TRIPOD HEADS - What's the difference? Which one should I get?
Dec 9, 2015 07:24:21 #
jam
Loc: Beaufort, NC
I also purchased the Nest tripod from Camera Cottage and have been very happy with it.
Dec 9, 2015 07:25:29 #
I have always used ball head tripods but I recently bought a new one without realising it had a pan head.
At first I was disappointed with it but now I after some use I now prefer it. I have become used to the plate a leave it attached to the camera most of the time even when I am not using the tripod.
I find the Pan and Swivel much easier to use compared with the ball head I had before and its safer use as you don't have spin the camera round to fit it to the tripod as it quickly clamps on.
At first I was disappointed with it but now I after some use I now prefer it. I have become used to the plate a leave it attached to the camera most of the time even when I am not using the tripod.
I find the Pan and Swivel much easier to use compared with the ball head I had before and its safer use as you don't have spin the camera round to fit it to the tripod as it quickly clamps on.
Dec 9, 2015 07:42:46 #
Since you are not doing sports or BIF, solid and stable is what you are looking for. You do not need a set up designed for rapid changes or your set up. I think a solid pan/tilt is going to be fine for you. However, I currently use a Manfrotto Joystick (which is really a ball head) that I like quite a bit. Just squeezing and adjusting without having to deal with the two handles on the pan/tilt works for me
Keep an eye on B&H daily deals and holiday specials. A good tripod deal comes up frequently.
Keep an eye on B&H daily deals and holiday specials. A good tripod deal comes up frequently.
Dec 9, 2015 08:34:39 #
If there was a "best" one, everyone would have it. Gear & uses will determine which type will suit your needs... IMHO Pan & Tilt versions are best suited for video use...
Dec 9, 2015 08:58:13 #
I started using tripods 60 years ago. Back then the pan/tilt head was the only thing there was, so that's what I used. Last time I bought a new tripod (about 10 years ago) I tried a ball head in the store. It didn't feel right to me so I stuck with the pan/tilt head. Old habits die hard. (if it works, don't fix it).
Since the ball head I used depended on a squeeze to release the tension holding it in place, I would worry about the use of a ball head with a heavy camera/lens. I would assume there's an adjustment for the ball head tension, but if it's strong enough to hold heavy gear, it might be tiring to squeeze it for adjustment.
Also, the pan/tilt head has separate axes of adjustment. The ball head could just flop around. I would think there needs to be separate adjustment axes to keep things level horizontally while panning up and down and around.
Since the ball head I used depended on a squeeze to release the tension holding it in place, I would worry about the use of a ball head with a heavy camera/lens. I would assume there's an adjustment for the ball head tension, but if it's strong enough to hold heavy gear, it might be tiring to squeeze it for adjustment.
Also, the pan/tilt head has separate axes of adjustment. The ball head could just flop around. I would think there needs to be separate adjustment axes to keep things level horizontally while panning up and down and around.
Dec 9, 2015 09:06:08 #
BIG ROB wrote:
Hello, everyone! I'm now shopping for a good, sol... (show quote)
First, we need to know what you intend to photograph or make videos of. Then, we need to know what camera(s) you need to support, and the range of focal length lenses you will use.
Pan and tilt heads go side to side AND up and down. They are general purpose heads used for video and still photography, but are a serious compromise for video unless they are FLUID heads.
Pistol grip ball heads are rapidly adjustable for still photography and virtually useless for video. You squeeze a grip, move the camera to any desired position, and let go to clamp the head in position. They're not very accurate unless you futz with them.
Regular ball heads take longer to adjust, since you loosen a screw, move the camera, then tighten the screw.
I suggest you call a B&H sales advisor, tell him/her what you are going to photograph and what range of items you are going to mount on the tripod, and get a recommendation based on that.
Dec 9, 2015 09:06:41 #
Absolutely true.... When I started (not 60 years ago though), pan & tilt were the only thing going (other than View camera tripods). Once I started getting heavier lenses (which didn't have tripod collars back then), I switched heads to Ball heads & have never used a Pan & Tilt since. I do have a Gimbal head now though. I never was interested in the "Pistol Grip" type of ball heads as they don't support as much weight as I would need. That said, My tripods don't see a lot of use since I shoot mainly macro & utilize additional illumination in lieu of a tripod.
DirtFarmer wrote:
I started using tripods 60 years ago. Back then th... (show quote)
Dec 9, 2015 09:27:15 #
Screamin Scott and burkphoto wrote:
.../...
I guess what I tried out 10 years ago was the pistol grip ball head. Haven't ever tried any other kind.
Dec 9, 2015 10:08:42 #
I don't do video and rarely moving objects like birds or sports. When I need to use a tripod, a pan head does the trick for 80%, simple ball head for the remaining 20%. For most, I find a ball head too finicky.
Dec 9, 2015 10:16:54 #
Dec 9, 2015 10:19:34 #
DirtFarmer wrote:
I guess what I tried out 10 years ago was the pistol grip ball head. Haven't ever tried any other kind.
I have a Bogen/Manfrotto Pistol Grip Ball Head. It is VERY sturdy and is easy to use for portraiture, groups, and casual landscape work.
That said, I hate it for video. I miss my pan/tilt fluid head from an older Bogen video tripod that got stolen out of my car a few years back.
Tripod heads are pretty use-case specific purchases. Just one isn't enough... At some point, you want to have at least two or three.
Dec 9, 2015 10:20:31 #
BIG ROB wrote:
No sports or birding! Perhaps some wildlife...but seeking all around general usage...what would a very experienced and seasoned lifetime photographer, most likely, select for himself (bold type added)...for all purpose, general, overall flexibilty and durability...?
You can really open a can of worms with the caveat above. If you haven't noticed there is a rather wide range of opinions on the Hog. But for what it is worth here goes:
I use the RSS BH-55 for everything except winter when I am shooting Bald Eagles using a Wimberly head. The BH-55 will hold well over 50 lbs. However, this head, like all ball heads tends to dip a fraction when you tighten down the knob. This can be bothersome when I am in serious Landscape photographer mode.
I used a pan-tilt 3 way head for years. My only complaint was the bulk of the head compared to the ball heads.
Dec 9, 2015 10:32:50 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
BIG ROB wrote:
Hello, everyone! I'm now shopping for a good, sol... (show quote)
I would not consider manfrotto. They use proprietary plates. These plates are awkward. Most use the swiss arca universal plates that can go on just a bout any ball head other than manfrotto. I would not use the manfrotto tripod with snap-quick release legs. This approach adds more mechanical features that require adjustment by tool and are prone to failure. What I also dislike is that the snap levers protrude and snag on everything. I have also had 3 manfrottos tripods that have failed. Others may have better experience. The other types are twist-lock. Many lock with just a 1/4 turn. The mechanism is simple, reliable and can unlocked with one motion or twist. My recommendation are either Really Right Stuff or Gitzo.
RRS has information on selection of a quality tripod. It is not just about weight management, but construction. materials 6x-9x carbon and vibration dampening are equally important. Visit http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Guides-Support-for-Tripods
As for heads, it is RRS or Acratech. The Acrachech can be reversed and used as a pan/tilt which gives it more universal appeal. Critical for me is the quick release mechanism. I find the screw type to be unreliable. RRS has a big lever that snaps into place. I know by sound and feel the camera/lens is secure. Additionally, the tension screws on these heads actually work! I have had cheaper ball heads and with the slight turn of the knob the camera flops over. Very frustrating.
I also use a L-bracket on my cameras. It allows me to go from horizontal to vertical in an instant. I don't have to turn the tripod or ball head to find the gimbal slot. In addition the L-bracket provides a cage like protection for the camera. RRS has a whole set of L-brackets to fit your camera.
Dec 9, 2015 10:41:00 #
It seems the Arca Swiss style plate is the industry standard so I went with a head that is compatible. Currently, I am using a ball head from RRS, it's their biggest ball head and I think its called a BH55?? I really enjoy using this head compared with some of the cheaper heads I have used.
Dec 9, 2015 10:55:41 #
I am always surprised that pan-tilt tripod heads are not used and recommended more often by photographers. They make a lot more sense than the standard ball head for me. I have one on a cheap tripod I use for an inexpensive, small telescope but have never tried it with my camera. That unit is probably too light for camera work but I just can't imagine a more solid unit not working with my camera.
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