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Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head

BH #VAALTABH100 • MFR #ALTA BH-100
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Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 22.0 lb
  • Ball-and-Socket Tension Control
  • 360° Pan with Independent Lock
  • Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
The Vanguard Alta BH-100 is an Arca-type ball head that has a load capacity of 22.0 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount.
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Vanguard BH-100 Overview

The Vanguard Alta BH-100 is an Arca-type ball head that has a load capacity of 22.0 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount.

Cameras or accessories that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 mount can be connected to the included QS-60 V2 Quick Release Plate. The quick release plate can be attached or removed from the integrated clamp located at the top of the head's ball-and-socket joint by tightening or loosening the clamp's knurled, locking knob. Within the recessed surface between the clamp's jaws is a retaining pin. This pin prevents an installed QS-60 V2 Quick Release Plate from accidentally sliding off when the clamp is opened. The quick release plate features a rubberized, non-slip platform while two built-in bubble levels along the edges of the clamp accommodate landscape or portrait orientations.

By loosening the ball head's primary locking knob, the head's ball-and-socket joint can be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position. Variable tension can be applied to the ball-and-socket joint's movements by rotating the friction knob located above the primary locking knob. Toward the side of the ball head opposite the primary locking knob is a secondary locking knob, which controls the ability to rotate the head 360°.

  • Arca-type ball head with 22.0 lb load capacity
  • Compatible with tripods or support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount
  • Uses ball-and-socket joint to help maximize pan-and-tilt flexibility
  • Ball-and-socket joint provides 360° of swivel control, is tiltable down to a 90° angle, and can be locked into place
  • Large, primary locking knob with knurled surface allows ball-and-socket joint to be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position
  • Knurled friction knob located above the primary locking knob applies variable tension on the ball-and-socket joint's movements
  • Secondary locking knob with knurled surface allows head to rotate 360°
  • Integrated clamp on top of on the ball-and-socket joint is compatible with included QS-60 V2 Quick Release Plate
  • Two built-in bubble levels along the edges of the clamp accommodate landscape or portrait orientations
  • Integrated retaining pin on the clamp prevents QS-60 V2 Quick Release Plate from accidentally sliding off when the clamp is opened
  • Durable, aluminum-alloy construction
UPC: 026196349419

Vanguard BH-100 Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Weight
1 lb / 0.5 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
No
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
No
Lateral Tilt
No
General
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
1 lb / 0.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.2 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.2 x 4.45 x 3.9"

Vanguard BH-100 Reviews

Fire

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-24

broke my expensive ball head. wanted to replace it with something I would be less sad if it broke. This functions the exact same and is well built.

Best Ball Head

By Debra
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-21

This fits my tripod perfectly and holds my camera better than any other ball head I've tried. Definably recommend it.

See any errors on this page?

I'm wanting to replace an older SBH-100 ball head ...

I'm wanting to replace an older SBH-100 ball head that is on an Alta Pro 264AT tripod with the newer Arca-Swiss Alta BH-100 head but I wanted to know if I can attach the "three legged thing" (QR-11 LC) L bracket to it without any issues?
Asked by: Richard
Simpler to replace the clamp on the existing SBH. Numerous clamps available.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2022-06-23

What is the diameter of the base plate?

What is the diameter of the base plate?
Asked by: Takanori
The Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head has a base diameter of 2.3 inches.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2021-09-10

Can I mount this upside down with a robo camera ...

Can I mount this upside down with a robo camera mounted on it??
Asked by: Mookie
The Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head is designed to be mounted on a tripod.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2022-03-04

Is this ballhead compatible with the Peak Design ...

Is this ballhead compatible with the Peak Design standard plate?
Asked by: Domingo
This ballhead has a safety pin with its own release. Most plates have two screws in the bottom to do the same thing. For these to fit properly, remove those two screws.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2022-06-23

Does the safety pin locks the peak design plate?

Does the safety pin locks the peak design plate?
Asked by: Ken
The Peak Design Dual Plate V2 can work with the safety pin on this Vanguard head.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2020-10-01

question

I can't seem to get my plate off because of the screw. Without unscrewing the screw from the bottom how do I depress the screw to release the plate?
Asked by: michael
Tilt the plate slightly upwards from the side that doesnt have the little pin. And when I say the side, the plate slides front to back when the screw is loosened
Answered by: Russell G.
Date published: 2019-01-30
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