Really Right Stuff BH-55-LR - ball head with B2 LR II quick-release clamp with clamping lever with B2-LR II lever clamp

Really Right Stuff BH-55-LR, ball head for uncompromising stability in professional use

The Really Right Stuff BH-55-LR ball head with B2 LR II quick-release clamp with lever lock is something like the calm, unshakable base under your camera. No wobble, no shake, even if you mount a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM or a Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR on top. The BH-55-LR is large, extremely robust and designed for demanding photographers who don’t want to worry every time whether the tripod setup can really handle the load.

With a maximum load capacity of 23 kg, a massive 55 mm ball and a weight of 0.89 kg, this ball head is clearly aimed at professional telephoto, landscape, architectural, macro, studio and wedding photography. Whether DSLR, mirrorless or medium format, the BH-55-LR holds your equipment securely and reliably in position.

Precise lever lock with B2 LR II quick-release clamp

The heart of the BH-55-LR is the B2 LR II quick-release clamp with lever lock. The coupling accepts (according to the manufacturer) Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail plates and ensures an extremely fast change of camera or telephoto lens without you having to spend ages turning a screw knob. Close the lever once and the connection is solid and play-free.

To use the quick-release clamp, you need a matching 38 mm dovetail quick-release plate on the camera or lens. Especially with heavy focal lengths such as the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports, the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS FE [SEL400F28GM] (2018) or a Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM (2022), a solid, precisely fitting plate is essential so that the lever lock can fully play out its potential.

Ergonomic design and silky-smooth handling

What stands out immediately on the BH-55-LR is the ergonomic design of the controls. The large, grippy main locking knob runs in a stainless-steel ball bearing and can be finely adjusted with great sensitivity. You can set the friction of the 55 mm ball very precisely, so that even with heavy combinations such as a Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR or a Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM, precise, controlled movement is possible without the camera suddenly tipping forward.

In everyday use, the operation simply feels pleasant. Especially during longer assignments, such as a wedding reportage or a long wildlife photography session, you notice how much more relaxed it is when a ball head doesn’t stick, but can be adjusted silky-smoothly and reproducibly.

Low profile and low center of gravity for maximum stability

The BH-55-LR is among the ball heads with the lowest profile in its class. With a height of only 9.4 cm and a base diameter of 7.3 cm, it ensures a very low center of gravity for the entire setup. This is a real safety factor, especially with long telephoto lenses such as the Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS III USM, the Nikon 600mm f/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR or the Sigma 800mm f/5.6 EX DG HSM.

A low center of gravity means less leverage on the tripod, fewer vibrations and an overall steadier viewfinder image. This pays off noticeably, particularly in telephoto and macro photography or when you are working at dusk with longer exposure times.

Panorama base with precise scale

The BH-55-LR features a separate panorama base with laser-engraved 2.5° markings. The panorama base can be locked independently of the ball, allowing you to perform horizontal pans cleanly and reproducibly. The single locking mechanism of the panorama base ensures that the set position does not shift unintentionally.

For landscape and architectural photography, or when you want to shoot series for panoramas, this finely graduated scale is extremely helpful. You can plan your pans precisely and later stitch them cleanly in software without having to worry about uneven overlaps.

Flexible: 90° portrait position at two points

The BH-55-LR offers two 90° portrait positions. That may not sound spectacular, but it is very practical in everyday use. You can quickly tilt the camera into portrait orientation without having to realign the entire setup. This is a real time-saver, especially for portraits, wedding photography or vertical architectural subjects.

In combination with heavy optics such as the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM (2021) or the Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED, the movement remains controllable and safe, as the ball and friction are designed for high loads.

Robust materials: 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel

Really Right Stuff makes no compromises when it comes to materials. All load-bearing components of the BH-55-LR are made from 6061-T6 aluminum or stainless steel. This combination provides high strength at relatively low weight and a long service life, even with intensive use outdoors or in the studio.

The surface is black Type II anodized, which not only provides a classy, unobtrusive look, but also offers additional protection against scratches and corrosion. Especially when the ball head is regularly carried in a camera backpack, in the trunk or on trips, this robust finish really pays off.

Perfect base for heavy telephoto lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sony and Sigma

The BH-55-LR is clearly built for large optics. Whether you are working with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS III, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM, Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM or Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM, the ball head remains composed.

Classic and current Nikon F telephoto lenses also feel at home on the BH-55-LR, such as the Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, Nikon 600mm f/4 AF I NIKKOR, Nikon 600mm f/4 AFS II NIKKOR, Nikon 500mm f/4D ED-IF AF-I NIKKOR or Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF AFS VR. Even manual exotics like the Nikon 500mm f/4 P manual focus or a Nikon 600mm f/4 AIS benefit from the high load capacity and precise handling.

For Sony users, the BH-55-LR is also a very stable platform, for example for the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS FE [SEL400F28GM], the Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS FE [SEL600F40GM], the Sony 500mm f/4 G SSM [SAL500F40G], the Sony 300mm f/2.8 G SSM II [SAL300F28G2] or the Sony 300mm f/2.8 G [SAL300F28G]. Sigma telephoto lenses such as the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG HSM, the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports or the Sigma 800mm f/5.6 EX DG HSM can also be used just as safely.

Also a stable solution for modern RF and Z systems

If you have already switched to mirrorless systems, the BH-55-LR is an excellent match for high-performance super-telephoto lenses such as the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM (2021), Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM (2021), Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM (2022) or Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM (2022).

Nikon Z photographers can ideally combine the ball head with optics such as the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S NIKKOR (2022) or the Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S NIKKOR (2022). The high load capacity and precise friction adjustment ensure that these long focal lengths can also be guided smoothly without you having to constantly fight against the weight.

Compatible with common tripods and systems

The BH-55-LR is equipped with a 3/8" UNC internal thread and thus fits practically all high-quality tripods with a 3/8" UNC thread mount. The combination with a Really Right Stuff tripod of the Versa Series 3 Mk2 is particularly harmonious, as ball head and tripod perfectly match in terms of stiffness and build quality.

Whether you work with a classic DSLR, a modern mirrorless camera or a medium format system makes little difference to the BH-55-LR. The design is deliberately laid out so that it confidently covers everything from lightweight setups for wedding photography to massive telephoto combinations for wildlife or sports photography.

Made in the USA, precision and manufacturing quality

The BH-55-LR is manufactured in the USA with a quality standard that shows in the details. The fits, the smooth running of the ball, the clean engraving of the scales and the consistent surface finish all appear very well thought out. You can tell that this ball head is not designed as a disposable product, but as a long-term investment in a reliable tripod system.

For photographers who work regularly in a professional environment, such as studio photography, architectural photography or complex outdoor productions, this reliability is a real argument. You can rely on the mechanics, even when things get hectic.

Arca-style compatible, versatile quick-release system

The B2 LR II quick-release clamp is designed to be Arca-style compatible. This means you can use a wide range of 38 mm dovetail quick-release plates, L-brackets and lens plates based on this standard. This way, you can usually continue to use your existing equipment without having to buy everything new.

Especially if you use several camera bodies or different telephoto lenses such as the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS, Nikon 300mm f/2.8 AF-S I NIKKOR or Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ZUIKO DIGITAL ED, a unified quick-release system is worth its weight in gold. You simply switch from one setup to the next without having to change anything at the base.

Well-thought-out details and practical features

The scope of delivery includes a protective pouch with drawstring, which is suitable both for transporting the ball head in a camera backpack and for protecting the head mounted on the tripod. This keeps the black Type II anodized surface free from scratches for longer, and your equipment in the backpack is not unnecessarily stressed by metal contact.

The combination of separate panorama base, finely adjustable friction, large ball and lever lock makes the BH-55-LR a very versatile tool. Whether you are working in landscape photography at sunrise, tracking distant subjects in telephoto photography or setting up precise arrangements for product or portrait shots in the studio, this ball head provides a stable, reliable foundation you can depend on in the long term.