Photographic Equipment
June 20, 2008
Choosing a Tripod Head
Very similar ergonomic approach applies to the tripod head. It should be easy to operate. If it is difficult to position your camera (frame the scene) either due to too many screws on the head (pan/tilt - you might need to take eye off the viewfinder to find the correct screw) or due to the tripod head sagging under the weight of your camera/ lens, you will be less likely wanting to use your tripod and as a result you will frequently 'leave' it in the car or at home .
Generally there are two types of heads:
- pan and tilt heads
- ball heads
Despite the name, 'pan/tilt' heads are not much better then ball heads for panoramas. There are specialized tripod heads for panoramas if that is your objective.
I prefer ball heads due to ergonomics and the ease of use. In the case of ball head you generally need to operate only one screw and therefore you can position the camera/ frame the scene by your other hand without taking your eye from the viewfinder. If you can afford it I would suggest getting ball head. The best one you can afford. It can last you a life time if you take good care of it.
Issues to consider when choosing a ball head:
- price
- load capacity in respect to your camera/ lens
- quick release plate
- weight
- ease of operation
- quality of the construction
- tripod mount thread size
(although reducer bushing frequently supplied)
Good quality ball heads would cost you few hundred dollars.
Load capacity: Similarly to the tripod leg requirement you need to get ball head that can safely hold your heaviest camera/ lens combination.
Quick release and corresponding plates: this is getting even more complex :-) No one likes constantly screwing and unscrewing your camera from the tripod. In addition, basic screw based camera mounting plates do not hold heavier cameras or lenses very well in portrait orientation - cameras tend to creep with a heavy lens on it. Therefore people use quick release plates. These are specific plates that you permanently attach/screw on the bottom of your camera. The plate then attaches to the specific ball head controlled by 'quick release' mechanism. They are easy to lock in and release, but - if not well designed - easy to drop your camera accidentally as well...
Weight is again only important if you plan to hike with it. Good, steady ball heads are quite heavy.
Ease of operation - the controls/ screws to tighten and release must be easy to operate without the need of taking the eye off the viewfinder. Otherwise you will struggle to frame the scene constantly alternating between the viewfinder and the screws. Another important aspect arises if you occasionally find yourself shooting in cold/ freezing conditions: ability to operate the knobs in gloves or at least rubber covered knobs.
Quality of the construction - if the ball head has easily adjustable friction you will be able to frame precisely otherwise if the friction suddenly disappears, the camera falls forward...
Tripod mount thread size should match the one on your tripod legs
(although reducer bushing are frequently supplied).
I have been using AcraTech Ultimate ball head (with AcraTech quick release plates), because of the light weight and high quality construction. This ball head has been used for several years in different conditions including sand, snow and rain. I am quite happy with it. When shooting vertically some sagging occurs though. Some people use vertical 'L' brackets for this purpose but I prefer keeping things simple (and frequently shooting hand hold as well).
Previous Page - Next Page