Really Right Stuff BH-30 LR II: compact ball head with B2-LR II lever clamp

Really Right Stuff BH-30 LR II ball head for demanding travel photography

Sometimes you only realize on the road how much difference a smoothly operating ball head makes. The Really Right Stuff BH-30 LR II is built exactly for these moments: compact, stable, and surprisingly precise for its size. Weighing only about 0.369 kg, it easily fits into your travel bag, yet still supports up to 6.8 kg – more than enough for typical mirrorless setups, telephoto zooms, or a solid macro photography kit.

RRS explicitly recommends the BH-30 LR II for the popular Gitzo Traveler tripods, which already shows quite well where the journey is heading: lightweight gear, but without compromising on stability and ease of use. For anyone who travels a lot and still doesn’t want to do without a reliable, play-free ball joint, this head is a very obvious candidate.

Precise 30 mm hollow ball with silky-smooth handling

At the heart of the BH-30 LR II is a 30 mm hollow ball that responds remarkably sensitively for its size. The ball moves very smoothly, allowing you to align the camera with millimeter precision without it suddenly dropping when you tighten it. In our view: once properly adjusted, it stays put.

The large, grippy main locking knob is sized so that you can operate it securely even with cold fingers or thin gloves. The handling feels almost silky-smooth, yet with clearly defined resistance so you can always feel what the ball is doing. For quick portrait-orientation shots, you have a 90° position available, into which you can tilt the camera quickly and securely.

B2-LR II lever clamp with 60 mm quick-release clamp

On top of the ball head sits the B2-LR II quick-release clamp with a width of 60 mm and an integrated bubble level. This lever clamp is built for speed: open the lever, insert the camera, close the lever, done. Especially if you don’t want to fiddle around in everyday reportage or travel photography, this is a real advantage.

The built-in bubble level helps you level the camera or head quickly without constantly having to look at the camera display. This is particularly practical when working quickly or shooting at dusk. The construction is robust, free of play, and designed for long-term use so that the clamp still closes reliably even after many sessions.

Arca-style compatible for flexible system integration

According to the manufacturer, the clamp accepts Arca-style compatible (38 mm dovetail) mounts and thus integrates seamlessly into common quick-release systems. For you, this means: you can use a wide range of Arca-style compatible plates, L-brackets, or rails without committing yourself to proprietary solutions. Especially if you already have ARCA accessories in your cabinet, this is a clear plus because you don’t have to buy everything again.

Made in the USA, solid materials, well-thought-out design

The BH-30 LR II is made from 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel – materials that also have a firm place in aerospace and mechanical engineering. All components are optimized for durability and low weight without appearing delicate or fragile. You can tell that this ball head is designed for long-term use and not just for a pretty brochure.

The base has a diameter of about 4 cm and is equipped with a 3/8" UNC internal thread, so the ball head can be mounted directly on most photo tripods. The overall height is around 7.5 cm, which results in a pleasantly low, stable unit with the tripod. In short: compact, but not fiddly small.

Separate panning base with laser-engraved scale

Below the ball is a separate panning base that allows you to perform clean horizontal rotations without having to loosen the ball itself. The base features a laser-engraved 2.5° scale, allowing you to track rotation angles precisely. This is particularly helpful when planning image series or when you need repeatable pans.

The fine scale is easy to read and permanently engraved, not just printed on. This keeps it clearly visible even after years of outdoor use. For users who like to work in a more structured way, this type of panning base is a real asset, as it makes controlling image composition significantly easier.

Ideal for mirrorless cameras, travel photography, and macro photography

The BH-30 LR II is primarily designed for modern mirrorless cameras and light to medium setups. With its maximum load capacity of 6.8 kg, it confidently covers typical travel and everyday combinations, from compact wide-angles to medium telephoto lenses.

In travel photography, its low weight of 0.369 kg really comes into its own. You don’t have to think twice about whether the ball head will still fit in your carry-on luggage, and you still have a precise tool with you. In macro photography, you benefit from the sensitive ball movement and the stable clamping mechanism, which doesn’t throw everything out of alignment again when you make small adjustments. It’s this interplay of compactness and control that makes the BH-30 LR II so versatile.