Buying guide
Choosing a ball head for your camera or accessories
Start with what you need to position. A tripod ball head lets you adjust a camera’s angle, while an accessory ball head positions equipment such as a monitor or light. These are different mounting jobs. The Benro B2 and N00P are camera heads with quick-release plates; SmallRig’s arms, clamps and mini heads provide accessory mounting options. Choose the mounting arrangement first rather than treating every ball head as a replacement tripod head.
Match capacity to the equipment being supported. The Firefly FBH-K2 has a stated 2kg payload, compared with 4kg for the Benro N00P and 16kg for the B2. For small accessories, the SmallRig 2948B is rated to 1.5kg. Include everything the head will carry when comparing these limits. Capacity does not establish mounting compatibility, and the supplied descriptions do not give a complete load rating for every arm or clamp.
Choose simple locking or separate controls. The N00P uses one knob to lock both the ball and pan movement, making it useful when you want straightforward positioning. The B2 separates drag adjustment from locking and includes an independent pan lock. Drag is resistance to movement: separate adjustment lets you control that resistance independently of securing the head. Its graduated panning scale also helps with alignment for panoramas.
Consider portrait shooting and quick release. Both the Firefly FBH-K2 and Benro N00P support 90-degree vertical positioning. The N00P and B2 also include Arca-type quick-release systems, allowing the camera plate to be released from the head. This suits photographers who regularly remove their camera from its support. Confirm the fit of any existing plate rather than assuming every plate and clamp combination will work.
Match both ends of the mounting system. The Firefly FBH-K2 fits a 1/4-inch tripod base thread, while the two Benro heads use 3/8-inch-16 female base mounts. For rig accessories, choose between shoe-mounted mini heads, clamp-based arms and screw-ended arms according to the available attachment point. Check both the support-side connection and the accessory-side connection before choosing; a suitable payload alone does not make the assembly compatible.
Frequently asked questions
What is included with the Benro B2 quick-release system?
The B2 includes an Arca-type quick-release adapter and a PU-60 plate measuring 50 x 38mm. The plate has rubber upper surfaces, a standard 1/4-inch-20 camera or lens screw, and safety stop screws intended to prevent it falling out of a loosened clamp. Confirm the plate suits your camera or lens mounting point.
Which clamp ball head suits mounting to a rod or crossbar?
The SmallRig 1124 provides a stated clamp opening range of 15–54mm, making that measurement a useful starting point when assessing a rod or crossbar. It also includes a swivel ball-head mount. Measure the intended attachment point and confirm its suitability; the supplied description does not provide a complete load rating.
Does the SmallRig 2948B include one mini ball head or two?
The SmallRig 2948B is supplied as a pair of mini ball heads with removable cold shoe mounts. Each has a top 1/4-inch-20 screw for attaching an accessory, with a stated 1.5kg load capacity. Its 360-degree panning and 135-degree tilt ranges help position small equipment such as microphones, lights or monitors.
How does the SmallRig 2157 attach a monitor or light to a rig?
The SmallRig 2157 has 1/4-inch screws at both ends: one end attaches to a suitable cage, top plate or handle, while the other attaches to a monitor or video light. A central wingnut adjusts its position. Confirm both attachment points and the required load capacity before choosing it for your accessory.