Leofoto LH-55R ball head with panorama clamp & NP-60 camera plate

Leofoto LH-55R ball head with panorama clamp & NP-60 camera plate, maximum control for heavy setups

When you’re out with truly serious equipment, sooner or later you end up with exactly this kind of tripod head: the Leofoto LH-55R ball head with panorama clamp and NP-60 camera plate. At 0.84 kg it’s not exactly lightweight, but in return it reliably supports up to 25 kg without shaking or giving way. This is the league for full-size DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, telephoto lenses, medium format cameras and demanding studio or reportage setups where nothing is allowed to wobble.

With its massive 55 mm ball and a low height of only 9.8 cm, the LH-55R ensures a very low center of gravity. The result is a remarkably stable base, even when you mount a long telephoto or a heavy medium format camera. The base with a diameter of 7.2 cm distributes the load generously and, with its 3/8" UNC internal thread, fits common, stable tripod legs in the photo and video sector.

Arca-style compatible, flexible quick-release clamp for your workflow

The integrated panorama screw clamp accepts plates with a 38 mm dovetail and, according to the manufacturer, is Arca-style compatible. This means you can use a wide range of common Arca-style compatible quick-release plates, L-brackets or rails without committing to a proprietary system. The included NP-60 camera plate integrates seamlessly and provides a solid, non-slip support for your camera.

The clamping mechanism combines screw clamping with comfortable handling, allowing you to secure your camera with fine control. Thanks to precise CNC machining from high-strength aluminum, partially anodized, you get a very accurate coupling that does not wear out even with frequent changes. For photographers who often switch between portrait and landscape orientation or between different cameras, this is a real time saver.

Ideal for the following applications, from landscape to wedding

The LH-55R ball head is made for a whole range of genres where stability and repeatability are crucial. In landscape photography you benefit from the stable base and fine adjustability when working with long exposures at sunrise. In architectural photography, the precise alignment helps you minimize converging verticals and create clean image series.

For wedding and reportage photography, the head is robust enough to handle long days with ease while you quickly switch between different focal lengths and positions. In studio photography, users appreciate the high load capacity and precise repeatability of settings, especially for product or portrait series. The LH-55R can also make sense in travel photography if you’re aiming not for ultra-lightweight but above all for reliability and high load capacity.

Telephoto, macro and panorama photography place particularly high demands on stability and fine adjustment. This is where the LH-55R plays to its strengths, as the massive ball and finely adjustable clamping mechanism do not suddenly give way even with very small corrections. For DSLRs, mirrorless and even medium format cameras, this ball head is therefore a very robust solution that leaves plenty of headroom.

Precise panoramas thanks to separate panorama base

A special feature of the Leofoto LH-55R is the separate panorama base. You can pan the camera 360°, both at the base and at the clamp. This gives you two levels for panorama movements, which is especially practical for single-row panoramas and for panning above the tilt axis. This way the horizon can be aligned cleanly while you pan the camera independently of it.

The scale on the panorama base makes repeatable pans easier, for example when you capture multiple rows of images for an especially wide panorama or systematically scan a scene. The 360° panning range gives you full freedom without having to awkwardly reposition the tripod. In combination with the high load capacity, you can also handle heavy telephoto lenses or the Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED safely.

Massive 55 mm ball and 90° tilt range for flexible image composition

Inside, a 55 mm ball is responsible for the high load capacity and smooth movement. Thanks to the two generous openings in the ball shell, you can tilt the camera by up to 90°. This lets you switch quickly to portrait orientation or aim the camera extremely far up or down without sacrificing stability.

The combination of a large ball diameter and low-profile design ensures that movements remain smooth and controllable. This is crucial for fine adjustments, for example in macro photography or telephoto shots. You don’t have to fight against jerky movements; instead you can stop the camera exactly where you want it.

Comfortable operation with large knobs and integrated bubble level

The large, grippy control knobs make handling pleasant, even with gloves or in cold temperatures. You don’t have to fumble for tiny screws; you can intuitively adjust the friction and clamping of the ball head. The lever and screw clamping are designed so that you can quickly switch between loose movement and firm locking.

An integrated spirit level helps you level the head accurately. Especially in architectural, landscape or studio photography, precise leveling is extremely valuable because it saves you a lot of correction work later. The level is positioned for good readability, so you don’t have to search long to check the horizon.

Robust aircraft-grade aluminum and precise CNC machining

The Leofoto LH-55R ball head is made of high-strength aluminum, the kind used in aviation. Parts of the head are anodized to provide additional protection against wear and corrosion. CNC machining produces very precise fits that are crucial for the smooth movement of the ball and reliable clamping.

With a weight of 0.84 kg, the head clearly belongs in the category of robust professional tools. It is not intended for ultra-light minimal setups, but for photographers who value maximum stability and the highest load capacity. If you often work with heavy lenses, complex panorama systems or medium format cameras, this extra weight is a good investment.

Technical key data at a glance

The LH-55R is a classic ball head with a 3/8" UNC internal thread for mounting on stable tripods. The base has a diameter of 7.2 cm and allows 360° panorama movements. The maximum load capacity is 25 kg, making the head suitable even for very heavy combinations of camera, lens and accessories.

With a tilt range of 90°, you can position the camera flexibly, from extreme portrait orientation to perspectives pointing sharply upwards or downwards. The clamp accepts Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail plates, allowing you to use a widely adopted system. The integrated spirit level supports you in precise leveling, which is particularly helpful in architectural, landscape and studio photography.