A head sits atop the tripod legs. Common types of heads are ballheads, 3-way, and 2-way.
6
votes
3answers
190 views
What is the added value of a panorama head?
As an amateur I've done several panoramas of landscapes and city views. I've mostly done it hand-held with a DSLR, with exposure lock and at the wide end of my zoom-lens.
I do the stitching in ...
1
vote
1answer
47 views
Are Manfrotto tripod bases for video compatible with the photo line of heads?
I'm looking to purchase a tripod setup. I'm looking at the Manfrotto line of products. Does anyone know if the video line of bases is compatible with photo line of heads? Specifically, the 546B base ...
6
votes
7answers
269 views
Pistol grip vs ball head
I'm thinking of buying a new head for a tripod. I have been using a ball head and I am happy with it, but I am curious about the pistol grip. When I bought my tripod this type of grip didn't exist, so ...
2
votes
2answers
120 views
Issue with unscrewing tripod head
I recently purchased a Manfrotto tripod with tripod head. I'm not sure if it's me or not, but I'm unable to unscrew the head from the top of the tripod. I keep unscrewing it and it never comes out. Am ...
0
votes
2answers
316 views
Which is a good lightweight tripod + ball head for my Canon 5D Mark 3 [duplicate]
I would like to buy a light weight tripod + ball head as I have never owned a tripod before. There are quite a few brands and multiples of offerings by each brand for tripods and ball heads hence it ...
4
votes
1answer
149 views
How do I select a tripod ball head? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What qualities should be looked for in a ball head before purchasing one?
I recently purchased a tripod, however I didn't realize that it didn't come with a ball head. I ...
5
votes
3answers
494 views
What tripod heads are ideal to mount a large telephoto or supertelephoto lens on a tripod?
I am in the market to purchase a large, fast telephoto (up to 300mm) or supertelephoto (400mm or longer) lens. These lenses are long and heavy, do to their very wide apertures. The shorter ones, 300mm ...
3
votes
2answers
230 views
Are L-plates and anti-twist plates only made for the Arca Swiss QR system?
From what I understand the L-plates and the camera specific anti-twist plates are only made for the Arca Swiss quick release system. Am I right? Are there no anti-twist plates or L-plates that are ...
0
votes
1answer
68 views
Grinding an RRS plate to fit new body
I have an L plate for the original 5D. I now have a 5DII. I see how it can fit with a bit of grinding, and read others have done it. Anyone know what is the best tools and such to use? Bench grinder ...
2
votes
1answer
182 views
Hydrostatic ballhead -really worth it?
I'm looking at Manfrotto 468MGRC2 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead which justifies that "using a hydraulic system" is better because it locks better the camera+lens (according to the manufacturer).
...
3
votes
3answers
627 views
Manfrotto's QR2 system vs Arca-Swiss Release system
I'm used with Manfrotto's QR2 release system and I find it really quick when I need to detach the camera from the tripod and shot hand-held. I do this rather often when I alternate long-exposure shots ...
2
votes
2answers
222 views
Tripod Head for GigaPan Epic Pro
I get massively confused when it comes to tripod heads screw sizes blah de blah, so excuse the possible simplicity of this question. I have a GigaPan Epic Pro and a Manfrotto 475B Pro Geared Tripod. I ...
2
votes
2answers
249 views
A budget tripod for astrophotography ball-head or 3-way pan-head?
I am currently looking for a tripod for astrophotography, I wonder is there any significant difference between a tripod with a ball-head or one with a 3-way pan-head? Like say in terms of the ...
5
votes
2answers
267 views
Arca Swiss compatibility questions
I'm looking to upgrade my ballhead to a full-size model. My current Manfrotto 496RC2 takes too much torque to lock down with any heavy lens at an angle, and too much droop that I have to compensate ...
2
votes
2answers
617 views
What support system do I use to keep a telephoto lens stable?
At the moment I use Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod with Photo/Video Pan and Tilt Head 391RC2 to hold Canon EF 100-400mm lens. Even-though in most cases this stable, on the extreme end I do get blur.
At ...
-1
votes
4answers
452 views
How good is Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 tripod for a beginner
I have Nikon D-90 and i am learning bit by bit about the world of photography.I am planning to purchase a Tripod as i have some money as of now.
After doing some R&D i am putting my eyes on ...
2
votes
4answers
311 views
How can I make my heavy lens tripod setup usable for my non-heavy lenses?
About a year ago I invested in a new setup, consisting of a Nikon D7000, kit lens, and a Sigma 150-500mm for my main interest: wildlife photography. Although I'm not a big fan of tripods, I also got ...
3
votes
2answers
338 views
How accurate are cheap hotshoe bubble levels?
It's been suggested to get a hot-shoe bubble level for use with a ballhead tripod, when the camera doesn't offer a digital level (and the tripod head doesn't have its own).
Name brand levels, like ...
4
votes
4answers
231 views
What qualities should be looked for in a ball head before purchasing one?
So, I looked in the website of Vanguard company and saw many different types of ball heads.
I would like to ask what features are must have in a ball head? On what factors does it depend?
9
votes
8answers
681 views
Is it safe to carry around a tripod with a DSLR attached to the head?
Let's assume I'm coordinated enough not to hit anyone or anything with the tripod.
I'm concerned about the DSLR/plate/head interface. Assuming everything is properly attached and tightened, can I ...
0
votes
0answers
120 views
Should I get a tripod with a pan or a ball head? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What should one consider when choosing a style of tripod head?
My cheap $40 Slik with the HS-551 pan head needs to be replaced as my recent lens acquisitions push and ...
2
votes
4answers
222 views
Why are some (higher end?) tripods sold without a head?
I assume that the available heads differ somehow, but don't understand what those differences might be and if they're functional, personal preference or a bit of both.
1
vote
2answers
120 views
What would be a cheap and good bracket for a Markins Q-Ball Q20?
I have a ballhead: Markins Q-Ball Q20 with Lever Release which I use for my Nikon D90. I just bought a HF G10 Canon camcorder and would like to mount it on the Markins. What is a cheap and good ...
2
votes
2answers
211 views
Why doesn't my tripod ball head fit properly on the legs any more?
I've a tripod ball head (Manfroto 496RC2) which used to fit perfectly with a tripod legs (Trax travelpod 480A) that I had. I removed the head a couple of days back and now I'm trying to reattach them ...
5
votes
1answer
307 views
What should I look for in a tripod for medium format landscape photography?
I've recently bought my first medium format camera (Bronica ETRs), but before I go out taking landscape pictures I'm in desperate need of a tripod that can support it.
My requirements:
Weight is ...
2
votes
2answers
441 views
Can I make a panorama mount for occasional panorama shooting?
I sometimes (about 5 times per year) decide to shoot a panorama, just for me, with no intentions to sell or use the photo outside my family and close relatives.
Currently I use my Pentax DAL 18-55 ...
5
votes
2answers
322 views
What kind of tripod/head/rail system can I use for precise vertical-only movement?
There is a rather common scenario where I'm shooting a horizontal subject from above with the image plane being parallel to the subject. I need to be able to adjust the camera-subject distance without ...
2
votes
1answer
262 views
Am I correctly mounting my camera on a MH055M8-Q5 Manfrotto Photo-Video Head?
MH055M8-Q5 just arrived. Once I mount the camera on the quick release plate, I can't seem to rotate the knob to completely tighten it, there is no room because the camera obstructs the knob. Can ...
11
votes
2answers
748 views
What is an L plate?
While perusing the local Craigslist photo/video listings, I saw someone trying to sell something called an L-plate. What the heck is an L-plate?
5
votes
4answers
479 views
Which tripod heads accept the Arca Swiss plate system?
Can you point me to some brand which build tripod's head which accept the Arca Swiss plates system? I know Arca have a ball head, but I want to know if some other companies provides such heads (I ...
6
votes
4answers
362 views
Device to allow camera to rotate on an axis that runs down the center of the lens?
Recently I've been playing around with some longer exposures during which I rotate the camera in a way that, if structured, would have the axis running down the center of the lens. Here is one such ...
6
votes
8answers
1k views
Tripod that is mobile yet sturdy and light
What tripod would be recommended that is sturdy enough not to wobble in the wind, yet is light enough and easily and quickly movable so that I can use it to trek up hills, through awkward places and ...
3
votes
1answer
293 views
Tightening Manfrotto Ball Head
I have Manfotto Compact Ball Head that I love but it is getting to the point to where I can't tighten it enough to keep my camera steady.
When I tighten it, the joints of the tripod interfere with ...
7
votes
1answer
934 views
Advice on cleaning/oiling ball-head?
I've had a Markins M-20 ball-head for a number of years now, it's been a great head but this winter it's started to become harder to adjust so I figure it's time to clean it (probably long past).
...
3
votes
2answers
254 views
4
votes
1answer
361 views
How does the Induro PHQ panhead Compare to the Manfrotto, Gitzo etc. Ballheads and Gimbals?
If you watch the videos by Induro on their PHQ panheads here, they sound pretty awesome. They really seem a lot more flexible than the standard ball heads that many people really push. However, I ...
5
votes
1answer
530 views
Choosing a Gitzo Tripod head - deciphering series, model #, etc
I recently purchased a Gitzo Mountaineer tripod, the GT0541. It is a Series 0 (not really sure what that means), 4 section with ground-lock capability. The G-Lock capability has been really nice for ...
26
votes
3answers
850 views
What should one consider when choosing a style of tripod head?
What should one consider when choosing a style of tripod head? There are ball heads, 3-way pan/tilt heads, geared heads, even gimbal heads.
I'm not asking so much about brands, but styles... how ...
