The Vanguard BBH-200 Ball Head was introduced in 2012, but flew under my radar until friend-of-the-site Ross made me aware of it recently – more than a year after its introduction. Based on Ross' recommendation, I contacted Vanguard and was promptly supplied with an evaluation unit.

David Clapp puts Vanguard's BBH-200 Ball Head to the test out on location.

• +

  Solid build quality, Quick lock mechanism, Works with L-brackets

• -

  Rapid Level System won't be used much

I own two of these ball heads now along with four plates. I have had them since around June 2014.I changed from a pistol grip and was extremely pleased with the small size of this unit along with its ability to hold very heavy loads (rated at 40lbs).

I bought this to go with Feisol Tounament CT-3442 legs as a portable travel setup. DpReview gave it's bigger brother BBH-300 decent reviews especially for how little creep there is when tightening the ball down(supposedly due to the design where the ball is clamped down from the top).

I obtained this ballhead as an upgrade to an existing non-ARCA unit that I was using. Six months ago I began regularly using a Peak Design Quick release mount that I love. Use of this ballhead with its ARCA-compatible mount completes my transition.

Hold weight well & easy to use.

The head has very good build quality. Feels very solid. No dip noticed once locked off. The auto centering centers the head to your tripod so if your tripod legs are not level the auto centering will not be level.

Just purchased this BBH-200 Vantuard ballhead. Never had a ballhead or even used one before, so there's a learning curve. Had always used a three way pan head. Only problem with those I ever run into is when one of the arms gets in the way of looking thru the viewfinder, but that doesn't often...

It functions as advertised,well built and light weight for something that supports 40+ pounds.

I've owned and used ballheads from Kirk, Giottos, Manfrotto, and Gitzo. This one is comparable in quality to the best, is lighter weight, and adds some nice innovative features. The oversized knobs are convenient without getting in the way, and the leveling feature is a great new innovative feature,...

This ballhead is as sturdy as you need for any DX camera and up to 300mm lens combo. I don't think it would have a problem with a bigger setup, but that's as big as mine gets so I can't say how it would perform.The fine adjustment isn't too great, mostly this is just unlock, move camera, and then...

This is the first ballhead I have purchased, and I like the way it performs so far. It should take care of all of my needs as I am only an intermediate, hobbyist photographer. Easy for me to use.