True or False: ball heads are not designed for panning
Jun 6, 2013 14:57:06 #
I read recently that ball heads were not particularly good (or even designed for) panning, but are often used for stationary studio subjects when exacting adjustments are needed.
Jun 6, 2013 14:59:36 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
Ball heads typically move in all directions making them a little more difficult in panning. I'd recommend a gimbal.
Jun 6, 2013 15:13:51 #
Jun 6, 2013 15:21:05 #
aerides wrote:
I read recently that ball heads were not particularly good (or even designed for) panning, but are often used for stationary studio subjects when exacting adjustments are needed.
Not the best pana head but its the best universal use head.
Jun 6, 2013 15:26:29 #
aerides wrote:
I read recently that ball heads were not particularly good (or even designed for) panning, but are often used for stationary studio subjects when exacting adjustments are needed.
We have two Vanguard Tracker 4 tripods, one with a ballhead and one with pan and tilt. The pan and tilt head is beautiful for panning - smooth as silk - great for video. I've used the ballhead for panning, but it's awkward.
Jun 6, 2013 16:30:37 #
FredB
Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.
Ball heads are not designed for panning, but if the ball mechanism rotates on the mounting plate, as most do, what could be simpler? Lock the ball, loosen the plate rotation handle, and away you go. I can twirl my Manfrotto 498 around all day with one finger...why all the confusion?
Jun 6, 2013 16:54:53 #
FredB wrote:
Ball heads are not designed for panning, but if the ball mechanism rotates on the mounting plate, as most do, what could be simpler? Lock the ball, loosen the plate rotation handle, and away you go. I can twirl my Manfrotto 498 around all day with one finger...why all the confusion?
Probably just a terminology glitch. If by "panning" you mean moving your camera along a horizontal line in a locked vertical plane no problem. But if you mean following a moving subject that can move up or down or side to side.... Maybe I'm using the term incorrectly.
Jun 6, 2013 17:08:57 #
FredB
Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.
aerides wrote:
Yes, panning refers to moving the camera along a horizontal plane only. Moving up and down is called TILTing. And yes, that's why they're called "pan and tilt" heads... :)Probably just a terminology glitch. If by "panning" you mean moving your camera along a horizontal line in a locked vertical plane no problem. But if you mean following a moving subject that can move up or down or side to side.... Maybe I'm using the term incorrectly.
Jun 6, 2013 17:29:39 #
Ah. Got it. Thanks! So, back to question about what ballheads are best at doing and what they're not so good at doing.
Jun 6, 2013 18:13:44 #
I use ball heads for general purpose shooting, waterfalls, scenic, nature etc.
For birds, birds in flight an such a gimbal is my choice.
As always opinions vary with preferences by shooters
For birds, birds in flight an such a gimbal is my choice.
As always opinions vary with preferences by shooters
Jun 6, 2013 22:09:02 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
Ball heads are just fine for panning! If you get a decent one. The RRS BH-50 has a pan control, works really well. Some Manfrottos have a pan control too
Jun 6, 2013 22:09:44 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
Oops sorry BH-55. You would think I would know which model I own
Jun 6, 2013 22:17:16 #
Jun 6, 2013 22:54:27 #
It depends.
Yes the BH55 works great. It's also the finest Ballhead made.
Yes the BH55 works great. It's also the finest Ballhead made.
Jun 7, 2013 00:11:54 #
Xtreme66 wrote:
My Manfrotto 498RC4 pans quite nicely.
Speaking of Ball Heads and panning ability. I just got my new Ball Head today. Fancier FT 6664H. WOW, OMG was this thing a steal! $42 on Amazon and I've never seen a $100 ball head this nice. It is awesome at 3X the price. All metal, fluid damped. Rock solid. 1 1/2" ball. And it's fluid pan is as smooth as glass.
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