I wanted a ball head to replace my trigger ball head because of its bulk and weight. I have not made this purchase lightly as much research and one prior purchase/return was involved to get to this ball head. I didn't want a knob but rather a locking lever to control the ball adjustment. The travel distance of the lever and the ability to adjust its starting point are important to ensure it's not a hassle to quickly make adjustments. The build quality is also extremely important to me but I didn't want to buy a $500 head as I believed there must be a better value out there. Before this ball head I purchased a Really Right Stuff BH-25 but it was too small and the lever would run into the plate adjustment screw in some positions. The next step up in the RRS heads was another $100 to $150 above what I already spent.
I own a Vanguard AT263 tripod so decided I would look into their offerings and found this head. I guess I just hadn't seen it before and was pleasantly surprised by the build quality, ease of adjustment, the rather short lever travel distance, the ability to change the starting position of the lever, the ability to control panning separately and the fine adjustment the ball tension control provides. It weighs about a pound but will hold up to 27 pounds or something ridiculous like that! When I tighten the lever, about 90 degrees of travel, the ball is VERY secure, I couldn't move it.
The clamp is ARCA Swiss and works with my existing plate but the head does come with a good plate with a flip down adjustment tab for easy tightening.
Time will tell but this head is the same high quality and great value as my tripod so I don't expect any issues.
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From the manufacturer
Vanguard Alta BH Series of Ball Heads for Tripods and Professional Cameras
Vanguard Alta BH Professional Tripod Ball Heads
Arca-Swiss Ball Heads
Alta BH is a series of photo tripod heads that are designed for the more advanced to the pro level user. Whether you’re shooting indoors, outdoors, in studio or on location, the Alta series heads has your gear supported. The ALTA is Vanguard’s top of the range and is crafted to perform in all conditions.
Series Overview
ALTA BH Series heads is a collection of ball heads which work with camera loads as low as 8.8 lbs or the largest unit in the series can easily hold some whopping 66 lbs of gear. The Alta BH-100 has 3 knobs to give you great head movement while the Alta BH-250 and Alta BH-300 models incorporate 4 knobs to give you unparalleled performance, the ultimate head movement range and control.
VANGUARD Alta BH Photo Ball Heads
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Robust Build ConstructionThe Alta BH ball heads are built with aircraft aluminum which provides lightweight construction and long lasting performance. |
Arca CompatibleAlta BH heads Use an 'Arca-Swiss' quick release system with built-in retractable safety pin positioned on the top of the mounting plate of the head. Double security for your valuable equipment. The included quick shoe- QS-60V2 38mm is a universal Arca compatible plate. It is also compatible with all Vanguard BH series Ball heads and many other photo heads. |
Precision AlignmentDual bubble levels allow for easy quick fine tuning and seamless positioning. |
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| ALTA BH-100 Ball Head | ALTA BH-250 Ball Head | ALTA BH-300 Ball Head | |
| Customer Reviews |
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| Price | $56.70 | $67.24 | $76.95 |
| Load Capacity | 22 LBS | 44 LBS | 66.1 LBS |
| Base Plate Diameter | 2.3 Inches | 2.4 Inches | 2.6 Inches |
| Ball Diameter | 1.3 Inches | 1.5 Inches | 1.7 Inches |
| Width | 3 7/8 Inches | 4 1/8 Inches | 4 1/8 Inches |
| Height | 4 1/2 Inches | 4 5/8 Inches | 4 5/8 Inches |
| Weight | 1 LB | 1.3 LBS | 1.4 LBS |
About Vanguard
Vanguard is a global company that designs and manufactures tripods, bags, sporting optics, and accessories. For over 30 years, our drive to disrupt mediocrity and commitment to innovation has allowed us to create the highest quality products for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts at an affordable cost.
From the brand
Vanguard: What's Your Story?
Vanguard's customer-focused commitment has allowed us to design and produce feature-packed, premium tripods, bags, & sporting optics.
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Founded in 1986, Vanguard is a global company that designs and manufactures tripods, bags, sporting optics, and accessories. Every step from R&D to production is implemented in-house by our Vanguard-owned and operated robust global team.
Our drive to disrupt mediocrity and commitment to innovation has allowed us to create high-quality, innovative, and feature-packed products for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts all over the world.
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Made with the User in Mind
Every day, hundreds of thousands rely on Vanguard tripods, monopods, bags, binoculars, and accessories.
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Compare with similar items
This Item  Vanguard Alta BH-300 Ball Head,Gray |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $76.95 | $24.95 | $33.99 | $32.70 | $129.99 | -17% $28.99 List: $35.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
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| Sold By | Amazon.com | PICTRON Direct | SmallRig | HSZY Technology Co., Ltd. Flagship Store | WEYLLAN | Avella Photo |
| compatible devices | DSLR Camera, Mirrorless Camera | Camera | Cellphone, Camera, Camcorder | Camera, Camcorder | Camcorder, Camera, DSLR Camera, Tripod, Monopod, Telescope | Camera |
| max. recommended weight | 66 pounds | 22 pounds | 2 kilograms | 33 pounds | 88.12 pounds | 0.3 kilograms |
| weight | 1.4 pounds | 0.26 pounds | 188 grams | 0.62 pounds | 1.65 pounds | 0.4 kilograms |
Reviews with images
Built like a tank/works like a champ
The Vanguard Alta BH-300 ball head arrived today and I couldn’t be more pleased. Construction is top notch, all controls function perfectly, connected to my Slik tripod with no issues, rubber grip on all 4 control knobs and the ball has a nice smooth feel in rotation. When everything is locked down, you can throw the tripod over your shoulder with no fear of the camera moving or falling off. This thing is SOLID with my heaviest camera setup. See photos. I did a ton of research before purchasing and you will not find a better ball head at this price point. 5 stars all around.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2017
Style: Alta BH-100Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2019
Style: Alta BH-300Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2020
Style: Alta BH-100Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
Style: Alta BH-250Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2023
Style: Alta BH-300Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
The Vanguard Alta BH-300 ball head arrived today and I couldn’t be more pleased. Construction is top notch, all controls function perfectly, connected to my Slik tripod with no issues, rubber grip on all 4 control knobs and the ball has a nice smooth feel in rotation. When everything is locked down, you can throw the tripod over your shoulder with no fear of the camera moving or falling off. This thing is SOLID with my heaviest camera setup. See photos. I did a ton of research before purchasing and you will not find a better ball head at this price point. 5 stars all around.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022
Style: Alta BH-300Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2022
Style: Alta BH-100Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Leslie Leyh
A really, really good ball head for the price.
Reviewed in Canada on September 14, 2022Style: Alta BH-250Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
chris
I had high hopes for this!
Reviewed in Australia on September 27, 2023Style: Alta BH-250Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Great size for my small rig.
Reviewed in Canada on July 31, 2021Style: Alta BH-250Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
D. L. Hammett
To tight
Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2020Style: Alta BH-250Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
G Lach
Previously used...missing part...useless.
Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2021Style: Alta BH-250Pattern Name: Ball HeadVerified Purchase
