Vanguard Ball head SBH-250 /SBH-30

Received an SBH-250 and SBH-30 to use on my tripod and monopod, respectively. I have not had much experience with other ball heads. My previous tripod was very low end. My first experience with a ball head was the $20 Fancier Studio unit from Amazon. I liked its functionality, just not crazy about the design and execution. When I saw these and read other reviews, I went for it.

The units arrived undamaged and quickly from Amazon. Upon opening them, I was surprised by the size of the 250. Very substantial piece of kit, and the fit and finish appeared flawless - same for the 30.

After mounting the SBH-250 on my Manfrotto 290 legs, and the SBH-30 on my Dolica monopod , I mounted my 7D w/grip, 700-200 2.8 IS, and 430EX flash on the 250. No sag, no bounce, just a very stable camera. Slight push on the camera and it does not budge. The tension dial on the 250 is useful although not necessary in practice - slowly loosening the main dial will achieve the same results. The same apples to the SBH-30's single dial - it can be very well controlled. Each unit came with 2 x QR plates so I can now switch between cameras, tripod/monpod, and the 70-200 quickly and easily with a spare QR plate to boot.These ball heads provide a very impressive level of performance and quality - a tremendous value. I can see them exceeding my needs for years to come.

More field testing to come, but if you are in the market for a ball head, do not hesitate to opt for Vanguard product.

javig999 wrote in post #15546803
Received an SBH-250 and SBH-30 to use on my tripod and monopod, respectively. I have not had much experience with other ball heads. My previous tripod was very low end. My first experience with a ball head was the $20 Fancier Studio unit from Amazon. I liked its functionality, just not crazy about the design and execution. When I saw these and read other reviews, I went for it.

The units arrived undamaged and quickly from Amazon. Upon opening them, I was surprised by the size of the 250. Very substantial piece of kit, and the fit and finish appeared flawless - same for the 30.

After mounting the SBH-250 on my Manfrotto 290 legs, and the SBH-30 on my Dolica monopod , I mounted my 7D w/grip, 700-200 2.8 IS, and 430EX flash on the 250. No sag, no bounce, just a very stable camera. Slight push on the camera and it does not budge. The tension dial on the 250 is useful although not necessary in practice - slowly loosening the main dial will achieve the same results. The same apples to the SBH-30's single dial - it can be very well controlled. Each unit came with 2 x QR plates so I can now switch between cameras, tripod/monpod, and the 70-200 quickly and easily with a spare QR plate to boot.These ball heads provide a very impressive level of performance and quality - a tremendous value. I can see them exceeding my needs for years to come.

More field testing to come, but if you are in the market for a ball head, do not hesitate to opt for Vanguard product.

Please report your detailed impressions about SBH-250. I am looking to get one..
Please especially do the extreme angles with equipment like 100-400 and such

Same here. I'm thinking of getting the SBH-250 to an older Slik tripod. Legs are fine but the pan head is ugh. Would get an alternative to a Slik ball head if the Vanguard is superior so ya.

N23 wrote in post #16003395
Same here. I'm thinking of getting the SBH-250 to an older Slik tripod. Legs are fine but the pan head is ugh. Would get an alternative to a Slik ball head if the Vanguard is superior so ya.

I have pulled the trigger on SBH-250. Will check and report when arrives. Stay tuned..

I love my 250. I have been using it for about three years now. The only trouble I have had with it, was just in the last few weeks. The bolt on the top which holds the plate clamp to the ball has loosened up a few times.

rndman wrote in post #16003955
I have pulled the trigger on SBH-250. Will check and report when arrives. Stay tuned..

Did the same this morning.

rndman wrote in post #16003955
I have pulled the trigger on SBH-250. Will check and report when arrives. Stay tuned..

Received it today... Feels solid..
Will get tested over the week-end

Hey that's interesting... pull the trigger on ths SBH-250 too..

Received mine a few days ago. Definitely substantial and looks to be the part. Mounted on the Slik 35D and under limited testing, looks to hold up and be solid. Has a lot more features than the stock head so I might want to read the instructions on what knob does what. We'll see how it goes this weekend...

I've been using one for about 3 years also. Very solid head capable of handling a lot more weight than the gripped 5D3 and 70-200 II I put on it right now. I have used mine without issue with a 1DIV and 500. Construction is solid, panning and tightening actions are smooth. The only issue I have noticed is it tends to react suddenly to loosening of the tension knob. You may loosen the tension a good deal with nothing happening, then, BOOM!, all tension is gone.

All in all, my opinion of Vanguard products is pretty high and this is no exception.

Mine 250 will leave USA soil tomorrow!!! Oh yesssssssssssss.

My setup with the 1Ds + 70-200F4L. Been sitting on there for almost 5 minutes and so far no give. Haven't taken it out to shot yet, I know, but so far been worth it.

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Receive a few minutes ago, my Vanguard SBH-250... and I'm really impressed with the quality of the ball head... Amazing stuff. Great work from Vanguard!