Vanguard VEO BH-250S Ball Head Review

The VEO BH-250S is a ball head that combines precision, stability, and flexibility to enable the easy positioning of your camera when using a tripod.

One of the big features of the VEO BH-250S is its dual-axis design. What this essentially means is that the head incorporates a second panning axis under the quick-release plate mount. By being able to pivot the plate at this higher point above the main ball, you have greater control over the framing of your shot. One major benefit of the design is that it enables you to make micro-adjustments using either axis; this means that, unlike other tripods, you can manoeuvre the camera into position without needing to compromise the stability of the setup.

As many accessories are Arca-compatible, it’s good to see that Vanguard has stuck with this style of base plate, making it consistent with the rest of the Veo range and ensuring that it is also interchangeable with many other manufacturers. It also means that it’s easy to switch between different cameras and accessories without the need for additional adaptors or tools.

With an impressive maximum load capacity of 25kg/55lbs, this makes it suitable for heavy-duty camera setups where big zoom lenses are likely to be used. As well as the impressive payload the head features friction control which helps when positioning those larger lenses. While the head does have that big max payload, it’s also perfectly suitable for lighter camera and lens combos that are used for landscape photography or Macro.

The ball head itself is CNC-machined from aircraft-grade aluminium, which gives it a strong high, quality build while keeping it nice and lightweight at 645g. The head has a 38mm ball and a 58mm diameter base, which fits any tripod with a 3/8-inch thread or any tripod with a 1/4-inch thread using the adapter which is provided.

The VEO BH-250S ball head certainly packs in the features and, as a side, is available in a kit with the recently released Vanguard VEO 3+ 303AT.

The large Arca Swiss plate is easy to attach and remove from the camera with the flip-down D-Ring that enables you to hand-tighten nicely without the need for tools. The two strip rubber pads on the top surface of the plate hold the camera firmly in place, preventing any movement or slipping during use. The plate and clamp design, being Arca style, also enables the easy movement of the camera from one support to another. Likewise, any Arca-compatible plate, L-bracket, or accessory can easily be attached without additional modifications.

The large knob on the head clamp provides a secure and easy-to-use attachment. When clamping the camera into position the knurled knob design ensures plenty of grip. The first of the two 360º panning plates is located under the base plate clamp, and this enables fine positioning of the head; while this 360º in this position is unusual, it is something that we’ve seen before from Vanguard.

The main ball head release knob is a great design that provides plenty of grip and precise control over the release and locking of the mechanism.

There is also a friction control that helps with heavy lenses, providing more control than just the release and tightening of the head lock knob. However, for shorter and lighter lenses, it may not be necessary.

One minor issue is that having four knobs on one head can make it feel crowded, but thankfully there’s enough space between each of the knobs so that nothing, including fingers, gets trapped when in use. The second pan option is at the more traditional position at the base of the head; this utilises the ball release knob to release rather than having its own release option.

The VEO BH-250S has a solid design that works exceptionally well. It’s lightweight and packs in the features. In use, it’s the dual-axis control that really makes this head stand out. When setting up and positioning the tripod, the usual pan rotation enables the usual range of motion for standard shots. But then, when the MACC is deployed, that second 360º pan under the baseplate really comes into play.

On low-angled landscape shots where careful leg adjustment is usually needed to get that perfect level, now that second axis enables easy fine-tuning. Likewise, for Macro, the head really shines with an extra level of movement that lets you precisely move the camera to get that perfect composition.

Of course, the VEO BH-205S didn’t arrive in isolation and was used with the VEO 3+ 303AT, and it’s obvious why the two have been partnered. However, if you don’t want to go for the Vanguard legs then the head is compatible with any set of standard tripod legs that you wish to partner the head with. For weight and versatility, I popped the VEO BH-205S onto a set of 32mm diameter carbon legs. While there’s a slight mismatch of design the result was a lightweight and highly flexible combination.

The only minor negative point around the head is the number of knobs needed to give you the level of flexibility it offers. However, the benefits of these knobs far outweigh the downside of the stripping back of features, my only comment would be that I would prefer a smaller and more slimline profile for the friction control.

The VEO BH-250S ball head was used with the VEO 3+ 303AT tripod for the major part of the review, which proved to be an exceptional partnership providing solid and versatile support that will suit enthusiasts and professionals.

What I really liked about this combination was the fact that this tripod feels like a workhorse, a piece of equipment that you can work with on a daily basis and rely on for years. The VEO 3+ 303AT is a mid-weight tripod, and the VEO BH-250S is a perfect partner for it.

In its own right, the VEO BH-250S is also an excellent choice to partner with any set of legs. The payload makes it suitable for use with larger camera systems that you would use for sports or wildlife, while the friction control then gives you plenty of control adjustment.

Likewise, if you want to travel lighter then the relatively compact size and lightweight aluminium build make it far lighter than many other heads that offer a similar maximum payload, so it could easily be fixed to a larger travel tripod.

Where I really found this head to excel was with macro and product photography; the adjustment to the position that is made possible with the dual axis is absolutely invaluable. When it came to positioning the camera to get the framing I wanted without compromising, the movement offered by the dual axis made life simple.

The VEO BH-250S ball head, when used in combination with the VEO 3+ 303AT tripod, provides a flexible and robust shooting base for your photography. The ball head itself has the stand-out feature of the dual-axis system that enables precise control. Then there’s the Arca Swiss plate and clamp that offers compatibility with other support systems. Ultimately, the VEO BH-250S is a great partner for the VEO 3 303AT, but equally, it’s also a good option for anyone wanting to upgrade their existing tripod head when it comes to who this head would suit, really anyone from the keen enthusiast to professionals, as the cost is well balanced considering the build quality, features and payload.