But there’s nothing about it that prevents you from using it on any other tripod, monopod, or other support just as you would any other small ballhead. It would be a good option for something like the Platypods, too. It uses the standard 3/8-16 or 1/4-20 screw connection (and includes a reducer bushing thread adapter, which is inserted by default) and on top is an Arca-style clamp. That’s compatible with any standard Arca-style quick release plate, but it also includes one.
And it’s the clamp and quick release plate that give this product it’s X. The plate is shaped like an X. That’s more than a gimmick–it actually allows the clamp lock knob to protrude less while still being easy to use. It’s not a perfect system. Because of the plate and its clamp are shaped it’s possible to misalign them and get the plate jammed–something I’ve done a few times. It’s easy enough to fix with some force, but it’s not something you get with a regular square or rectangular Arca-style quick release plate.
You can also use this with other Arca-style quick release plates. I’m partial to the Peak Design plates; they work well on this.
This is with a Peak Design quick release plate.
And this is with a longer Arca-style plate from Oben (model QR-40).
On the bottom of the plate that comes with the ballhead, you can use either the D-ring lever or a grooved screw top to tighten.
Despite its looks, it works in fundamentally the same way as other ballheads. On the bottom is a free rotating pano base that locks with a standard knob. The rotation is smooth and easy to do precisely–there are degree markers on the base to help.
The locking clamp on the main ball is done with a larger knob. The movement of the ball isn’t the smoothest I’ve seen, but it does the job. There’s no separate tension dial, so everything is controlled with the single large knob.
It’s rated to hold up to 11 pounds (5 kg). It weights about half a pound.
Specifications
Dimensions: 2.68 x 2.44 x 3.27 in / 6.8 x 6.2 x 8.3 cm
Weight: 0.58 lbs / 262 g
Load Capacity: 11 lb / 5 kg
What’s in the Box?
There’s the ballhead, a quick release plate, and a small instruction leaflet.
Summary
Overall, the Joby Ballhead X doesn’t have the refinement of some other ultra-light ballheads like the Really Right Stuff BH-25 or a Markins Q-Ball, but those are also much more expensive. But compared to other ballheads more relevant to its price range, the Joby Ballhead X holds up very well indeed.
And while it’s nominally designed to be used with the Joby Gorillapod Focus flexible tripod, the Ballhead X actually stands on its own very well as a capable general use travel ballhead.
Find Them At
I bought mine at Amazon. You can also find them at B&H Photo.
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Images and product information from Amazon Product Advertising API were last updated on 2019-10-17 at 15:08.
Zak Suhar says
Hi there, can you 100% confirm that plate on the Peak Design Capture works on this BallHead 5K quick release? Also, do you recommend the Joby 3K or 5K model for a Sony A7iii with 24-70mm lens (little heavy)?
Capture: https://www.peakdesign.com/products/capture
BallHead: https://joby.com/us-en/ballhead-5k-jb01514-bww/
Thanks for the help!
David says
I haven’t tried the 5K specifically–the one reviewed here was the earlier X model–but my assumption is that it also works just fine with the Peak plates. If it was me, I’d definitely be going with the 5K over the 3K with something the size of the a7iii.
Mark says
I’ve owned this ball head for 4 years and am constantly amazed by its quality. It holds my Canon 70D & 80D with 70-200/2.8 or 100-400/4.5 securely, but allows for smooth movement when loosened a bit. I have much heavier and bulkier ball heads from Sirui, Manfrotto and Desmond, but I use the Joby on my GorillaPod, Manfrotto BeFree travel tripod and Oben monopod because of it’s small size and low weight.