Tripods are incredibly versatile and powerful tools that can enable photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds to capture images that would otherwise be difficult if not impossible to pull off. These wonderfully simple tools give us increased control and creative freedom and I believe they are one of the most important accessories that every photographer should have.

If you’d like to learn more about different types to tripods and which is right for your style of photography, feel free to read THIS ARTICLE.

Of course, tripods are great, and having a sturdy and well-built set of tripod legs is essential. But that’s only part of the equation. Not only do you need a solid platform to set your camera on, but you also need a quality tripod head that will meet your needs as a photographer. In past articles, I took a deep dive into the best tripods including the best professional tripods, the best budget tripods, and of course the best travel tripods. In today’s article, we’re going to take it one step further and dive into tripod heads specifically. And even more specifically we’ll be looking at Ball Heads (stay tuned for an article on gimbal heads).

Ball Heads are the most widely used style of tripod head and they meet the needs of a wide range of photographers shooting in all different styles and situations. If you’re not sure what style of tripod head you need, or if you’re purchasing your first tripod, then this is likely a great option that will get the job done. I own multiple ball heads and if I’m headed out for a landscape shoot or if I’m not quite sure what to expect, a ball head is my go-to.

Now that we’ve established just how useful and versatile ball heads are, let’s take a look at Backcountry Journey's curated collection of 10 great offerings currently on the market. As usual, this list is presented in no particular order, and I wanted to cover a wide range of offerings. This list includes very high-performance and expensive products as well as much more affordable yet still capable ball heads. The consistent factor amongst them all is that they are tried and tested and have all received high numbers of very good product reviews and ratings. Of course, there are plenty of other great ball heads out there but this is simply the list we have put together for today’s article.

Let’s get right into it and take a look at 10 of the best ball heads currently available!

Acratech GXP Ball Head with Lever Clamp

Specs:

• Price: $560

• Load Capacity: 50 lb

• Height: 4.2”

• Weight 1 lb

• Arca-Type Compatible

• 360-degree Pan with Independent Pan Lock

• Tension Control

• Lever Locking Mechanism

• Single Bubble Level

The Acratech GXP Ball Head is certainly one of the absolute best ball heads currently available. It has received praise and won countless awards from reputable sources and photographers far and wide absolutely love this tripod head. If you’re looking for a well-built, lightweight, durable, and pro-level ball head then this is just what you’re after.

Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp

Specs:

• Price: $560

• Load Capacity:

• Height: 3.7”

• Weight: 1.96 lb

• Dual 90-degree Notches for Portrait Mode

• Tension Control

• Panning Base with Engraved Degree Marks

• Base Diameter 2.9”, Ball Diameter 2.2”

It will likely come as no surprise that this legendary ball head has been included in today’s list. Really Right Stuff is known far and wide as one of the world’s premiere tripod manufacturers and this durable, well-built, and versatile ball head is no exception. If you’re looking for a really great, professional-level ball head then this is a great choice.

Oben BE-117 Ball Head with Arca-Type Quick Release

Specs:

• Price: $84

• Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

• Height: 3.7”

• Weight: 13.4 oz

• Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Set

• 360-Degree Pan with Independent Pan Lock

• Ball Diameter: 32mm

• 2x Bubble Levels

The Oben BE-117 is a very affordable but capable ball head from Oben, a very reputable brand known for producing quality products. If you don’t need to support a ton of weight, want to save some cash, but still need a quality and lightweight ball head, this might be exactly what you need. With tons of exceptional reviews and ratings, this is a great product at a very approachable price point.

Robus RTH-1050 Triple Action Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $350

• Load Capacity: 55 lb

• Height: 5.0”

• Weight: 1.8 lb

• Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Clamp

• Includes Quick Release Plate

• Tension Control

• Integrated Bubble Level

• 360-Degree Pan with Independent Pan Lock

As another classic ball head, the RTH-1050 Triple Action from Robus is a great choice for anyone looking for a great compromise between price and functionality. This ball head can handle up to 55 pounds of weight, comes in a durable and lightweight form factor, and overall, the build quality and ease of use are top notch. If you’re looking for a great ball head at a reasonable price point this could be a great option.

Gitzo GH1382QD Series 1 Center Ball Head with Arca-Type Screw Knob QR Receiver

Specs:

• Price: $481

• Load Capacity: 31 lb

• Height: 4.4”

• Weight: 1.1 lb

• Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release

• 360-Degree Pan with Independent Pan Lock

• Adjustable Tension Control

• Bubble Level

• Tungsten Disulfide Ball Coating

The Gitzo GH1382QD Series 1 is another one of our top-tier selections. This is a really great ball head that is designed to stand up against the elements and will last a long time. Gitzo is right up there with the very best tripod manufacturers and this ball head is no exception. You’ll be able to achieve smooth motion, and finite control when creating compositions, and all of the nobs work flawlessly. This thing is well-engineered to say the least.

Benro GX35 Two Series Arca-Type Low Profile Aluminum Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $210

• Load Capacity: 77 lb

• Dual Panoramic Functionality

• Two Independent Pan Locks

• 360-Degree Pan Movements

• Calibration Marks for Positioning

• Low Profile Design

The GX35 from Benro is a really great ball head that sits at a very attractive and reasonable price point for the quality of the product. With a staggering max load capacity of 77 pounds, smooth motion and controls, and a great overall design all in a lightweight and compact form factor, this tripod head is a great choice. I personally use this ball head and it works great!

Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head with MSQ6PL Quick Release Plate

Specs:

• Price: $200

• Load Capacity: 33.1 lb

• Magnesium-Alloy Construction

• Up to 90-Degree Portrait Angle Tilt

• Independent 360-Degree Rotation with Lock

• Ball-an-Socket Tension Control

• Three Bubble Levels

With tons of great reviews and ratings across the board, the Manfrotto XPRO is a great ball head at a great price point. If you’re looking for quality, durability, smooth motion, and more, then this just might be what you’re after. Manfrotto has been producing quality tripods and tripod heads for decades and they have certainly earned a reputation for great products at reasonable prices.

Sirui K-30x Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $130

• Load Capacity: 66 lb

• Knobs for Pan, Tilt, & Tension

• QR Plate with Anti-Twist Rubber Mat

• Arca-Style Clamp for Quick Release

• 90-Degree Tilt, 360-Degree Pan

• CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy

The Sirui K-30x Ball Head is another great offering included in today’s list that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable that still provides great performance, then this is a really solid option. With a great maximum load capacity, two bubble levels, and an overall solid and durable design, it’s hard to find something better at a price point of only $130.

Leofoto LH-40 Low Profile Ball Head with Quick Release Plate

Specs:

• Price: $179

• Load Capcity: 44.1 lb

• Height: 2.7”

• Weight: 18.3 oz

• Arca-Type Compatible

• 360-Degree Pan with Independent pan Lock

• Double Notch at Base for Tilting 90-Degrees

• Friction Control Knob

• Bubble Level & Distance Markings

• 2.2” Base

• Anodized Aluminum Construction

As another very solid product in today’s list, the Leofoto LH-40 Low Profile Ball Head is yet again a great product at a very reasonable price point. With a great load capacity, two notches at the base, durable and well-engineered knobs and components, and a sleek and compact form factor, this is a very nice offering for this price point.

Vangaurd Alta BH-300 Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $77

• Load Capacity: 66.1 lb

• Maximum Height: 4.6”

• Weight: 1.3 lb

• Arca-Type Compatible with Safety Pin

• 360-Degree Pan with Independent Pan Lock

• 90-Degree Vertical Tilt

• Friction Control

• Two Bubble Levels

And last but certainly not least we have arrived at the most affordable ball head featured on today’s list. The Vanguard Alta BH-300 is only $77 but for that price, you’re getting a great product that will serve you well. If you’re looking to save some cash on a quality ball head that can handle quite a bit of weight and is built well, then this is a great option.

Conclusion

And there we have it. This has been our curated list of 10 of the best ball heads currently available. Again, this list was presented in no particular order and we wanted to provide a nice variety of products that range in price and functionality. I hope this article has been informative and I’ll see you on the next one!

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com