Oben BE-117 Ball Head

Very smooth ball-head movement. The large knob makes it easy to adjust the resistance to move the camera. It can be adjusted to hold a DSLR (mine is a Pentax K-7 with kit lens) steady while allowing you to move it for minor adjustment. It locks up solid when ready. Panning adjustment is also smooth. The quick change pad sometimes slips in relation to the camera. Tightening of the quick change pad is via an allen head screw with wrench supplied. Very nice unit overall.

Build quality seems very good. It easily holds a Nikon D7100 coupled to a Tamron 150-600mm (on a monopod) and a battery pack (all together near the 5 kg mark). The lens can be set at any point on the sperical plane, firmly and steady. The pressure knob is well calibrated and it can be easily handled.

good product

Good ball head, could almost be 5 stars considering the price. I bought this to go with my Platypus Pro Max mini stand/tripod. I already have a Kirk BH-3 ball head that is great, and cost 4 times what this cost, but wanted something portable, sturdy and not too expensive. It holds my Nikon D600 with the 24-70 2.8 lens good. Have to tighten it down, but holds it fine. I have attached a photo. There seems to be a misperception about the compatibility with other quick release plates. The Oben BE-117 works great with the Kirk release plate that was made for my D600, and I would presume other Arca plates would work as well.

This ballhead is lightweight and extremely functional. I have it on all 4 of my tripods. It's perfect for traveling as well as local photography. I have used it with very large dslr lenses up to 600mm without any issues.

I bought this to replace an aging Vanguard ball head. I also wanted something a little smaller for my travel tripod. The ball head feels very well built. The rubber grips on the shoe make it less likely to loosen on the camera and the screw can be adjusted by hand without any tools which makes it very travel friendly. Holds my Canon 6D and 70-200 without any issues. I would recommend this ball head and may pick up a second one for my regular tripod.

I use this on my tripod for astrophotography and taking lighting photos at night. It works great and hold the camera still. Easy to use.

I needed a ball head with a Swiss Arca mount to use with my monopod and my Canon 70D. Although there are several online to choose from I preferred the design, aesthetics, and price of the Oben BE-117. When I received it I was surprised by it's size and weight. This thing is built like a tank. It easily supports my 70D and a large flash. I liked it so much I ended up buying an additional one for my other 70D.