Vanguard SBH-100 Ball Head Review
I was asked by Vanguard UK to test out one of their ball heads: the SBH-100. I’ve got to say I was very impressed with it. I’ve been using it for about a month now and it has been brilliant, especially while out doing landscape photography. What I was most surprised about was how much it could handle my Canon 300mm f/2.8 lens which weighs 2550g when I was out photographing wildlife! Here’s what Vanguard have to say about this ball head:
“SBH-100 precision-cut ball head moves swiftly and steadily so you won’t miss the action. Constructed of solid, strong magnesium alloy, it\’s durable and yet lighter in weight than the industry standard. Unlike other ball heads, SBH ball heads are designed with molded body parts, not assembled cut parts, like the competition. Its smooth locking knobs allow you to move the ball head swiftly and securely into the perfect position, even with the heaviest lenses and cameras. It includes two bubble levels, 360-degree scale, fine-tuning knob and a safety lock for extra stability. A special universal VANGUARD quick shoe for body/lens is also included so you can upgrade your system to quick-release immediately.”
My Thoughts
When most people pick up a product we tend to compare it to a product we’re familiar with or have ourselves. When I first saw this ball head it reminded me a lot of the BH-50 made by Really Right Stuff which I’ve heard is supposed to be a really good ball head. Anyway, after giving the ball head a really good test I can say it’s definitely worth the money! I really like how fluid the movements are as some ball heads tend to move quite stiffly or don’t move very smooth. Even when I had the 300mm f/2.8 lens on it, the movement was very smooth which meant I could pan with flying birds which worked really well where in the past I have struggled to this on a ball head. Due to the movement while having a large lens on it being so well I’ve been using it nearly 100% of the time on the ball head and I’m barely shooting free-hand anymore!
Conclusion
After testing this ball head for over a month I have seen that this tripod head can take anything! I’ve used it for work on the beach, up on mountains and it hasn’t failed me once. At first I did think it was a little heavy but after a couple days I got used to weight and it never bothered me. The two knobs on the outside of the head are really easy to use and nice to the touch as some are just horrible and when I make them tight they are really tight on! It’s a great addition to any photographer and I wouldn’t tell anybody not to get one.
If you would like any more information on this ball head then please feel free to follow the link below. If you would like to ask me any questions about the SBH-100 then please leave a comment below or send me a email. 
http://www.vanguardworld.co.uk/index.php/pv/products/photo-video/detail-1-4-23-144.html
Tags: Gear, Photography, Review, SBH-100, Tips, Tripod, Vanguard
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
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About Kirk Norbury
Kirk Norbury is a Wildlife & Landscape Photographer based in Ayrshire, Scotland. He has a passion for traveling all across the UK documenting and photographing the amazing wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and the beautiful night skies of this country.
kirk,
It’s now a couple of months after you wrote the review. Are you still as happy with this ball head? Have any problems or issues come up with more use?
Thanks,.
Rene
Hi Rene,
The ball head is still doing great, I only use it for landscape work as I have a Wimberley head for my big lens. I haven’t noticed any problems as of yet, it’s a very sturdy ball head that can take quite a bit of weight without showing any strain on the head.
Best Wishes,
Kirk Norbury
Hi Kirk,
I liked your review on the vanguard sbh-100 ball head. I intend to buy one now. I also want to buy the Vanguard ALTA PRO 263 AT Tripod, but read a review about that, which says “that on the head of the tripod there are 3 exposed screws that protrude a little & grinds away at your blall head everytime that your fit it onto your camera. Do you think the above Vanguard Head would be good with a Manfrotto 055XPROB TRIPOD? I hope you find time to reply Kirk. I know if you buy the same brand name, when purchasing both you get things cheaper. I have £200 to spend. Thanks Kirk Joey
Hi joey,
sorry for the late reply
But I think the ball head would work just fine with your manfrotto tripod. If you have anymore questions just let me know 
I feel the SBH-100 is a really good tripod head, its well balanced and can keep steady a pro camera with a large lens. If you have only got £200 to spend I would recommend picking up the Vanguard kit that comes with a tripod and a ball head
Best Wishes,
Kirk Norbury
I am wondering what you think of the quick release plate Kirk. I bought this bh yesterday and the plate seems to loosen quite easily. I am fearful of the camera (Nikon D7000 with an 18-200mm lens) falling off. Any tricks to getting it to stay tight?
I haven’t had any problems with the release plate on mine, it’s always been very sturdy even when I had the 300mm 2.8 on it. If you keep having problems I would contact Vanguard about it and see what they say. Hope you get it sorted
Regards,
Kirk
Hi Kirk,
Really enjoying your shots, website and blog.
I’m looking to get a tripod and head soon – is the camera plate on the SBH-100 an arca-swiss plate, or just similar looking?
Thanks,
Callum
Hi Callum,
I’m glad you enjoy my work
Unfortunately the camera plate isn’t the arca swiss type, it would be great if it were
Regards,
Kirk
Thanks for the response Kirk. It’s tricky – there’s too much choice! I’d love to get a Gitzo but as you know they’re pretty expensive and I’m not sure I need something that sturdy, but surely that’s the point – if a tripod’s not sturdy enough, you might as well not have it…
Getting a good tripod is all about weight and money, can you rely on having around 4-8kg of very expensive equipment resting on top of a cheap tripod. If you worry it won’t be able to handle as it doesn’t look sturdy enough then it’s not the tripod for you
Regards
Kirk
Thank you for an in depth review of the SBH 100 ball head. Can this be used straightaway on any Manfrotto tripod or do I have to use any other attachment?.
I have a Manfrotto 190 X Pro B tripod.
Kindly let me have your advice
Best wishes,
Shankar Adisesh
Kirk,
Thanks for your great review!
I’m considering this head, but wanted to remove the camera platform and install a RRS qr platform. Do you know if that can be done?
Jon
Hi Jon,
You can detach the top of the ball head, whether you can but a RRS platform on it I’m not too sure.
Kirk
What the heck is the ‘fine tuning’ knob for (identified as ‘D’ in the manual)? I thought it would lock down pan motion, but the one I have seems to do nothing. Thanks! John
Hi John,
There are 2 fine tuning knobs on the head, one for the ball and socket and the other is at the base for panning. Both of them should lock if it is not locking properly then there ay be something wrong with it. Hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
Kirk