well-made. I took a workshop with Mark Zablotsky Photography, and he recommended this. He told the story of coming upon a lady trapped in her car after an accident. He broke the window with his tripod and this ball head to get her out. Although it looks a bit scarred, he still uses it!

    Good, Not As Perfect As They Want You to Believe

    By Gerard
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Date: 2021-12-19

    Consistent with its reputation, quality of manufacturing seems to be first rate. But there are two things that irritate me. First, the panning lock knob and the friction adjustment knob are too close together. You can't adjust the friction without the panning knob getting in the way. Not sure why the design team didn't pick up on this. Second, you have to turn the lockdown knob a lot in order to achieve total lockdown. I've heard this described as slop. IMO, the Markins Q20i, which I also own, is a better product. It's lighter, just as strong, and has a more elegant design.

    The best!

    By Christine M.
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2021-09-21

    This is my second purchase from RRS and without a doubt the best ball head on the market.

    Everything I thought it would be

    By Robert
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2021-08-20

    Truly well-made gear is such a joy to use. RRS never disappoints and this head is no exception. Larger than most, it's plus-size ball and knob clearly provide exceptional leverage and stability for the heaviest camera/lens pairs. The flat shape of the tension setting knob makes it easy to find and differentiate from the rotation lock. and unlike some systems, such the Manfrotto 2-in one knob, the tensioner stays exactly where you set it. A quarter-turn takes the main knob from free movement to absolute lockdown. Any slippage or play is clearly impossible once that thing bites all the way down. The only downsides would be size - it's burly, folding tripods where the legs reverse probably won't close all the way down. And, like all RSS stuff, it's relatively expensive. But if you want the best, and enjoy the feel of perfection in your hands, it's worth it.

    Holds My Long Lens

    By Dan
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2022-03-13

    The large ball and tight locking mechanism is what I needed for shooting with my heavy 150-600mm lens. This is an outstanding Ball Head!

    Excellent tripod head

    By Doug
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Date: 2022-03-07

    The lever action puts an iron grip on your camera making sure it will not fall off. The large knob makes it easy to tighten down so even your heaviest lenses will not move once you let go. Having an L bracket is great for going from panoramic to portrait in just a couple of seconds. The only down size is the weight (it's pretty heavy) and of course, the price!!

    See any errors on this page? Let us know

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    Asked by: Laura
    Yes, this head will work with the Kirk L bracket.
    Answered by: Rob
    Date published: 2021-02-17

    Is the quick release clamp lever adjustable at ...

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    Asked by: chris
    The clamp is not adjustable, however it automatically adjusts to various size plates and tightens accordingly.
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    question

    My BH55 pan lock knob is stuck, and the base is unable to be locked into place. Is there a way to free the knob?
    Asked by: Jeff C.
    Mine came with the pan knob tightened by some someone who drinks WAY to much coffee. I wrapped the knob with a rag and used a pair of pliers to loosen it. Ended up with a small scratch on the knob. I don’t really care about the scratch as, after a lot of use, it’s not the only self inflicted blemish on the head.
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    Date published: 2019-11-08

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    Asked by: Dan
    Yes it is compatible.
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    Asked by: Derek
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    Answered by: Zachariah
    Date published: 2021-02-17

    Can the allen/hex screw to the top platform have ...

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    Does this require a set screw to keep it in place or keep it from moving when adjusting the lever release?
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