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

Designed for the Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, but compatible with almost all tripods. Strong, lightweight, machined aluminum. Quick-release clip with bubble level stays attached to camera for instant setup and level photos every time. Fits tripods with 3/8 and 1/4 threads. Intended for SLR cameras with or without zoom lenses, and camcorders. Holds up to 6.5 lb.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Works well for lightweight DSLR
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.

3 Stars Joby BH1 ball head
Useful when using the gorilla pod, quick release. The release is a little stiff. Level is useful when setting the gorilla pod for shooting.

4 Stars Great ball head for ANY tripod!
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.

5 Stars Excellent value for money
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.

5 Stars Does what it says!
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.

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