Better head on cheaper tripod?

[samueli]

Can you put a decent ball head on a cheaper tripod? I don't think my tripod is really that cheap, but I like it very much. Plus, there is some sentimental qualities to it. I'm just wondering if there is any universal-ty to tripods and tripod heads.

I want a ball head though. I'm tired of flipping the the plate thing around on my camera, turning the tripod around and readjusting the legs so I can tilt in the proper direction.

[Jon]

If your existing tripod has a removable head, you usually can swap it out; most separate tripod heads mount with either a 1/4" 20 thread or 3/8" 16 thread anchor screw. Typically the high-end heads use the 3/16"; if your tripod has the 1/4" screw you can get a reducing bushing to insert in the head for a couple of dollars, tops.

[Ianfp]

Yes you can as Jon says. In fact I put a fairly expensive head on a cheap Slik tripod. A thread adaptor was necessary and amazingly I had one!

[Lowner]

I use a Markins M10 and RRS lever clamp on a Manfrotto 055ProB, which is similar if a little less extreme.

I remember one very old tripod (and very cheap) I used to own had a totally non standard plastic thread, but provided you can see a 3/8" UNC threaded stud, or a 1/4" on which to put an adaptor then you will be in business.