Tripod Ball Head

I am really pleased with this mini ball head. It’s compact enough to fit easily into my camera bag, but it feels surprisingly solid and well made. The metal construction gives it a reassuring weight without making it unnecessarily bulky, which is useful when putting together a lightweight camera setup. The 360° adjustment is particularly useful. It allows me to position the camera at different angles and make small adjustments until I get exactly the framing I want. The movement feels smooth, and once the locking mechanism is tightened, the position stays secure rather than slowly shifting. I also like the versatility of the mounting options. The 1/4" screw and 3/8" thread make it suitable for different pieces of equipment, while the Arca-type quick-release plate makes attaching and removing compatible cameras much quicker. It can also be used with accessories such as a phone or GoPro depending on the setup. The quick-release plate is one of my favourite features because it saves time when changing between setups. The controls are straightforward, and the overall construction feels dependable. I've found it useful for different tripod and camera configurations where I need a little more flexibility than a fixed mount provides. I am very happy with this ball head. It is compact, sturdy and easy to adjust, with useful mounting options and a convenient quick-release system. It has become a handy accessory for my photography and video equipment, particularly when I need precise positioning without carrying a larger ball head.

Does what it says

I opened the box and thought, ah! Then my thought was “crap!”. But after the shock of the size had subsided, I then put it on my monopod. It was smaller than I hoped (no jokes please), but fitted on top. The build quality was actually very good, bloody good really. Then the acid test. I connected my 150-600 lens on to it and held my breath. This little fellow had no issue at all. The Arca Swiss thing was doing it’s job. It’s lightweight but on reading other reviews, it was stated that it has no issues with big lens/camera combinations. This is very true, buy with confidence!

Brilliant ball head

Very good. Excellent value.

a well engineered piece of equipment

I've bought a lot of Smallrig photo equipment and it's been of good design. Not this ball head though. The tension screw for the ball fouls the tensioning screw for the mount. The first image shows how low it goes normally. The second shows the poor design. I used this for the top of a monopod. When angled over, and following a bird, I now have to remember when the tension screw is. It clears the lock for the base, as you can see. EDITED TO ADD: I have a number of ARCA bases. The Neweer ones fit fine, but a couple of the others feel insecure as the sides of the clamp don't overlap to a reassuring degree. It grips, but I have to put a lot of tension on the lever. I have two other makes of clamp, none of which display the same problem. I'm disappointed with Smallrig. It's a sort of by-word for value for money and decent quality. However, the design of this is lacking in a couple of ways. Not recommended. I've just bought the more expensive, heavier model and it is fine. Be careful which you go for.

I bought this because I lost the quick release (QR) plate on my Beike BK-555 aluminium travel tripod. The head is the same type as the Bogen 3157N / Manfrotto 200PL-14 ball head in that the plate clips in and is held by a lever. While I could get replacements I was not sure they would fit so to resolve the matter I bought this ball head that has a standard Arca-Swiss compatible QR plate which also fits my other tripod and getting a replacement is easy. I also find it easier to use. It is a good looking solid ball head 100 grams / 4oz lighter than the one it replaced. As I have removed the bottom two legs from the tripod the whole thing now weighs 900 grams. When you carry it on your back with a whole load of gear every little helps! What I also like is the 360 degrees markings on the base so it can be rotated by a fixed amount then locked in place. This is very useful when it comes to taking panoramic landscape photos when you need a certain amount of overlap to stitch the pics together. The only criticism is that it does not have a D ring on the screw that attaches to the camera so you must use a 20p coin although a D ring can make attachment a bit fiddly. The solution could be to buy a 1/4'' D-Ring Screw for Camera Tripod Monopod Quick Release Plate, file a thick washer flat, or as I do use a Brother Round Sewing Machine Screwdriver Product Code: XC1074051. I already had one of these and attach it to the tripod cover drawstring so it is always there and does not get lost see photo. Update: I am pleased to state that because of the small size of the QR plate you can use a dummy battery on an Olympus EM1 MKII with the door open enough to accommodate the cable.

Super pour l'utiliser avec un appareil et objectif pas trop lourd, en l'occurrence je m'en sers avec un gorillapod et ça feat parfaitement. Pis c'est beaucoup moins cher que la rotule Jobii donc ça fait plaisir. Sachez que la quick release est compatible avec celle de DJI, donc si vous avez un ronin vous pourrez changer rapidement de support, et ça c'est top.

Se ajusta a cualquier tripié y con este pudes hacer un ajuste preciso y tomas tanto horizontales como verticales.

im actually annoyed that I didnt buy something like this sooner. I went thru so much frustration with smaller tripod elements to save costs, and they just weren't strong enough. this item so far is strong, durable, super easy to use and take on and off. its great. best purchase ive made for my content creation in a while. highly recommend.

Solved a problem re: supporting weight of full-sized DSLR in overhead orientation. Maintains setting yet easy to adjust when required.

The SmallRig Tripod 3457 is a versatile and robust tripod designed to meet the needs of photographers and videographers alike. With its impressive build quality and innovative features, this tripod is perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios, from studio sessions to outdoor adventures. Let’s delve into the key features, benefits, and performance of the SmallRig Tripod 3457 to understand why it stands out in the crowded market of camera supports. Key Features 1. Sturdy Construction: The SmallRig Tripod 3457 is constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy, offering a perfect balance between durability and weight. This sturdy build ensures stability and support for your camera equipment, even in challenging conditions. 2. Panoramic Ball Head: The tripod comes with a 360-degree panoramic ball head, allowing for smooth and precise adjustments. This feature is ideal for capturing panoramic shots and making quick composition changes. 3. Quick-Release Plate: Equipped with a quick-release plate, the SmallRig Tripod 3457 makes it easy to mount and dismount your camera. The plate is Arca-Swiss compatible, providing compatibility with a wide range of camera gear. 4. Adjustable Height: The tripod features a 4-section column legs with quick release flip-locks, enabling you to adjust the height from 17.9 inches to 60.2 inches. This flexibility allows for various shooting angles and perspectives, catering to different photography needs. 5. Monopod Conversion: One of the standout features of this tripod is its ability to convert into a monopod. This functionality is perfect for situations where a tripod may be impractical, offering greater mobility without sacrificing stability. 6. Lightweight and Portable: Weighing just 3.2 pounds and folding down to a compact size, the SmallRig Tripod 3457 is highly portable. It comes with a carrying bag, making it convenient to transport for on-the-go photographers and videographers. Benefits Versatile Shooting Options: The ability to switch between tripod and monopod configurations provides versatile shooting options. Whether you need the stability of a tripod for long exposures or the mobility of a monopod for dynamic shots, this product has you covered. Enhanced Stability: The sturdy aluminum construction and well-designed leg locks ensure enhanced stability, even on uneven terrain. This feature is crucial for capturing sharp images and steady video footage. Ease of Use: The quick-release plate and flip-lock leg mechanisms make setup and adjustments straightforward. These user-friendly features ensure that you can focus more on your shooting and less on adjusting your gear. Compact and Travel-Friendly: The lightweight design and included carrying bag make the tripod ideal for travel. It’s easy to pack and carry, ensuring you can always have a reliable support system for your camera wherever you go. Performance In terms of performance, the SmallRig Tripod 3457 excels in providing reliable support and flexibility. Users have praised its stability and ease of use, noting the smooth operation of the panoramic ball head and the secure fit of the quick-release plate. The adjustable height and monopod conversion add to its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of photography and videography applications. Conclusion The SmallRig Tripod 3457 is a top-tier choice for photographers and videographers seeking a durable, versatile, and portable support system. Its robust construction, panoramic ball head, and quick-release features make it an excellent investment for both amateur and professional use. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or action shots, this tripod will help you achieve superior results. Pros: Sturdy aluminum construction 360-degree panoramic ball head Quick-release plate for easy camera mounting Adjustable height with flip-locks Converts to a monopod for added flexibility Lightweight and portable with carrying bag Cons: May not be as stable in extreme weather conditions compared to heavier tripods