What is so important about ballheads?

[photofinish]

Can someone explain to me what is so important about ballheads for use on tripods?

If you were on a low budget and owned an 25 year old but in good condition Velbon tripod, what would you get and why?

Whatever info anyone can share would be appreciated...

[Scottes]

In a simple nutshell... Ballheads are more maneuverable than pan/tilt, but pant/tilt are more precise. If you have plenty of time and want precise framing, get a pan/tilt. If you need to move the lens around often and are trying to capture action then get a ballhead.

[Persian-Rice]

Pretty much, they are easy to use. Especially if you get the new joystick/grip one from manfrotto....

[CyberDyneSystems]

Nothing really,. it's a matter of preferenc. Certianly by far these days people prefer a good ball head. That is all I will use. But there are people that prefer a good three way head too.

[w10d]

I don't have a preference as both types can be equally annoying, for opposite reasons: pan/tilt heads always leave you fumbling around for the 'other' lever - Ball & socket heads always move the camera completely, when all you wanted was a tiny adjustment in one direction....

[Jon]

I have both - I'll change the tripod head based on what I need. Gee - I really ought to think about trying that with my camera!

[Tom Camilleri]

Speaking of tripods, I have a light weight pan-tilt that I paid about $50 for from B & H a few years back. The head is plastic. Should I go for something more substantial for use with my 300D? It was OK for use with my Olympus c2000 but I don't know what I should be using with a better camera. What's the right degree of quality for a fairly inexperienced person shooting in a home studio?

[w10d]

If it locks in the position you want it to & stays there, then it's good enough. If it doesn't do that it's going to cause you more bother than it's worth (less than $50!!)

[Jon, The Elder]

Tom- Just use common sense here. that 300D with a speedlite, and a fair size lens, leaning over a tabletop for some macro work or product shot - needs solid support!
Go to a camera supply and look and feel a Bogen 3021 Tripod. Then look at their heads, particulary the "pistol grip/joystick" versions. Thats quality !
Now what you decide to buy should be based IN PART on what you just handled. Buy for tomorrow - not today.

I have proved this saying to myself more than once = "If you buy cheap, you'll end up buying twice"

Good Luck

[aam1234]

If it locks in the position you want it to & stays there, then it's good enough. If it doesn't do that it's going to cause you more bother than it's worth (less than $50!!)

Hear hear. Another test is using a macro lens. If the tripod/head let's you frame it with minimal "headache" then it's good.

[lkorell]

If you are using a long lens you will need a very sturdy head and legs. If not you will be spending the money for a better tripod....and a new lens.

That's the reason to buy the best and the strongest. It goes the same for light stands. Just because it will hold it's maximum specified weight, it doesn't mean someone will never bump into it. If you are an outdoor shooter, try shooting a perfectly sharp landscape with the wind blowing from 25-40 MPH. Then you'll want to think about what tripod you wished you had with you.

Lou

[velvetjones]

Well, I was using my Dad's tripod a couple of years ago with a rebel 2000 and battery grip, and the head just snapped off. I was right there and managed to catch the camera, but that shouldn't ever happen. If you go too cheap, you might be litterally endangering your camera.

[Tom Camilleri]

Thanks to all for your inputs. I will look at the Bogen 3021 and some other better models. My present tripod works reasonably well but using it with my 300D just spooks me out. I take it the pistol grip/joy stick head is a ball head?