Really Right Stuff BH-40 Pro II with B2-Pro II screw quick-release clamp

Really Right Stuff BH-40 Pro II with B2-Pro II screw clamp quick-release

You usually only notice it out in the field: a ball head that simply does what it’s supposed to do, without fuss, is worth its weight in gold. The Really Right Stuff BH-40 Pro II with B2-Pro II screw clamp quick-release falls exactly into this category – compact, surprisingly robust, and built for everyone who doesn’t just take their camera for a quick walk around the block.

Precise ball head for demanding photography

The BH-40 Pro II is the mid-sized ball head in the RRS system and uses a 40 mm hollow ball that allows you to adjust the camera very smoothly and with fine control. The height of only about 8.1 cm may not look spectacular at first glance, but it keeps your center of gravity nice and low and ensures a stable setup, even when you’re working with heavier DSLR bodies or fast zoom lenses.

With a maximum load capacity of around 8 kg, the head is not only suitable for compact mirrorless cameras, but also for classic DSLR bodies with battery grip or telephoto lens. This is particularly important in wedding, travel, or landscape photography, because you want to be able to rely on your gear being securely locked down, even when things get a bit hectic.

Robust materials and high-quality workmanship

No corners are cut on materials: the BH-40 Pro II relies on aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum combined with precisely machined stainless-steel components. This results in a very good balance of stability and comparatively low weight. At about 0.457 kg, the head remains pleasantly portable without feeling delicate or fragile.

All assemblies are designed for longevity. The surfaces are cleanly anodized, the edges are neatly deburred, and the controls give the impression that they will still operate reliably even after many years of use. In short: a ball head you won’t want to replace again after just two seasons.

B2-Pro II screw clamp quick-release for a secure hold

The core component for connecting to the camera is the B2-Pro II screw clamp quick-release. It uses a screw clamp operated via a grippy knurled knob, providing very high clamping force. This type of clamp may not be the very fastest solution, but it is extremely reliable and allows for sensitive adjustment to the respective plate.

According to the manufacturer, the clamp accepts Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail plates. This means the head fits into many existing setups that already use ARCA-based L-brackets, macro rails, or lens plates. If you’d like to learn more about ARCA-compatible systems in general, you can find further information under ARCA compatible.

Silky-smooth handling and intuitive operation

A striking detail is the large, well-structured main locking knob. It sits solidly in the hand and enables very controlled adjustment of the ball tension. You can set the friction so that the camera can still be moved easily but doesn’t drop down uncontrollably. This makes a noticeable difference, especially in macro or architectural photography, where millimeters can be critical.

The 90° portrait opening allows you to tilt the camera into portrait orientation quickly. This is practical for portraits, reportage work, or when you want to switch spontaneously between landscape and portrait format in wedding photography without spending a lot of time fiddling with alignment. In combination with a suitable L-bracket, you can work very efficiently here.

Panorama base with fine markings

Below the ball is a separate panorama base that can be rotated independently of the ball. It features laser-engraved 2.5° markings, giving you very precise, repeatable alignment. This is especially helpful when you’re planning series for panoramas or multi-part architectural shots where the individual images need to overlap exactly.

The panorama base supports you in making smooth pans and even rotational movements, for example in landscape photography in the mountains or for city panoramas during the blue hour. In combination with a suitable nodal point adapter, the BH-40 Pro II can also be used very effectively for demanding panorama projects.

Stable base and compatible tripod thread

The base of the ball head has a diameter of about 5.3 cm, providing a solid contact surface on the tripod. The integrated 3/8" UNC internal thread corresponds to the common standard in photography, so you can mount the head directly on most high-quality tripod legs without adapters or makeshift solutions.

The combination of compact height, wide base, and smoothly operating ball results in a very stable overall package that performs convincingly both in the studio and on the go. Whether you’re working in the local park or on a windy coastline, the head remains reliably controllable.

Fields of use from reportage to macro

The BH-40 Pro II is deliberately designed to be versatile. For mirrorless systems it is almost ideal, as it is light enough for daily transport yet still has reserves for larger lenses. It also harmonizes excellently with classic DSLR cameras, particularly in areas such as travel, wedding, or landscape photography, where you’re looking for a robust but not oversized solution.

The head is also very well suited for macro and architectural photography, as the ball can be adjusted with great sensitivity and the panorama base enables controlled pans. In practice, this means you can handle very different tasks with the same head without constantly having to switch between different systems.

Transport and protection in everyday use

The scope of delivery includes a precisely fitting protective pouch with drawstring. This is not only practical for transport in a camera backpack, but also protects the head mounted on the tripod from dust, dirt, and scratches if you leave it in the car trunk or in the studio.

The pouch can be put on and taken off quickly, which in everyday use is actually more relevant than you might think at first. This keeps the ball head’s mechanics smoother for longer and preserves the clean finish of the surfaces.

Scope of delivery at a glance

In the Really Right Stuff BH-40 Pro II set with B2-Pro II screw clamp quick-release you receive everything you need for immediate use:

• BH-40 Pro II ball head with 40 mm hollow ball
• B2-Pro II screw clamp quick-release for Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail plates
• Protective pouch with drawstring for transport and storage

This means you’re well equipped from day one, whether you mainly use mirrorless, DSLR, or a mix of both systems.