Customer Reviews

Joby BH1 Ball Head with Bubble Level for Joby GP3 SLR-Zoom Gorillapods

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I own a Velbon Carbon Fiber tripod and I instantly shaved a pound or more off that system by removing the large 3-way magnesium head and replacing it with this little gem. Ball heads are already popular tripod heads for their small size and easy maneuverability, but they typically cost a lot more than this Joby.

Pros:

- price point may seem high for small tripods but this is a bargain compared to name brand quality equipment used on large tripods by photo enthusiasts.

- Feature rich including the quick release plate and bubble-leveler.

- Works as advertised.

Cons:

- the coin screw attachment on the quick release plate is not easy to attach quickly unlike other systems.

- only rated for 6 lbs but this is reasonable for the price range.

- Even for cameras under the 6 lb rating, positioning will sag a bit after locking. This is a common problem for heads as high as $200, but the Joby sag is less than many more expensive heads.

- does not support panning since lock screw freezes all degrees of freedom. More expensive Ball heads normally come with a separate lock for the panning direction.

This product should be stock with the GP3 Zoom model. This completes the gorillapod and makes it much more flexible to use. I would also recommend it for other ballhead needs as the price point and quality make it very attractive. It performed well; placed on the ballhead and Gorillapod Zoom was my Canon 20D, battery grip, and 28-135 zoom lens with no problems.

This ballhead is made by Joby and marketed for Joby's line of Gorillapod tripods. I bought it for use with my Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, but this also works very well with other tripods. It is crafted out of metal and has a good bit of heft to it. Definitely doesn't have a cheap feel. Supports my 20D well. It is rated only for about 6 lbs. so watch how large of a lens you use with it.

This ball head was advertised to support SLR camera and lens up to 3 kg or 6.6 lb. Mine (Lumix GH1) weight less than much less than 3 lb; yet one could not use this device to aim anywhere without serious drooping after tightening the head. Furthermore, even more serious defect is that the 'adapter screw' (from 3/8" to 1/4") sags deeper and deeper into the body of the ball head after each mount to and dismount from the tripot. Eventually, it renders itself useless, as it is no longer possible to mount. I had to return it after a few days' struggling. I do not recommend this device to anyone.

i have a regular Boden tripod that i typically use, but when i went hiking i didn't want to carry my big tripod so i bought a Joby Zoom Gorillapod and this Ball Head. the Gorillapod is adequate, but this BH1 Ball Head really stands out. without this accessory, i would have been disappointed with the Gorillapod, but this is really well designed and implemented and it's very easy to use. i am quite pleased with this purchase.

Not much to say, its exactly what it claims which is all i can ask. I do like the larger knob to lock in position. the level is an added bonus. i bought it to use with the gorilla-pod.

I use this regularly with the Joby GP3 Zoom Gorillapod. It is an excellent combo when you are on the go: lightweight, adaptable, and practical. The top part screws onto your camera (just use a small coin) and latches on and off the camera using a quick press of a button.

Note that you don't need to use this ballhead on an SLR camera. I use it both with my point & shoot as well as my SLR. With the point and shoot it is very useful for closeup shots and in low light. With the SLR it is useful when you don't want to lug along a regular tripod.

BTW The fluid level on it is very helpful.

Although a little pricey for what it is. This really completes the GP3. It helps make quick slight adjustments while your gorilla pod is hanging off a tree bark! Because of the stiff legs and joints on the GP3 tripod, you CANNOT easily make adjustments with the legs and joints alone.

The quick release and leveler is a very nice touch. Setting up the camera is 3 times faster than without it. I would NEVER recommend a Joby Gorillapod GP3 without this ball head!

5 stars for the product.

4 stars for price

An absolute necessity for the Gorilla pods (or you won't ever be able to properly orient the lens of your camera). Also good for other tripods.

I use this with my Pentax K-X and I have to say it does it's job pretty well. I like that the camera mount is so small that I can leave it on all the time and barely notice it's there. It seems to tighten down well enough to be sturdy; I've set it at odd angles and never had any slippage. I wouldn't recommend this with a heavy camera or a large lens of course.