VANGUARD SBH-300 Ballhead

<p>I researched and researched and finally settled on the heaviest duty Magnesium alloy ballhead sold by VANGUARD (SBH-300 Ballhead -- about $70) for my SLIK DX-700 legs (took out the heavy [!] SLIK 3-way panhead). The ballhead claims to hold 70 Ibs (unlikely -- more like 30 Ibs if properly balanced), but it does have a separate ball locking knob, drag knob and also a separate panning knob (why I preferred it over ballheads costing five times as much). So far the controls seem very smooth and all locking is very positive under light loading (For now Pentax IST-DL with SIGMA 70-300 cheapo zoom). Couple of questions since I searched in the forums here and did not see any answers.<br>

1. The Ballhead comes with what looks like an ARCA-type(?) default quickshoe bracket (Vanguard QS-45 about 90mm long). Can anyone confirm if a KIRK L-Bracket will fit this? The ballhead shoe is here,<br>

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=30-997-755-10.jpg&Image=30-997-755-04.jpg%2c30-997-755-05.jpg%2c30-997-755-06.jpg%2c30-997-755-07.jpg%2c30-997-755-08.jpg%2c30-997-755-09.jpg%2c30-997-755-10.jpg%2c30-997-755-11.jpg%2c30-997-755-12.jpg%2c30-997-755-03.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&WaterMark=1&Item=N82E16830997755&Depa=0&Description=VANGUARD%20SBH-300%20Ballhead<br>

And, here's an example of the KIRK bracket,<br>

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=ProductDetail&A=showMultipleImages&Q=&sku=554749&is=REG</p>

<p>And the second question is :),<br>

2. What is the best economical aftermarket lens mount for inexpensive zooms like the 70-300 sigmas and should I even bother?</p>

<p>I have the same ballhead which is excellent-how could you do better for the price? Why not email Kirk and ask them to specify which L-bracket you should order for your camera that'll also work with the Vanguard QS-45 and make it their problem since they'll get a sale? If you hear back from them please let us know too. Good luck.</p>

<p>Good idea Bernie -- shall do.<br>

There are no L plates I've found so far other than Kirk/RRS. My idea was for quick Vert./Horiz. change plus using one side of the plate to do nodal adjustments for panos. Looks like I have to make do with Vanguard's own 120 mm simple sliding plate which is around $15 from amazon, although Cullmann, Giottos as well as Bogen/Manfrotto long plates are also available at Adorama.<br>

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HBIZQC</p>

<p>bm a resource that may also be useful is tripodquickrelease.com</p>

<p>Hey Thanks Bernie -- nice tip!</p>

<p>Just called them and they confirmed Vanguard themselves do not make quick release L plates for the SBH-300 head. I'll try to call Vanguard to see whether their head does fit the Arca Swiss Plates.<br /> The other option is to use a thick steel or aluminum truss plate like <a href="http://www.thegreathardwarestore.com/8-Corn-Reinforcement-p/521906.htm">this</a> .</p>

<p>One can buy one of the truss plates or 'tie straps' above, sand it down to tame the sharp edges, drill it and paint it. With a longer 1/4" attachment bolt to account for the increased thickness of the plate -- it is possible to attach additional vanguard QS-45 plates for both horizontal and vertical.<br>

On top of this a T-post <a href="http://www.thegreathardwarestore.com/2x12x12-T-Post-Strap-p/334006.htm">strap</a> can also be more handy for panos to place nodal point in the right place.</p>

<p>Hey Guys,<br>

I am also interested in buying Vanguard Sbh 300 ballhead, but I don't know wether it's gonna fit my vaguard mk2 legs, Does any one of you know if iti is possible, or at least the Diameter of SBH 300 mounting screw?</p>

<p>Hey Guys,<br>

I am also interested in buying Vanguard Sbh 300 ballhead, but I don't know wether it's gonna fit my vaguard mk2 legs, Does any one of you know if iti is possible, or at least the Diameter of SBH 300 mounting screw?</p>

<p>@Gregor,<br>

If by 'MK2' you mean this series, then the Vanguard head (or any other tripod head) will not fit it.<br>

http://www.vanguardusa.com/product3.php?sort3=37#pro72<br>

However -- the Tracker, Elite, Alta and Alta Pro series tripods are more in the 'professional' range and should fit this head.<br>

<br /> Mine is the Slik DX-700 legs and I believe it has a standard 3/8" screw to fit heads like the SBH-300. You can buy the legs at Adorama (this site's sponsor) for about $99 (quite a bargain if you ask me) then put the SBH-300 on top -- which fits without issues. <br>

<br /> Here's the link for the legs:<br>

http://www.adorama.com/SL700DXLT.html</p>

<p>A review of the Vanguard SBH300 and 250 on www.davidclapp.co.uk<br>

I also go on to explain there that none will fit a Kirk / RRS L bracket, but there is a Arca Swiss mount version on the way in early 2010.<br>

http://www.davidclapp.co.uk/blog/articles/41-vanguard-sbh-300-and-sbh-250-ballhead-review.html</p>