Vanguard SBH-50 Compact Magnesium Alloy Ballhead with Two Onboard Bubble Levels

When I started learning to use a DSLR a couple of years ago it seemed like the options for what I'd consider decent ball heads were all in the $300+ range. But the reality of being a new photographer - definitely a long way from being prolevel - influenced me to read all the positive reviews on the less expensive but stll highly rated ball heads. The Vanguard SBH 250 was my first choice, and I was not at all disappointed with it. My huge Induro tripod and smaller Vanguard AT 236 both wear the 250. My Pentax K20D tended to slip on the Q39 quick detachable base though, so with some aluminum angle, JB Weld, and lots of hand work I soon had one of the bases custom contoured to my camera. Love it- especially considering the prices of similar bases offered by the high-end companies. But, for a carry around everywhere tripod (Benro Travel Angel) the 250 was just tooo BIG! The SBH-50 was, and is a perfect match for small and average size tripods, and works equally well on my 6 feet tall Giottos Monopod. Each head is kept attached to it's mono/tripod with locktite to keep them extra secure; each ballhead has the safety catch to keep the QD base from accidentally sliding off the head, as well. ALL good stuff!! I do wish the 50 had the adjustable friction knob the SBH-250 has, but that's really a non-issue; it works fine as is. There are reviews on Amazon complaining about rough machining on these ballheads, all 4 of mine are quite smooth and still lock up solidly. The dual bubble levels and extra Q-39 QD bases which are included with both models is icing on the cake. Highly recommended!

Pros:- rated to support 13 lbs/6kg- comes with 2 quick release plates, excellent for a back-up camera- two bubble levels- allows panning (with a grain of salt, see Cons below)- comes with a screw adapter, compatible with either 1/4" or 3/8" tripod screw- affordableCons:- the base is smaller than the top of my Manfrotto 190CXPro4 -- not only looks a little awkward, also prevents the 3 locking screws on the 190CXPro4 to be used to further secure this ball head- the screw on the quick release plate needs a metal piece/coin to operate- one knob for both panning and tension on the ball, so you may need to re-adjust for leveling after panning.- the instructions are badly written and quite confusing.- the bubble levels are hard to see with a camera attached.I bought this ball head after seeing the 5-star ratings on adorama. After receiving the item, I realized it doesn't have a separate panning knob -- This is the first ball head for me, and I used a 3-way pan&tilt head before, so I probably just need to get used to the ball head.

This ball head is very well machined. The fit and finish is very good. The movements in both axes is very smooth. My mechanical skills was somewhat lacking as I had to call Vanguard to get help with instructions on how to remove the pan head and install the ball head.There were no instructions in the package. I'm deducting one star for that reason. I think this will be a very good addition to my equipment as I hope to use it instead of the pan head. Thanks, Randy H

I suspect it was simply defective but I did not want to chance ordering another. Moved up for a few bucks more to the SBH-100. The ball head did not lock. I could easily move it with my hand. I expected more out of it as an owner of the SBH-250 (which I really like a lot). The intent was to use the SBH-50 on a monopod. Feel the SBH-100 will be a better choice as it is a more popular ball head over all.This may work for some folks. I may have just got a lemon. Only thing I did was put it on the monopod and mount the camera and it slowly creeped forward. I tried to tighten but the knob just would never reach a locked position. Camera weight was a EOS-600D (T3i) and Sigma 17-50mm f2.8... Roughly 5 lbs. Ball head is rated for roughly 13 lbs. I feel better with the SBH-100 anyway. YMMV

I use this on a Benro Travel Angel and it keeps my travel equipment light but sturdy. I love the double release for security. It came with 2 plates so there's one on my 7D and one on my Olympus OMD E-M5. It works great for both. On the 7D, the heaviest lens I've used on it so far is the Canon 18-200mm and it hold very well. I have not tried anything heavier than that. The knobs are easy to turn yet hold things in place well.

This tripod head is very light and but very sturdy - holds my Nikon D810 and 150-600 mm telephoto without any problem. It comes with an adapter so that it fits 2 sizes of camera socket - sorry, I don't know the exact measurements but they're no doubt standard sizes. When you tighten the locking mechanisms, the camera is very secure and the ball doesn't move. It does a good job.

I have sbh-250 that is a very good ball head. I wanted to buy sbh-50 for my monopot but the product disappointed me for qualit problems. The orange button not on easily, after the finger breaking on. I did a reform to it in order that the same one does not have the whole tour but it continues being. The supply that covers the low screws comes detached. Under these conditions I do not recommend it.

I am using this device for my light weight DSLR-like camera, Lumix GH1. This ball head works beautifully in all occasions. In particular, I like the quick (and safe) release mechanism. Easy to mount to and dismount from the tripod. Once it is on, it is quite secure. It works nicely either horizontally or vertically. I recommend this device to all serious photographers working with the new generations of DSLR like camera in Four Thirds format.