Ball Head or Pan Head for Tripod
May 30, 2014 15:02:09 #
I would like some suggestions from those more experienced in this area than me. I am shopping for something to go on top of my Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod. I shoot with a Nikon D7000 which usually has an 18-200 mm lens attached to it. I am looking to purchase a head for the tripod and wanted some suggestions on whether or not it is wise to go with a ball head or pan head. The tripod will be used mostly indoors but could be set up outdoors on a level surface. I will shoot portraits, possible some sports by my grandchildren. I doubt I would ever go hiking, if that even matters, and think that may be more important when considering the actual weight of tripod and head. Probably would not want to spend more than $150. for the head.
Your thoughts, please.
Your thoughts, please.
May 30, 2014 15:37:42 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
RKL349 wrote:
I would like some suggestions from those more expe... (show quote)
I find a pan head more convenient for making vertical and horizontal adjustments, and prefer a ball head when using a lens with a tripod mount. Either will do for what you describe.
May 30, 2014 15:38:35 #
I recommend looking at the Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head. Single-hand operation.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=733655&gclid=CjgKEAjw2KCcBRCQ_6mztcunhEgSJABPxOF1Bp_dNN3AfIpGZB3ada9HBSMYedaDXmaZyvJ7LO-U1PD_BwE&Q=&is=REG&A=details
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=733655&gclid=CjgKEAjw2KCcBRCQ_6mztcunhEgSJABPxOF1Bp_dNN3AfIpGZB3ada9HBSMYedaDXmaZyvJ7LO-U1PD_BwE&Q=&is=REG&A=details
May 30, 2014 15:42:55 #
My personal preference, 3 way pan head, heavier but just works better for me. I bought a ball head for the first time last Nov. drives me nuts remembering which knob does what and then having to use two hands, one for camera and one for knob. With my old pan heads the handles both adjust and hold so I use one hand on the handle, usually the other hand is on the other handle until I get things the way I want, then tighten, take picture.
My preference, try them and decide. Ball heads are more compact and usually lighter. Also pack in case easier. Who knows one day I may have a mental snap and suddenly like my ball head.
My preference, try them and decide. Ball heads are more compact and usually lighter. Also pack in case easier. Who knows one day I may have a mental snap and suddenly like my ball head.
May 30, 2014 15:51:39 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Nikonian72 wrote:
I recommend looking at the Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=733655&gclid=CjgKEAjw2KCcBRCQ_6mztcunhEgSJABPxOF1Bp_dNN3AfIpGZB3ada9HBSMYedaDXmaZyvJ7LO-U1PD_BwE&Q=&is=REG&A=details
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=733655&gclid=CjgKEAjw2KCcBRCQ_6mztcunhEgSJABPxOF1Bp_dNN3AfIpGZB3ada9HBSMYedaDXmaZyvJ7LO-U1PD_BwE&Q=&is=REG&A=details
I never met a camera/lens combination flopped over for vertical that I didn't hate, but this looks interesting. I may try it myself. :)
May 30, 2014 16:23:58 #
JMO, but I bought one of those trigger-type heads. Sold it in less than a week. My preference is a straight ahead solid ball head. If you go that route, don't go with a compact ball head. They are too small for your camera. I use and am very happy with a full size Giottos w/ Arca type release. Runs around $180.
May 30, 2014 18:58:22 #
Go with the Big Leagues: Really Right Stuff
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl/it.A/id.4110/.f
Quality of construction has be be seen to be believed.
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl/it.A/id.4110/.f
Quality of construction has be be seen to be believed.
May 30, 2014 19:22:54 #
May 31, 2014 00:30:01 #
preachy wrote:
Some photographers have more dollars than sense. The previously mentioned Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head is within OP's stated $150 budget.RRS heads are no doubt the best, but cha-CHING!!!!!!
May 31, 2014 01:13:41 #
RKL349 wrote:
I would like some suggestions from those more expe... (show quote)
I am sorry that I cannot make a recommendation that is within your budget. Should you find you can afford another $100 or so, here is my recommendation:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124665-REG/Manfrotto_410_410_Junior_Geared_Head.html
May 31, 2014 01:28:22 #
Adorama has their own line of ball heads, pretty good quality and the one that supports 11 pounds is only 59.95. It is the one I bought, just I can't seem to get used to a ball head after pan types since the 60's.
May 31, 2014 06:42:50 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
I recommend looking at the Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head. Single-hand operation.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=733655&gclid=CjgKEAjw2KCcBRCQ_6mztcunhEgSJABPxOF1Bp_dNN3AfIpGZB3ada9HBSMYedaDXmaZyvJ7LO-U1PD_BwE&Q=&is=REG&A=details
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=733655&gclid=CjgKEAjw2KCcBRCQ_6mztcunhEgSJABPxOF1Bp_dNN3AfIpGZB3ada9HBSMYedaDXmaZyvJ7LO-U1PD_BwE&Q=&is=REG&A=details
I have the GH 300 model and love it
May 31, 2014 07:10:09 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
robertjerl wrote:
Adorama has their own line of ball heads, pretty good quality and the one that supports 11 pounds is only 59.95. It is the one I bought, just I can't seem to get used to a ball head after pan types since the 60's.
I agree with your assessment of ball heads, I need two hands to position my camera properly with them. I've had a Linhof for at least 50 years, and only use it for lenses that have the rotating tripod mount placed too far to the rear, as the handles on the pan head prevent rotating the camera. That Vanguard looks interesting, but I want to handle it first.
May 31, 2014 07:44:23 #
I have the Acratech GP and it functions as a pan and ball head. Not cheap but very high quality. Here's a link http://www.acratech.net/gp/
May 31, 2014 07:46:42 #
I have the same tripod and use Manfrotto 498rc2 and am very happy with this setup.
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