Leofoto NB-46 Ball Head with Dual Panoramic Base & NP-60 Arca-Swiss Quick Release Plate

(3 Reviews)

SKU: 11186

GTIN: 6940828345249

HAN: 11186

Category: Tripod Heads

Supply Time 6-8 Weeks

€ 199,00

incl. 19% VAT (All Non-EU Countries tax-free or with a valid EU Vat. No.) , plus

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Professional ball head with up to 30 kg load capacity for cameras, telephoto lenses, and spotting scopes
Dual 360° panoramic function via the base and quick release clamp for maximum flexibility
Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamp including NP-60 quick release plate
46 mm precision ball for exceptionally smooth movements and secure locking
Continuously adjustable friction control with memory function for optimal handling
Independent panoramic base with laser-engraved scale for precise panning
90° notch for quick portrait orientation
Integrated spirit level for accurate horizontal alignment
Precision CNC-machined from high-strength 6061-T6 aluminum alloy
3/8" tripod thread for universal compatibility
Includes NP-60 quick release plate and carrying pouch

Leofoto NB-46 Ball Head with Dual Panoramic Base & NP-60 Arca-Swiss Quick Release Plate – 30 kg Load Capacity

Professional ball head with up to 30 kg load capacity for cameras, telephoto lenses, and spotting scopes
Dual 360° panoramic function via the base and quick release clamp for maximum flexibility
Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamp including NP-60 quick release plate
46 mm precision ball for exceptionally smooth movements and secure locking
Continuously adjustable friction control with memory function for optimal handling
Independent panoramic base with laser-engraved scale for precise panning
90° notch for quick portrait orientation
Integrated spirit level for accurate horizontal alignment
Precision CNC-machined from high-strength 6061-T6 aluminum alloy
3/8" tripod thread for universal compatibility
Includes NP-60 quick release plate and carrying pouch

Product Description

The Leofoto NB-46 Ball Head is designed for professional photographers and videographers who require maximum stability, precision, and outstanding load capacity. Supporting equipment weighing up to 30 kg, it is ideal for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, large telephoto lenses, spotting scopes, and other heavy professional imaging equipment. Despite its impressive strength, the ball head weighs only 553 g.

The precision-engineered 46 mm ball delivers exceptionally smooth and controlled movements. A large locking knob allows precise adjustment before securely locking the camera in place. The integrated friction control with memory function enables the resistance to be fine-tuned for different camera and lens combinations, ensuring comfortable and consistent operation.

A key feature of the NB-46 is its dual panoramic function. Both the panoramic base and the included NP-60 Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamp rotate independently through 360°. Precision laser-engraved scales on both rotating sections allow accurate camera positioning and repeatable panoramic shots with maximum precision.

The integrated spirit level makes horizontal alignment quick and accurate, while the 90° portrait notch allows fast switching to vertical shooting. Thanks to its modular design, the quick release clamp can easily be replaced with other compatible Arca-Swiss clamp systems if required.

Manufactured from premium 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and fully CNC-machined, the NB-46 offers exceptional strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and long-lasting durability. Its compact height of just 105 mm keeps the center of gravity low, minimizing vibrations and ensuring sharp, stable images even when using heavy equipment.

Technical Specifications

Model	Leofoto NB-46
Type	Ball Head with Dual Panoramic Function
Load Capacity	30 kg
Weight	553 g
Ball Diameter	46 mm
Height	105 mm
Base Diameter	56 mm
Panoramic Function	360° at base and quick release clamp
Tilt Range	90°
Tripod Mount	3/8" (1/4" adaptable with thread adapter)
Quick Release System	Arca-Swiss compatible (NP-60)
Spirit Level	Yes
Panorama Scale	Yes, laser-engraved
Material	6061-T6 aluminum alloy, CNC-machined

Package Contents

1× Leofoto NB-46 Ball Head
1× NP-60 Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate
1× Carrying pouch

Tripod Components

Cameras and tripods have a long-standing partnership, maintaining relevance and unmatched functionality in a world dominated by image stabilization and Photoshop tricks. Although the form and function of a tripod are much simpler to understand than today’s DSLRs, with their extensive features, selecting the right setup from a variety of manufacturers and seemingly comparable models can be a daunting task. This article outlines the basic types of tripod kits every photographer should consider, and discusses the various categories of tripod heads and legs for those looking to build a custom setup.

Tabletop Tripods

For some, the simplest and smallest solution is often the best, and for this audience, a tabletop tripod offers a particularly compact solution for the everyday photographer. These tripods come in a range of types and sizes and are usually sold as kits with a pre-mounted head and legs. They are typically inseparable and reach a maximum height of no more than 30cm. These tripods are ideal for travelers, hikers, or those photographing in areas where carrying full-sized camera equipment might be restricted. Those needing a table support may also consider a flexible variant, such as the Joby Gorillapod line. These compact and lightweight supports can be used on a traditional flat surface or wrapped around various objects (such as branches, pipes, and handlebars) to stabilize your camera on uneven terrain or create a unique new photographic perspective.

The Tripod System

For the passionate, ambitious, and professional photographer, investing in a modular tripod system—or, for the layperson, a tripod with a removable head and a set of durable, versatile legs—is the preferred choice. Whether purchased together as part of an extended set or separately, investing in a system ensures the user obtains customizable, high-quality equipment that can be adapted to specific photography needs either now or in the future. Below, we outline some of the different options for purchasing a pre-made tripod kit or assembling your own tripod kit using components selected to meet your individual requirements.

The 3-Way Pan-Tilt Head

When most people think about tripod functionality, they envision the movement and brand-licensed style of the classic three-way head. This design remains popular with beginners for its ease of use and relatively precise movement. The head consists of three separate arms controlling vertical tilt, horizontal tilt, and 360-degree panning. To adjust the position of each angle, simply turn the handle for the desired angle, position the camera, and then tighten the handle again to lock the camera in place—it's that simple. Three-way heads are commonly used for landscape, portrait, still-life, macro, or product photography, but they can be used for almost any photographic application.

The Ball Head

The ball head is currently the most modern and generally preferred head style, partly due to its compact size (compared to three-way heads), lightweight build, and ease of adjustment. Unlike the three-way head, ball heads save size and weight by allowing you to use the camera itself as the "handle," positioning the camera in any direction with just one rather than three knobs. Ball heads typically feature dual or triple control, allowing photographers to control the ball’s movement and friction with separate knobs. Tri-control designs often implement a third knob that controls the 360-degree panning separately from the main ball lock. Due to its size and speed, this head style is popular among sports, action, nature, travel, and studio photographers. Like the three-way head, it can also be used for almost any photographic application.

The Gimbal Head

Gimbal heads are practically essential in the world of advanced sports and wildlife photography, as they support the large telephoto lenses that are an undeniable hallmark of the craft. The gimbal head is designed to support and balance large lenses and camera bodies, allowing the user to follow a moving subject vertically and horizontally, and, if properly balanced, retain its last position even when the photographer’s hand leaves the camera. They are generally the largest and heaviest head style, but for photographers who need them, their utility is unrivaled. It is also worth noting that most gimbal heads are not sold with a mounting plate; one must be selected specifically for the lens in use. When investing in a gimbal system, you should always purchase a suitable lens mounting plate that provides enough length to adequately balance your equipment.

The Fluid Head

Since almost every camera now includes advanced video functions, many photographers have begun incorporating video components into their tripod kits, with the fluid head being the most significant of these additions. The fluid head is designed to reduce resistance when recording video, allowing for smooth pans and tilts along two axes, and the integrated "fluid" cartridge reduces unwanted shakes, vibrations, and jitters. While each tripod head has a maximum load capacity, the stated maximum of a fluid head should be seen as a guideline that should never be exceeded. Balanced weight is essential for good fluid head performance, and resistance to an unbalanced load can impair the video-smoothing properties of the head, especially in the hands of beginner videographers.

Material Choice

Tripod legs—whether for beginners or professionals—are a relatively straightforward matter, limited to three simple factors: weight, load capacity, and price. The often heavier, cheaper, and somewhat more durable material for tripod legs is an oldie but goodie: aluminum. Although its weight may not be ideal for travel, aluminum tripods benefit from this weight with increased stability and the ability to withstand daily use and minor impacts. However, aluminum legs are subject to the environment in which they are used, which simply means they heat up in the sun, cool down in the cold, and can rust if not properly cleaned after exposure to freshwater and saltwater. The second, newer, and more expensive material option is carbon fiber, which has become a darling in the world of outdoor and landscape photography due to its lighter weight and excellent rigidity. Although the price difference between aluminum and carbon fiber has decreased significantly in recent years, it is still substantial for higher-quality tripod brands.

Average item review

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Total entries: 3

Very heavy duty
Very heavy duty, will hold a heavy camera in place. This is more what you would expect in a heavier duty tripod.

Keith C , 21.02.2019 Voucher received

Bester Kugelkopf
Das ist der beste Kugelkopf, den ich bisher verwendet habe. Super softe Einstellung und Positionierung sind mit diesem Kopf einfach und kinderleicht. Mein Vorgängermodell war schon gut; aber so samtweich hat sich auch das bisherige Topmodell von Rollei nicht einstellen lassen.

Sigmar T , 16.02.2019 Voucher received

Wärmste Empfehlung
Leofoto ist mit durch hochwertige Produkte schon länger bekannt, allerdings habe ich bisher nie zugeschlagen. Jetzt benötigte ich den NB-46 Stativkopf. Der erste Eindruck bestätigte meine Annahme: absolut solide und robuste Verarbeitung. Die Einstellungen sind leicht vorgenommen - nach Festdrehen der Knöpfe hält das Teil absolut die Einstellungen. Die Wasserwaage ist im übrigen auch nicht verkehrt - allerdings haben viele Kameras diese schon im System eingebaut. Ich kann das Teil nur wärmstens empfehlen.

Christian R , 21.02.2019 Voucher received

Total entries: 3

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Manufacturer according to GPSR
Leofoto, Weiye Rd, Pingdong, Industrial Zone 6, 36551 Sanxiang Town, Zhongshan City, Guangdong, China, sales@leofoto.cn, https://www.leofoto.com
Responsible person according to GPSR
ProductIP AR Services, Galvanstraat 1, 6716 AE Ede, Niederlande, info@productip.com, https://www.productip.com/