Pan/Tilt or Ball head

[KevinG3]

I am currently in the process of buying a new tripod and was wondering what everyone else preferred - Pan and Tilt or Ball head? And why? It seems like the ball head would make it harder to get straight horizons but a salesperson told me otherwise...

Thanks for your suggestions/opinions.


Keving3

[sdommin]

keving3 wrote:
I am currently in the process of buying a new tripod and was wondering what everyone else preferred - Pan and Tilt or Ball head? And why? It seems like the ball head would make it harder to get straight horizons but a salesperson told me otherwise...

Go with the one that "locks" better. You don't want your camera to shift after you've tightened the tripod head. Also, give extra thought to whichever one weighs less. You'll understand after a few hikes with it.

[dtrayers]

If there's any possibility you might be on uneven ground, like when hiking, go for the ball head. In fact, go for the ball head even if you're indoors.

The salesman was right. Consider the typical adjustments you have with a pan and tilt. Which control levels the horizon? Pan is left to right, tilt is up and down. How do you adjust a pan/tilt head when the horizon slopes from left to right? I'll tell you: you adjust the legs. With a ball head you grab the camera and adjust it.

The only advantage a pan/tilt has over a ball, IMO, is in creating panoramas. After you level the tripod, you can pan and keep the horizon level.

However, I have a workaround. I don't use 'stitch assist'. I line up each shot individually, judging by eye how much overlap to use, typically using the viewfinder. I get great results.

IMO, pan/tilt is for video cameras and terrestrial telescopes.

I highly recommend the Bogen/Manfortto Digi 714B. There is only one knob to adjust tension on the ball head, and with the light weight of the digital camera, it stays in what ever position you leave it in.

[KevinG3]

Great info. Thanks for the advice. I'm not sure what the Bogen costs, but the ones I've looked at were fairly pricey. I was thinking of going with the SLIK Sprint Pro. It has a ball head, is fairly lightweight, has adjustable folding legs and a minimum height of like 9 inches for macro photography. Another member turned me on to this tripod and after researching it, I liked it - I was just skeptical about the ball head but I think I'm convinced now. My only concern still, is not having a quick release function and having to screw my camera on to the head every time. Is this a nuissance or am I just being picky?

Thanks again for the great info...


KevinG3

[chap]

keving3 wrote:
My only concern still, is not having a quick release function and having to screw my camera on to the head every time. Is this a nuissance or am I just being picky?


KevinG3,

I've also been looking at this tripod and have seen the Bogen 3299 quick release adapter recommended as a way to add quick release functionality to this 'pod. Unfortunately, I can't find a weight listed for the adapter anywhere, so that may limit it's usefulness.

chap

[dtrayers]

Here's one source for the 714b (click photos):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/278257.jpg (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278257&is=REG)

and the quick 3299 release plate:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/149686.jpg (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=149686&is=REG&si=acc#goto_itemInfo)


The tripod weighs about 2lb-10oz (~1200g) and the 3299 weighs 5oz (~144g). I weighed them.

[Mildot]

I went with the Bogen 3001BPRO and the Manfrotto 308RC Proball head [has quick release] and really like both pieces. It is the first ball head I have used and I really like it, I would buy the same set up again.

Mike

[KevinG3]

Thanks Chap, Dave and Mike. I have decided to go with the ball style head. I just have to decide between the SLIK and the Bogen. The Bogen is about $20 more. Can the 3299 quick release be attached to any ball style head? If so, that would be great.

Thanks again for your help. I'll let you know what I decide - I should be placing my order today.

[dtrayers]

keving3 wrote:
Can the 3299 quick release be attached to any ball style head? If so, that would be great.



Yes, it has a threaded insert so it can be used with both 1/4 and 3/8 studs.

[KevinG3]

Thanks Dave. Now I just have to find out what size stud each tripod has. Is there a norm or are they all different?


Thanks again!

[dtrayers]

Most smaller tripod heads have a 1/4 thread. The larger heads will have 3/8. I know the Bogen has a 1/4, and I suspect the SLIK has a 1/4 as well. My SLIK monopod is 1/4.

[KevinG3]

Cool. Thanks for the assistance. Now I just have to go online and order it. I think i'm going to go with the SLIK and the 3299 quick connect.

Thanks again for your help...

[KevinG3]

Okay, I bought the SLIK Sprint Pro and the 3299 quick release head.

Thanks for all of the help...

[alan-G3]

Hi There
A good pan/tilt should have a Bubble Level built in, Then the pan/tilt is fine as long as it is smooth! BAll & Socket heads use one hand to align the camera in two dimensions whilst the other hand locks the position. BAll & Socket head just make you clumsy!

Regards
Alan