Kirk Enterprises Ball Head Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by: rxr9
(Expert)

Review Date
November 11, 2003

Overall Rating
3 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
2.44 of 5,
9 votes

Review 1 of 15

Price Paid: $240.00 from Kirk

Summary:

The BH-3 has it where it counts: solid build quality, smooth operation, and reliability. I also have an Arca-Swiss B1, and that is a wonderful head, holding a heavier load than the BH-3. But, the B1 has locked up on me a few times. This has never happened with the Kirk head. While the BH-3 is quite as finely finished as the Arca, I find myself reaching for the BH-3 most of the time because I know it will always work. Highly recommended.

Strengths:

It works every time. Easy operation. Not cheap, but good value for money.

Weaknesses:

None.

Similar Products Used:

Arca B1 Bogen 3055

Customer Service:

Not ever needed.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Area51
(Intermediate)

Review Date
October 20, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.50 of 5,
2 votes

Review 2 of 15

Price Paid: $330.00 from Kirkphoto.com

Summary:

An excellent ballhead. Holds heavy loads at any angle, adjustable friction control, pan base. Ball does not move while locking down, or while locked. This has become my most used ballhead, everything about it is top notch.

Strengths:

Load capacity, friction control, pan base. Cheaper than an Arca Swiss B1.

Weaknesses:

3 week back-order.

Similar Products Used:

Acratech Ultimate.

Customer Service:

Excellent, very nice to deal with.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Brent Andersen
(Intermediate)

Review Date
November 16, 2002

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 3 of 15

Price Paid: $0.00 from Kirk Ent.

Summary:

Yup, it cost some bucks, but just buy it and don't worry. I do a lot of macro work and find myself and my tripod with the Kirk head in some unbelievable positions. It is really flexible in terms of what it does and it just flat works well. I have had zero problems with it. I bought this head at the urging of a professional photographer friend, and he knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't be satisified with anything less.

Strengths:

Very well made and it works! It makes my shooting easier. Good sized, easy to use knobs.

Weaknesses:

None

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Rating
Reviewed by: Gear Junkie
(Intermediate)

Review Date
June 19, 2002

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
3 votes

Review 4 of 15

Price Paid: $240.00 from Kirk Photo

Summary:

Wow! After fighting with various pan & tilts, and a Giotto head, I have finally found the light. This ballhead opereates ultra smooth and is built very solid. All of the knobs are well-sized and work effectively. It doesn't require a lot of pressure to lock the head or panning motion in place. Although this ballhead costs a good chunk of dough, it is SO well worth it, especially considering how much use tripod heads usually get.

Strengths:

Smoothness, Weight, Smoothness, Made in the USA, Build Quality (obviously from being made in America), and did I mention smoothness.

Weaknesses:

Hmmm, can't think of anything.

Similar Products Used:

Slik Pan & Tilts, Giotto 1001 (Junk)

Customer Service:

Excellent! I made a few special requests and they MORE than accomodated me.

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Rating
Reviewed by: mark1958
(Intermediate)

Review Date
April 27, 2002

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 5 of 15

Price Paid: $240.00 from Kirk

Summary:

I have really enjoyed using the Kirk BH-3 ballhead. It is relatively light and easy to carry. The ball head is precision crafted and very smooth. The three control knobs are well positioned and worked well. I have never used the Arca-Swiss side by side but i did try the Arca in a store and the ball head did tend to get jammed whereas I have never had this problem with the Kirk.

Strengths:

Light weight 3 control knobs - well positioned

Weaknesses:

Use for lenses less than 300/2.8. The arca can handle larger lenses.

Similar Products Used:

Velbon pan head

Customer Service:

Outstanding, helpful

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