Questions about tripod heads

I'm looking to buy my first upper-level (i.e. not Wal-Mart) tripod, and I'm pretty sure I know what legs I want (Manfrotto 055XPROB). However, I'm not sure what type of head I want. It seems that the 2 major types are ball head and 3-way pan/tilt, but I don't know which kind would be best for my type of photography. I mostly do landscapes and close-ups, and I might eventually try to do some panoramic shots. From what I've read it seems like ball heads are better for action while 3-way heads are better for landscapes, but are they exclusive?

The reason I'm asking is that the ball-heads appear to be quite a bit cheaper, which is a plus for me, since I'm trying to keep the combo as close to $200 as possible. Does anyone have any advice for me, or suggestions on what type of head I should get?

Thanks!

I use a ball head (AS B1) with quick release for landscapes and macro and have never regretted it. RRS has rails and clamps specific for panoramic work that can be used with a ball head.

Suggestions on specific brands of heads would best be made based on the type of equipment you have....long heavy lenses are going to require a beefier setup than the smaller wide angles.

Mark,

Oops, meant to include that bit of information. My setup is definitely on the lighter end...Canon XSi, and my largest lens is a Sigma 10-20, so all-in-all no more than 3-4 pounds or so. Nice to hear that ball-heads are usable for landscape, I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for the advice. I also don't have that much of a problem with how much the tripod weighs...I'm pretty good at slogging.

Also, it doesn't have to put up with that much abuse, though I don't want something fragile...

Nathanial,
Years ago I switched to ball-heads and I've never looked back. With a ball-head you have basically one knob to work with for positioning, loosen the lock knob compose and lock it down and you're done. If you're using lenses of 500mm and above also invest in a gimbal head, these easily balance the weight of the lens/camera for very fluid movement.

As for brands, it's very similar to Nikon/Canon, some prefer one and others prefer the second. I use Really Right Stuff equipment, http://reallyrightstuff.com but there are others out there just as good. $200.00 for both the tripod and head may be a bit shy of what it will cost but get the best you can afford, it will pay off in the long run

Rob

Rob,

Thanks for the assurance about ball-heads. I realize that $200 is a pretty restrictive for a tripod system, which is why I'm willing to go a bit over that, but as a college student I'm always pretty strapped for cash Really Right Stuff looks pretty sophisticated and upper-level, so I'll definitely keep it in mind as I grow. Thanks for the advice!

Pan/tilt heads were designed for motion picture cameras. A ball head is a far more superior tool.
When you say you're 'trying to keep the combo as close to $200 as possible', are you referring to both the tripod and the head?
The tripod you want costs a minimum of $150.

John,

I'm referring to both. The limit isn't hard and fast, and I've heard good things about the Manfrotto 486RC2, which is $70. $215+tax/shipping is still pretty reasonable for me. Thanks for the clarification on pan/tilts. They're all I've had experience with, so ball-heads are kinda a new thing for me

Nathaniel - You'll get lots of advice on here to get the best tripod you can - which typically means expensive. However, for me, personally, given the amount I use it, I couldn't justify something like Gitzo carbon fiber legs, and an RRS head (which is what I really want, money no object).

So I've gone the same route as you and wound up with a set of Manfrotto mid range legs (about $130 a few years ago - pretty similar to what you're looking at) and a Manfrotto medium duty ball-head (the RC2 in fact). I haven't found any problems at all with this setup. It's probably a little heavier, a little weaker, and a little larger than ideal, but I'm definitely not as hardcore as a lot of the people on here. So far I've gotten a good couple years out of it, and should get quite a few more. If/when I have to replace, I may look at moving up the scale, but it's definitely good enough to hold on to for a while.

If you're a very frequent tripod user, take it into rough areas, subject it to various abuses, then I'd look to go to a more expensive setup. But you can evaluate your own needs and decide whether it would be worth it for you...If you do decide to go the more expensive route, you can be pretty certain that you'll be able to use the tripod and head for a long time...

One last tip...the RC2 is nice and sturdy, and locks down pretty well, but doesn't have a separate panning feature. If you want to do multi-shot, or keep the camera level and just pan, it might be a nice thing to get.

I used the RC2 for many years before I upgraded, and I loved the pistol-grip feature!
I found that as long as the tripod and head were level, the RC2 did a fine job in keeping a level pan for stitching images.
If you can find one for $70, I would jump on it...that's a terrific price!

Another thing to consider, Nathaniel, Is the quick release system. I imagine that most photogrpahers here use the Arca-Swiss style, but I'm sure some favor the captive style, e.g Bogen or Gitzo. Sounds like you would only need one QR plate, for your camera, but it is something to consider, and it can be an extra cost.

Alright, it looks like the 486RC2 is the head to get, thanks for all the great advice I figure I'll start small and work my way up as my needs/budget increase.

Buck:
The 486RC2 has a Rapid Connect system in the package...is that along the lines of what you were talking about?

Nathaniel - Yes, the Rapid Connect on the 486RC2 is a quick release system. The arca-swiss style is more generic since several of the higher end and smaller companies support. I think the Bogen/Manfrotto one is exclusive to Bogen/Manfrotto products, but I think it works great.

And by the way, there is a 488RC2 that has a panning feature, as well as a 322RC2 that has the pistol grip John mentioned. (There's also a vertical pistol grip which is interesting, but I'm not sure of the number.)

Good catch, David.
I was mistakenly referring to the 322RC with a pistol type grip, Nathaniel.
I'm sure your future gear will work out well. Good luck!

I used a bigger brother of the 486 for several years (the 488RC2) and it was a fine head. The 486 should be a little more compact and lighter weight. The 055 legs aren't overly compact or lightweight so if you're going to be carrying them around, you may start to feel it after a while. The way the centre column goes into the horizontal position is nice with that one. Overall it should be a pretty good combination.

Hi Nathaniel,

I strongly suggest you read the following article before buying your gear. Thom offers some serious advice that will surely save you time, money and frustration in the long run. http://bythom.com/support.htm

Within your $200 budget you're not going to get much of a ballhead to go with the legs you want. Pan tilt opens some doors for sturdiness.

For many years we used the old $50 Bogen 47's pan tilts with quick releases for everything from LF to MF to 35mm with long lenses. We've moved on to ballheads for convenience in the type of shooting we do, though we still have three of the old pan tilts sitting on a shelf somewhere. For the uses you describe, I don't see a single demerit for using one today.

Heck of a head. We beat the snot out of ours and they look it, but continued to work like clockwork. There's not a ballhead alive that can function as well or as long for the same dollars. I just checked and don't see the 47 listed anywhere, but found what looks like the successor to the model for $54.95. Inflation is tough, isn't it? But then you won't be very fashionable if you use a pantilt.

The problem with the pistol grip heads is that when you try to do a vertical shot, it puts the whole set up out of balance. Also, those Bogen QR plates will drive you crazy as they unscrew themselves. I would look for a Bogen 3047 head on eBay. It's big, slow, and heavy, but it is rock solid. That's the important thing. http://tinyurl.com/c22kmq

For tripod legs, I'd buy a used bogen 3021. Again, very very solid. A cheap lightweight tripod and inexpensive head will drive you insane, trust me. Ebay is your friend. Right now prices are at their lowest ebb. Buy something that is pro quality solid, and resell it later when you have more money to put on a quality ballhead. You will likely get your money back when you resell. Also consider if you get a bigger lens, such as 100-400mm or 300mm f4. You would then also have to re-buy a tripod that could handle it. You are looking for something solid and inexpensive. The Bogen 3021 + 3047 is both. A pistol grip head with low cost legs is only inexpensive.
http://tinyurl.com/c86jkj


Kent in SD

Interesting discussion. Just saw it.

I own the 486RC2 and love it for things the require fast action and the ability to alter angles instantly with the flip of a knob. Plus, it handles 13 pounds, so you won't need a more solid head unless you buy glass heavier than the 500 f4. I've shot the 600 f4 off it in a pinch.

But when I want to do any type of landscape work, including panoramics for later stitching, I strap on the old pan/tilt head (I have a big old heavy Manfrotto 3039 that's as bulletproof as the side of a battle cruiser, and when I screw it on the Manfrotto 475B it really IS as heavy as a cruiser).

I especially appreciate the pan/tilt when doing the panos because I don't have to worry at all about the ballhead allowing me to slump slightly as I move from side to side and make the stitching harder. This is especially a factor for me when I'm grabbing images that will require up-and-down stitching as well as side-to-side, such as if I take one level of side-by-sides, then raise the camera to capture the next row above it, and so on. You start getting out of level even a little bit in those situation and you're screwed. And if I go from landscape work to close-up/macro I just leave the pan/tilt on. My 3039 also comes with a quick-release system.

Nathaniel, you are describing situations for which I don't use the ballhead, but the pan/tilt. As Hank said, they've fallen out of fashion, but there are times they remain the best option.

It's never simple, is it?

...those Bogen QR plates will drive you crazy as they unscrew themselves.

I've actually never had any problem at all with the plate coming unscrewed. I'm probably not as rough on it as some, but a days' walking around with the camera mounted hasn't unscrewed it.

And the 3021 legs are what I have Kent. Agreed that they are really solid. I actually have the 3021BPro which includes a bubble level, and removable center column (that can act as a horizontal arm). I usually have the center column off. The legs Nathaniel mentioned looking at are the updated version of the 3021. Not sure if it's removable (I'd check that Nathaniel, but I'd guess it it) but it does the horizontal thing.

Wow, only in NPN can I ask a seemingly simple question and get a great discussion I made the purchase yesterday for the 486RC2, and I'm pretty excited for it to arrive. However, the advice in this thread has been absolutely amazing, and I've copied it to a Word file for when I want to upgrade again Thanks again for the outstanding advice!

As if you haven't had enough to confuse you, Nathaniel, I'll weigh in:

I have used the Manfrotto/Bogen system for many years, including the octagonal QR system. If you are careful, it works just fine (it is possible not to get it properly seated, think its locked, and have it fall off--the "dovetail" type systems are more "positive." My problem with the Kirk and RRS and the other dovetail systems has always been cost. I agree with Kent on the legs. I haven't ever had my QR unscrew. It is possible to get an "architectural" plate which keeps it from rotating on most bodies. Bogen also makes an L-bracket with the QR plates which is much less than the Kirk and RRS L-brackets. I keep mine on the camera most of the time.

I currently use a set of Bogen/Manfrotto aluminum legs and the 488 Ball Head (I think the few extra dollars for the additional panning control is worth it!). I also have the old heavy Pan/Tilt head that Hank and Kent mention and will "third" the motion that it is a user-friendly, rock solid support. My reason for going to the 488 was to make it more compact for travel. I found that if I flew with it, I had to remove the Pan/tilt with its larger size and large levers. But for general use in landscape and macro, its pretty hard to beat. I would also second Kent's motion about looking at used (eBay or even KEH). As long as its solid and operates, it doesn't have to look pretty!

One other thing. I don't know which leg set you are looking for, but pay attention to the release/clamps feature. The lowest end Manfrotto has hand turn levers that are, IMO, a pain. The quick release lever style is much easier to use and adjust, IMO

...including the octagonal QR system...

Not sure if all Bogen has switched, but I have a dovetail type QR - it's rectangular, and can only be put on the ballhead in one orientation. There's no way not to get it seated properly. If you don't, the spring arm won't move.

Kent, I too am surprised that your Bogen (Manfrotto) QR plates came unscrewed. I usually had the opposite problem with mine - I'd get them on too tight and would have a helluva time getting them off.