Tri-pod head
Dec 20, 2016 09:33:05 #
I currently use a pan and tilt head. My question is, of the three types of heads, ball, gimbal, and pan and tilt, which is the most versatile (easiest to use) for all around shooting? My longest lens is a Tamron 150-600. What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Dec 20, 2016 09:40:17 #
lindmike wrote:
I currently use a pan and tilt head. My question is, of the three types of heads, ball, gimbal, and pan and tilt, which is the most versatile (easiest to use) for all around shooting? My longest lens is a Tamron 150-600. What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?
Thank you.
Thank you.
I cannot help you with which one is most versatile, although I suspect the answer to be the ball head. However, I did want to mention that you have to make sure the head you get is adequate to the weight of your longest lens. Even some that say they are adequate will slip under the weight! I would purchase one that is rated for much more weight than you plan to put on it. Or, you could purchase one that you know has been adequately tested from a vendor you trust! I went through the same problem with my first tripod and head, but the one I have now is rock-solid.
Dec 20, 2016 09:40:30 #
My preference for my 150-600 was a Gimbal Head. For my shorter lenses I use a Really Right Stuff Ball head and Pan and Tilt head on my Monopod. It also depends upon your budget.quote=lindmike]I currently use a pan and tilt head. My question is, of the three types of heads, ball, gimbal, and pan and tilt, which is the most versatile (easiest to use) for all around shooting? My longest lens is a Tamron 150-600. What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?
Thank you.[/quote]
Thank you.[/quote]
Dec 20, 2016 09:49:41 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
My most useful lens is the Manfroto 405 geared head. Odd that it wasn't mentioned.
Dec 20, 2016 09:50:40 #
PixelStan77, Sounds like you have all the bases covered with what you have. Thanks for your reply and help.
Dec 20, 2016 09:53:08 #
Dec 20, 2016 09:54:39 #
If the lens is not too heavy, a ball head is the most versatile. The gimbal are good, but pose a problem when shooting on unlevel ground. Gimabal heads are most suited for heavier telephotos. Pan tilts are in my opinion, only good for landscape and useless for telephoto.
A very good way to go is a ball head with a Wimberely Side Kick. With the side kick and ball head combination you can go back and forth from ball head to gimbal. Really well made stuff and used by many people. You can get the ball head first and add the sidekick later.
In my opinion the best ball head around is made by Really Right Stuff.
For those who already shoot with a Gimbal head, consider adding a leveling base. I did and it makes all the difference in the world, setting up to shoot.
A very good way to go is a ball head with a Wimberely Side Kick. With the side kick and ball head combination you can go back and forth from ball head to gimbal. Really well made stuff and used by many people. You can get the ball head first and add the sidekick later.
In my opinion the best ball head around is made by Really Right Stuff.
For those who already shoot with a Gimbal head, consider adding a leveling base. I did and it makes all the difference in the world, setting up to shoot.
Dec 20, 2016 09:56:57 #
I use a gimbal head on my 150-600 and my 180 macro but for everything else I prefer a ball head.
Dec 20, 2016 10:09:34 #
I'm with WayneT. My long lens gets the gimbal mount, but I use a ball head with my other lenses. Been thinking about getting a pistol grip, though.
Dec 20, 2016 10:30:21 #
Dec 20, 2016 10:46:12 #
Dec 20, 2016 14:24:54 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
For me, it depends on what I am shooting. I use a Manfrotto 405 geared head or Nodal leveler for architecture, a pistol grip for general shooting and I put a Custom Brackets arc bracket on it for tabletop product and food. All on a tripod with an angled column for versatile positioning of the camera.
I also use the Custom Bracket on a monopod with a Manfrotto tilt head, so I can change the orientation quickly.
I don't have a gimbal head as I don't do that type of shooting enough to warrant the purchase. I do have ball heads, but find they are not as quick and exact locking in angle as a pistol grip. I like my 3 way pan head, but the geared head is more precise and useful for interiors, especially when you need a TSe lens to be level.
Your mileage may vary, according to your needs. Lots of good suggestions from previous posters.
I also use the Custom Bracket on a monopod with a Manfrotto tilt head, so I can change the orientation quickly.
I don't have a gimbal head as I don't do that type of shooting enough to warrant the purchase. I do have ball heads, but find they are not as quick and exact locking in angle as a pistol grip. I like my 3 way pan head, but the geared head is more precise and useful for interiors, especially when you need a TSe lens to be level.
Your mileage may vary, according to your needs. Lots of good suggestions from previous posters.
Dec 20, 2016 19:45:18 #
Susan, what brand and model of tri-pod are you using? Your reply was very helpful. Thank you kindly.
Dec 20, 2016 19:50:16 #
Dec 20, 2016 19:52:25 #
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