Excellent quality micro ball head for my lightweight GRiii setup.

I have been looking for a rugged and lightweight ball head for a long time. One that is simple to use, with and without gloves. One that has simple and intuitive controls. One that is really well machined from high-quality metals. My search is over. This little guy is so well designed and easy to use that it just gets out of your way. The lever lock for the ball head provides varying degrees of tension on the ball depending on its placement. Swing the lever all the way out, and the head moves freely. Push the lever in just a little, and head moves with the slightest amount of tension. Move the lever in more, and adjusting the head requires a fair amount of effort. When the lever is fully locked (there's a detent), the head has zero movement or drift. The 5 lb load capacity seems conservative. I have this head mounted on Sirui T-24x carbon fiber legs it has been great. Total weight of the legs and head is 1lb 14.5 oz and is a great set up for backpacking and travel.

I had originally ordered a RRS multi-clamp kit with the BH-25, knowing that I could use that head on both a table-top tripod and the multi-clamp, however, I should have not purchased the BH-25. Not that there is anything wrong with the BH-25, I'll probably find a use for it down the road, but I realized that there was no real panning on it. The BPC-16, however, has a built in panning mechanism and is much smaller and lighter. I think it may even hold more weight. It's smooth and easy to operate and is a perfect compliment to my RRS table-top tripod, multi-clamp, and cell-phone L bracket.

This has become my favorite hiking and backpacking ballhead.  The lightest and most functional one I have ever used.  RRS makes incredibly durable and well-engineered gear, and this is no exception.  Most of my RRS gear is built for durability, but not designed to be lightweight.  The BPC-16 is that rare confluence of RRS-toughness and engineered perfection, coupled with a form factor that enables me to easily carry it on week long trips in the mountains.  The dual function knurled knob that clamps and allows panning is very clever and easy to use.  I highly recommend this to those that need something of this weight and function.  I am using with an A7Riii.

My application for this product is a bit eccentric, but it works perfectly, for me at least. Atop my light weight Feisol CT-3342 tripod with integral leveling base I've placed the tilting base of a RRS MH-01 monopod head (though a less expensive alternative would probably work just as well) and atop that this panning base with clamp. After leveling the tripod platform, leveling the clamp (with camera and lens) requires simply tilting the monopod head until level per the clamp bubble. Pan and tilt functions are individually adjustable with better control than with a ball head. Changing tilt function for a camera (with Arca-Swiss mount) to a telephoto lens with long foot similarly equipped is accomplished quickly by simply rotating the panning section 90 degrees. In addition to better pan and tilt control, the monopod head-panning clamp combo is more compact and lighter than most ball heads of comparable load capacity (which would likely also include a now redundant panning function at its base).


This panning clamp is a quality product, as would be expected from RRS. The clamp lever is a bit stiffer to operate than my other RRS lever lock clamps, but that's not a deal breaker. In spite of the small size of the clamping surface, it grips solidly. The pan locking screw seems dainty but it securely stops the rotating clamp platform; it also cannot fall out when unscrewed.


I'm really pleased with the setup this RRS PC-LR-40 compact panning clamp has made possible. It's replaced a quite heavy large ball head. It may not be for everyone, but I thought I'd mention it in some detail to stimulate some thinking outside of the box.

I own many RRS larger heads which I love , but with the love comes carrying them. I'm a big fan of the clasp to easy change mounts so I do miss it I switch to iPhone run and gun shooting from pro stuff (please don't judge ). This is really perfect for this function. Tiny and light and gold tripods (gitzo carbon) without the legs smacking into so I can leave on and instantly shooting. It's a game changer for me and less weight better I use three with three phones

I have had an RRS panning clamp for some years, and love its quality an ease of use. I needed something similar but smaller and lighter for my hiking rig, so when I saw this product I jumped on it. I put it on top of my BH-30 ball head as the default clamp. Yes, it is expensive, but the great quality and ease of use are there as you would expect. It is very strong and can easily hold more than anything I will need to put on it. Worth the price!

I use it for backpacking. It works with my Sony A6000 camera. High quality product and super light.

This one is perfect for a mirrorless travel set-up. This one can hold my A9 and Sigma 105/1.4 (my heaviest set-up) steady even off axis. For travel, anything else should be good. The ability to pan should not be underestimated for a quick pano or to correct the framing side-to-side when the set-up is already leveled. I have an FML light ball head that panning and clamping use the same knob, and its not as easy to use. I have used lever clamp before and I dont like the fact that I need to put in a lot more force to close it down. This lever is smooth throughout and easy to find the right clamping force to move the camera and lens with one hand. I didnt notice any drooping like a regular ball head on this one. The one thing I wish is that it has a 3/8 hole instead.

If you find one, grab it. Great gear.