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Joby JB01513 BallHead 3K Tripod Head Red — main product image
Joby JB01513 BallHead 3K Tripod Head Red
Joby JB01513 BallHead 3K Tripod Head Red
Joby JB01513 BallHead 3K Tripod Head Red
Joby JB01513 BallHead 3K Tripod Head Red
Joby JB01513 BallHead 3K Tripod Head Red
Joby

Joby JB01513 BallHead 3K Tripod Head Red

★★★★★4.6 (427 reviews)
6.6 lb

Precise, repeatable positioning for mirrorless and compact DSLR setups — the BallHead 3K keeps your composition locked through a full day of shooting.

$59.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The JOBY BallHead 3K is built for photographers who prioritize portability without giving up precise positioning control. Travel shooters, street photographers, and content creators working with mirrorless systems will find it fits seamlessly into a lightweight kit — at 5.1 ounces it barely registers on a scale. But light doesn't mean loose: the ball locks down firmly within its 3kg rated capacity, and the 360° panning base with 90° tilt gives you the positioning range to frame carefully without fighting the head. The bubble level is a practical detail that pays off on any shot where a level horizon matters — architecture, interiors, landscapes — sparing you the minor frustration of a slightly off horizon in post.

Materials are ABS plastic, TPE grip pads, and stainless steel hardware — a combination that keeps weight minimal while delivering functional rigidity for supported shooting sessions. The universal ¼-20" mounting screw makes it compatible with virtually any tripod leg system, and the Joby ecosystem compatibility means GorillaPod Arms and Hub Adapters extend its usefulness to wrapped, clamped, and suspended mounts that traditional tripods can't achieve. The quick release plate is Joby's own format rather than Arca-Swiss, which is worth knowing if your bodies are already plated for a different system. Within its intended role — a lightweight, capable ball head for compact camera setups — the BallHead 3K is a clean, practical solution.

Key Features

Quick Release Mounting Plate

Full 360° Panning and 90° Tilt

Bubble Level for Precise Orientation

Works with Joby Pro-Level Accessories

Load Capacity: 6.6 lb

Specifications

Brand
JOBY
Model
JB01513
Load Capacity
6.6 lb (3 kg)
Panning
Full 360°
Tilt
90°
Mounting
Standard ¼-20" universal screw
Dimensions
2.56 x 2.36 x 2.76 inches
Weight
5.1 oz (0.32 lbs)
Material
ABS Plastic, TPE Grip Pads, Stainless Steel
Color
Red

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • At 5.1 ounces the BallHead 3K adds almost nothing to a travel or hiking kit, making it an easy permanent addition without weight-penalty compromise.
  • The built-in bubble level removes guesswork on architectural and landscape shots where a level horizon matters to the final image.
  • Full 360° panning and 90° tilt give you the range to hit portrait orientation and precise off-axis compositions without repositioning the tripod legs.
  • Compatibility with Joby GorillaPod Arms and Hub Adapters opens up unconventional mounting positions that a standard ball head can't reach.
  • The compact footprint keeps the overall tripod stack low, which is an advantage for low-angle compositions where every millimeter counts.

👎 Cons

  • The 6.6 lb load cap limits this head to lighter camera and lens combinations — shooters pairing full-frame bodies with heavy telephoto glass will need a higher-rated head.
  • The quick release system is Joby-specific rather than Arca-Swiss standard, which means it doesn't plug into the broader ecosystem of Arca-compatible plates and clamps many photographers already have.
  • ABS plastic construction is functional but doesn't inspire the same confidence under repeated heavy use that a machined metal head would at a similar price point.
  • The red colorway is eye-catching, which can be a minor consideration for photographers who prefer understated gear in public or documentary shooting contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The BallHead 3K uses a standard ¼-20" universal screw mounting, not a dedicated Arca-Swiss clamp. The quick release plate is Joby's own design — confirm compatibility with your existing plates before committing to this head if you have a plated camera body in your kit.
At 6.6 lb (3kg), this head is well-matched to mirrorless bodies with standard zoom or prime lenses. A Sony A7-series body with a 24–70mm f/2.8, or a Fuji body with a mid-range telephoto, sit comfortably within the rating. It's not the right head for a heavy 70–200mm f/2.8 on a full-frame body — that setup is better served by the BallHead 5K.
Yes, particularly for architecture, landscape, and product work where a level horizon is non-negotiable. In fast-moving event or street shooting, you'll rely on it less — but it's genuinely useful when you're composing a careful shot and want confirmation without pulling out a separate level tool.
The ¼-20" mounting screw is a universal standard compatible with most tripod legs. The head also connects with Joby's GorillaPod Arms and Hub Adapter, expanding its usefulness beyond traditional tripod legs for unconventional mounting positions.
At just over 5 ounces it's a negligible addition to a travel bag — lighter than most lens caps combined. It's genuinely travel-friendly and won't tip the weight balance on compact mirrorless setups.

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