Tripod Heads
Jul 14, 2018 12:45:57 #
I'm an amateur photographer using a Nikon d7100. I take mostly landscape photos while hiking. I purchased a Benro travel tripod ($225.00) for a recent trip. The tripod itself worked fine but I was frustrated with the head and especially the quick release mechanism. Can you recommend a tripod head that would suit my needs? Also, what is the purpose of an L bracket and should I buy one in conjunction with a new tripod head?
I know there are much better ( and more expensive) tripods out there but my pocketbook and experience level is not ready for such equipment.
Thanks.
I know there are much better ( and more expensive) tripods out there but my pocketbook and experience level is not ready for such equipment.
Thanks.
Jul 14, 2018 12:58:35 #
Take a look at quick release tripod heads and matching “L” brackets from Really Right Stuff. I did and was very pleased with their design, quality and durability. Worth every penny. /Ralph
Jul 14, 2018 13:13:12 #
What is it, specifically, that you don't like. I have a Benro and the only thing I find slightly objectionable is the screw to affix the camera to the tripod. I'd much prefer a lever action type of clamp. I'm also not a big fan of ball heads, but I can live with that for the times I use that tripod.
--Bob
--Bob
bobgreen wrote:
I'm an amateur photographer using a Nikon d7100. ... (show quote)
Jul 14, 2018 13:18:11 #
bobgreen wrote:
I'm an amateur photographer using a Nikon d7100. ... (show quote)
I prefer a pan and tilt head as opposed to a ball head, they give me all the control I need for landscape photography without the difficulty of lining up a ball head. Hopefully you have a camera store near you where you live. if so, go in and try the quick release mechanisms they have to find one that best suits your needs. Good luck.
Jul 14, 2018 13:21:52 #
Look at the 3-Legged Thing Airheads: https://www.3leggedthing.com/airheds.html
And their "L" bracket https://www.3leggedthing.com/qr11.html
AN "L" bracket allows you to quickly switch from Horizontal to Vertical orientation without tilting the ball head. And keeps the center of frame aligned with the tripod.
And their "L" bracket https://www.3leggedthing.com/qr11.html
AN "L" bracket allows you to quickly switch from Horizontal to Vertical orientation without tilting the ball head. And keeps the center of frame aligned with the tripod.
Jul 14, 2018 13:22:57 #
bobgreen wrote:
I'm an amateur photographer using a Nikon d7100. ... (show quote)
What type of head and QR release do you now have ??......
L brackets allow you to turn the camera to "portrait" (vertical) orientation while maintaining center of gravity on one axis - which allows the tripod head to operate more efficiently. This can be very important for larger/heavier camera/lenses ! (without tripod collars)
..
Jul 14, 2018 13:40:29 #
A ball head like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743914-REG/Benro_B3_B3_Double_Action_Ballhead.html shouild do the trick quite nicely. No need for an L bracket since all they do is give you a want to mount your camera for either portrait or landscape orientation.
This ball head and most ball heads, allow for portrait modes. See the slot on the side of the one I listed? They work quite well.
I have one that is very similar to this one. Mines been long since discontinued the way most things are after 8-10 years.
This ball head and most ball heads, allow for portrait modes. See the slot on the side of the one I listed? They work quite well.
I have one that is very similar to this one. Mines been long since discontinued the way most things are after 8-10 years.
bobgreen wrote:
I'm an amateur photographer using a Nikon d7100. ... (show quote)
Jul 14, 2018 14:14:53 #
My advice here would be to visit a good camera store. Look at the different models and talk to a salesperson. Bring your camera and try out some of the various heads.
You may have to drive a little while to find a good store, but the results make it worthwhile. You end up with a product that fits your needs. Besides tripods and heads, looking at the various camera bags will give you a better grasp of how your needs can be met. You may py a little more but have fewer regrets later.
Good luck.
You may have to drive a little while to find a good store, but the results make it worthwhile. You end up with a product that fits your needs. Besides tripods and heads, looking at the various camera bags will give you a better grasp of how your needs can be met. You may py a little more but have fewer regrets later.
Good luck.
Jul 14, 2018 15:25:06 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
A ball head like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.co... (show quote)
There are more advantages to having an L-bracket besides switching between portrait and landscape. They are made to fit the contour of the bottom of the camera. This prevents the camera and lens from swiveling down when in portrait orientation. I know someone who would over tighten the screw to prevent the camera and lens from swiveling down when in portrait orientation. She almost completely stripped the threads out of the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. Another advantage is that the weight of the camera and lens stays over the centerline of the tripod.
Jul 14, 2018 15:45:04 #
Try to purchase tripod heads that have Arca-Swiss dovetails. I've had several Manfrotto heads with their quick release system and it's not nearly as secure as Arca-Swiss.
If you like 3-way pan/tilt heads take a look at the new Benro HD1A, HD2A, and HD3A heads. They all have Arca-Swiss clamps and plates now.
If you like ball heads, take a look at the Acratech ball heads. It has an open design that allows debris to clear away instead of being trapped in the ball socket. I have the Acratech Nomad ball head. It has a very positive feel when clamping and when using the friction control.
Definitely get an L-bracket. The top ones are Really Right Stuff and Kirk. I have Kirk L-brackets. They are machined to fit the contour of the bottom of the camera. This prevent the cameras and lens from swiveling downward when in portrait orientation. If you have a heavy lens on the camera, the leverage will try to swivel the camera on the plate. An L-bracket will also keep the weight of the camera and lens centered over the tripod.
If you like 3-way pan/tilt heads take a look at the new Benro HD1A, HD2A, and HD3A heads. They all have Arca-Swiss clamps and plates now.
If you like ball heads, take a look at the Acratech ball heads. It has an open design that allows debris to clear away instead of being trapped in the ball socket. I have the Acratech Nomad ball head. It has a very positive feel when clamping and when using the friction control.
Definitely get an L-bracket. The top ones are Really Right Stuff and Kirk. I have Kirk L-brackets. They are machined to fit the contour of the bottom of the camera. This prevent the cameras and lens from swiveling downward when in portrait orientation. If you have a heavy lens on the camera, the leverage will try to swivel the camera on the plate. An L-bracket will also keep the weight of the camera and lens centered over the tripod.
Jul 14, 2018 15:45:28 #
Jul 14, 2018 15:45:48 #
Jul 14, 2018 15:49:44 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
A ball head like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.co... (show quote)
The camera when in portrait orientation is lower and off center - not exactly a suitable alternate to an L bracket. I'll take a wild guess that you've never used one. An L bracket keeps the vertical axis in line with the tripod and head's center. More stable and you don't need to adjust the tripod height. Also, if you have a heavy lens that does not have a tripod collar, the lens can, and often does droop, especially with the lower-end ball heads. Just like Imagemeister said.
Jul 15, 2018 06:16:44 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
[quote=rgrenaderphoto]Look at the 3-Legged Thing Airheads: https://www.3leggedthing.com/airheds.html
And their "L" bracket https://www.3leggedthing.com/qr11.html
AN "L" bracket allows you to quickly switch from Horizontal to Vertical orientation without tilting the ball head. And keeps the center of frame aligned with the tripod.[/quote
Making it more secure(stable) with the weight of the camera over the center of the ballhead vs the weight hanging off to the side of the Ball head. Keeping it center over the ballhead is needed for panorama pics also!
And their "L" bracket https://www.3leggedthing.com/qr11.html
AN "L" bracket allows you to quickly switch from Horizontal to Vertical orientation without tilting the ball head. And keeps the center of frame aligned with the tripod.[/quote
Making it more secure(stable) with the weight of the camera over the center of the ballhead vs the weight hanging off to the side of the Ball head. Keeping it center over the ballhead is needed for panorama pics also!
Jul 15, 2018 06:40:28 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
bobgreen wrote:
I'm an amateur photographer using a Nikon d7100. ... (show quote)
You will receive many, many suggestions here. You are in Maryland, not far from NYC and Baltimore. My suggestion is to find a large photo store, take your tripod, and look at the heads. You can mount them on your tripod and see what you like. I did this at B&H many years ago and ended up with a really nice head for my tripod.
Their is a problem with ordering heads without trying them on first, but I will let you figure that out. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
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