Really Right Stuff BH-55 review

SilverPenguin · 20 Mar 2010 at 16:19

Afternoon all, not been doing to much photography lately as work has been mega busy! However I just finished doing a review of the BH-55 ballhead from Really Right Stuff which I thought may (or may not!) be of some use to potential ballhead shoppers out there...!

RRS BH-55 review

Mud · 20 Mar 2010 at 18:50

Nice review. I've not been on the arca-swiss system long, and it's a costly buy-in...but the quality from all the major manufacturers (I'm personally on Kirk) is undeniable.

D.P. · 20 Mar 2010 at 20:59

Nice review. I was on the website last week to order but then wondered if I will get an L-plate or a regular since I will upgrade camera soon. Then I also wondered about a a BH-40.

I don't like compromises, but sometimes I need to go light. Then I got re-thinking of tripods Gitzo 3531, or a 2521 and then a 55 series when I buy big glass (currently biggest is 70-200 VR).

I always like the idea o 2 systems. Lightweight portable, heavweight pro quality.

Got a 16-85 + 70-300VR as hiking camera (I climb 4000m peaks with these) as the portable kit. And 70-300VR + primes for Pro (in the midts of sorting out pro normal lenses). Evetnually te 300 2.8 will be in my hands.

Anyone know how well a Gitzo 3531 copes with 300 2.8?

Messiah Khan · 20 Mar 2010 at 21:31

D.P. said:
Anyone know how well a Gitzo 3531 copes with 300 2.8?

I've got a Gitzo 3540XLS and RRS BH55 head and that combo works more than fine for a 300mm f2.8.

D.P. · 20 Mar 2010 at 21:34

Thanks. Will pull the credit card out next week.

isaw · 24 Jun 2010 at 21:00

Nice review.

I've been looking for a decent ball head mount for a while and I keep coming across the bh-55.

So far, I've only found a site in Belgium that sells them in the EU.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you get done on the Customs & Duty charges? Looking at the bh55 plus an l-plate for my 5dmk2, it was topping out around $700 USD - but no idea on the Duty charges.

D.P. · 25 Jun 2010 at 06:35

You basically have to buy straight form the US, no where else really stocks them.

Total customs charges I don't know.

SilverPenguin · 19 Jul 2010 at 23:36

I got mine when I was out in Florida visiting friends and brought it back with me. I got the head, a plate for my D3 body and a generic lens plate for about $450 I think (forget exact price without looking on their site).