RRS BH-55 first impressions

[Teddy Regpala]

Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ballhead

(shown with the optional arca swiss-type B2 Pro II quick release clamp)

Bought this recently, as I'm itching to add a ballhead to my Manfrotto 190CXPro3 tripod (currently being monopolized by the Manfrotto 393).

My impression is IT'S HUGE, it's ginormous.
Well, I kind of expected this as the base diameter itself is 2.86" (72.6mm). My tripod's base is only about 2.5", so I already knew that some part of it will "hang". Not bad at all (will show pics later).

Load capacity is 50 lbs (23 kg). It can handle whatever I can put on it right now, and what I'm planning in the future. I'm set.

Ball diameter is 2.165" (55mm). About 1.85 lbs (840g), 3.7" in height (including clamp), panning base has laser-engraved increments of 2.5 degrees, clamp has built-in spirite level, two drop notches, and tripod mount is a stainless steel 3/8" - 16.

Lots of knobs:
- Main lock knob (huge)
- Pan lock knob
- Drag set knob with scale
- and the quick release clamp knob

Everything is smooth, and tension for the panning base and drag of ball (even if main lock knob is lose) can be set.
The dual drop notches are convenient, if you want to turn the camera in portrait mode.
The quick release clamp I chose has a high-contrast bubble-level, and a safety stop groove, so quick release plates won't accidentally slip out of the clamp. (similar to the included plate in the 393 gimbal)

The body is a machined from a solid aluminum, very solid in feel.

So far, I like it. I still have to use it in the field though.
My support rig is now much lighter as compared with the 393 on it.

Will update this as soon as I have actually used it out in the field.
(I hope my 393 won't get jealous)

Any questions are welcome.

[Teddy Regpala]

Used the new setup out in the field yesterday for the first time.

Before anything else, would like to say it's NOT A GIMBAL, it's a ballhead.
They have their own use, and great for what they are.

Secondly, I noticed I'm capturing more perched birds than BIF. Gimbals are designed for moving subjects like BIFs for birders.

Also, I noticed with the glass combo I'm using, I'm noticing some random blur in my images. Can't seem to get consistent sharp images. I know, camera (strong mirror slap) and glass (no VR/IS/OS) combination are not the greatest combo as far as stabilisation is concerned. But it can get help from the support rig.
I started replacing the lens collar with a Kirk NC300, but it's not enough.
I tried to tighten the panning base of the 393, but it's too tight for my liking to get a stable support.
My current birding lens is too light for the 393. The 393 is designed for bigger and heavier lens, wherein the weight will keep it from any minute vibrations.

Having said all that, I'm really liking the RRS BH-55 big ball head. I noticed I almost always getting sharper images than with the Manfrotto 393.
The B2 Pro II clamp, is making a tight grip of the lens collar. It feels more solid than when it's attached to the 393's plate with a single screw. Sounds baloney, but it is what it is.

I'm thinking the weekest point in my support system now is the tripod. But it seems the Manfrotto 190CXPro3 can take the load better now since the ballhead is a lot lighter than the gimbal. Even though it's light (carbon fiber and magnesium clamps), it's rigid enough to take heavy loads up to 11 lbs. Great for hikes.

Back to the BH-55, as I've mentioned before, it can take 50 lbs (23 kgs). So there's no question about it's robustness. It having a 55mm ball, movement is smooth, and large surface area for the clamp system to hold on to.

I understand why RRS put the panning knob on the other side of the main knob. It having 3 knobs on itself (plus the knob from the quick release clamp, and another knob from the lens collar), you'll get confused if you're not looking at them (while you're eye is stucked on the viewfinder).

The additional friction (or drag) knob is really cool. You can tighten the friction of the ball, which is independent of the main lock knob. So even though you've loosen the main lock knob, the camera won't fall off, but you can still move the ball. So, one less thing to worry about.

Panning for BIF is still doable, you just need to remember to loosen the panning base (I like it tight most of the time kasi), and the main lock. Though it won't return to it's resting position when you're done, you have to move it right back, and tighten the knobs again. That's where the the gimbals excels, pan shoot, and forget about it.

You're mileage may vary.
You may not have the same set up as mine, and prefers something else, but if you're loooking for a good ball head, don't skimp on this one. Don't get something you'll regret or will be replacing later on.

That's it for now, will add more review later.
Hope you're learning something from this. Any questions are welcome.