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Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head

BH #VAALTABH100 • MFR #ALTA BH-100
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
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Camera Mounting Screw
1/4"-20 Male
Quick Release Plate Type
Arca-Type
Friction Control
Yes
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Weight
1 lb / 0.5 kg
Head
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Camera Mounting Screw
1/4"-20 Male
Quick Release Plate Type
Arca-Type
Number of Bubble Levels
2
Friction Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Ball Sphere Diameter
1.26" / 32 mm
General
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
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

Great Quality

By Juan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-09

Beautifully constructed. Perfect feel as you adjust/move it. DOES NOT come with an adaptor for smaller existing threaded screw. I can't understand, why they don't just include it. If you are like me, and in another country, and in need of this simple adaptor it becomes an immediate BIG problem.

Sturdy build

By Alison
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-01-20

Sturdy......but, not used to this type of connection and find difficult to insert or remove camera. The 360 rotation is really stiff too, which makes it a challenge to use. I'm keeping as a back up to my other tripod.

Well Made

By Bruce
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-17

I wasn't sure what to expect from the kit ball head. I've been pleasantly surprised. It's well made and handles my Sony a7iii with the Sigma 100-400 (the heaviest combo I have) with no problem.

WORKS GREAT

By Gino
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-02

STRONG NO SLOP

Solid and reliable

By Andrew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-06-16

Great ball head! I use it on a Manfrotto 190x pro 3 and it's a perect combo. Very solid and secure, even with larger lenses at odd angles. The one I currently have is actually my second copy of the head. The first one started becoming wobbly after ~6 months of light to normal use. The main section of the head would shift around within the base part. However, after contacting Vanguard, they replaced it immediately and my new one is functioning perfectly after ~7 months. Rating 5 stars since I am confident in Vanguard's warranty and customer service and my current head is working fantastically. Otherwise, it's a sturdy tripod head all around, so not much else to say - it's easy to tighten and loosen everything quickly and the panning motion is smooth. I completely trust my gear on this head. The only negative I can think of is that the finish is not very durable, based on having owned two of these. It does not take long for the clamp part to get pretty beat up from taking the plate in and out. It's just a cosmetic thing though, so I don't find it to be a big deal.

Excellent choice for my Nikon D610 camera.

By Sam
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-06

I bought this head to replace a worn out head on a Vanguard tripod. it works well for the load of a Nikon D610 and telephoto lens. No creep when mounted. I think it was an excellent replacement.

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.

Solid

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-10

Very basic and solid. No vibration. Allows a clear picture and easy pan.

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What is the diameter of the base plate?

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Asked by: Takanori
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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
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Answered by: Lawrence
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
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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