Approaching the Scene 180: Fluid vs Ball Heads for Still Photography

[@frankcruz8068]

Your video does it for me. No more Ball Head, and No Gimbal. Fluid head it is, just add a solid tripod. Thank you!

[@CJGlynnPhotography]

Thanks to your sage advice, I switched to fluid heads a couple years ago. Now, like you, I will never go back to a ball head.

[@potusuk]

Totally get where you're coming from, my work in TV had me in a conflict of working with fluid heads... then going out for my photography with a ball ..... now that photography bodies are merging the lines with pro video you will see more people taking up the idea of a good fluid head. Hand held video is still hand held video no matter how much vibration reduction is in there, we're not all trying to shoot some hospital drama. Great video Hudson.

[@paulmanhart4481]

You explain things clearly. Thats an unusual gift. I’m sold on fluid mounts.

[@rlin]

the youtube recommendation is scary good. this video somehow speaks to where i am in my photography journey this very moment, and answers so many questions i had. thanks!

[@pnwtim503]

What an excellent video detailing the value, as well as pros and cons of different setups. Thank you!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

great timing - I was just looking into fluid heads! Wishing you and yours all the very best for the New Year.

[@curtisbeckett4764]

Excellent video priceless. Thanks very professionally done.

[@GirdHerd]

An excellent comparison, Hudson. I built my tripod using your recommended components about 2 years ago and love it, especially the Manfrotto 500AH fluid head.

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Hudson, I hope you are having an amazing time with your family. I never got on with any ball heads I tried. I used 3 way pan tilt heads for years and never like them much either. Then I found heard heads from Manfotto this were very good but heavy. Now I switch to a company called Benro and just love there geared head. But they two can struggle with big lenses and heavy cameras. 500mm+, Hasselblad's. But work very well with my Z7ii. Keep well, keep safe and have an amazingly good 2022.

[@pascalhibon7928]

I started with a ballhead too (BH-55) but later switched to a geared head. It was a Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II. This was almost perfect for me, it alows for very exact adjustments in horizontal and vertical movements. Except that it wasn't stable enough for my D850 in windy conditions. I next switched to a fluid head. Worked great except that I didn't particularly liked the size and weight of it. I finally settled on a Leofoto VH-30R. This is the head that ticks all the boxes for me and it is compact, lightweight and very sturdy too. Me happy!

[@charlesdavis6371]

Thank you - and I hope you have a wonderful family vacation, and a fantastic New year.

[@mickphotos]

you've convinced me hudson ordered one

[@markbowley5531]

Awesome, been on it now for years, only way to go.

[@peterconstable3473]

Hey, Hudson, great episode of ATS. In the past few days I was interacting with people in the Nikon users' group on FB looking for suggestions on tripods, and I've pointed them at this great resource.

[@MDanceInc]

Just ordered my custom tripod....!! look forward to receiving it...

[@shooterntx1]

Great video Hudson! I never thought of using a fluid head. I got the 500AH, took it to the beach and really, really like it. It could lead to love but we’re taking it slow. I kinda didn’t want to like it, but you’re so damn persuasive! Damn your persuasiveness! Jk but it’s as you said for all the reasons covered, it’s smooth and easier to get where you want to go than a ball head. Still comparing the gimbal with long lenses but I see how the FH can do the same thing. And thanks for the sharing man. Love your work and your videos! Hope to make it to a workshop with you one day.

[@glennn.3464]

I got tired of ball heads as well especially when needing to do any kind of precise adjustments. As a decent compromise between the two types, especially for my infrequent use of a tripod, I also decided to go with the Acratech Panoramic Head 1165. It only has tensioning on the vertical and not the fluid damping but you can’t beat it for its compactness and light weight.

[@GirdHerd]

Hudson, You're Custom Build: (324CL legs) tripod is very reasonably priced at $1399.95. About 2 years ago, I spent over $1500 building my tripod using the components you recommended. I'm sure your custom built 324CL tripod is just as nice for less money.

[@WarlordsRising]

LOL, damn you're costing me money. Thanks, Hudson just picked up the fluid head adapter plate, leveling plate and just realized I ordered the wrong replacement foot for my 70-200 S. Looking forward to giving this setup a go :) Also ordered some Nisi filters and adapters for the 14-24 Z.....eek

[@kevinmclin8263]

After watching your first video on this topic (maybe a couple years ago?) I made the jump to this fluid head from my ball head. It was an excellent move and I have not had any regrets. The fluid head works well, just as you have described, and it is much better than the ball heads I have used. I would second your recommendation to anyone who is considering making the same jump.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Kevin!

[@MarkHummerNikonZ9]

I use the Manfrotto 502 Fluid head Bridge system for everything and it`s awesome. And the Manfrotto MH055M8-Q5 Photo video fluid head.

[@johntravena119]

Really helpful.

[@Offaducksback]

Just upgraded to the Z7ii and in the process of rebuilding my overall kit including tripod. Finding your videos informative and helpful during this process, thank you and keep it up. Cheers

[@fvkeul]

Hudson, thanks very much for this explanation! Video’s like these really help. Have a nice and healthy 2022 for you and your family. Greetings from Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks so much Frans! You too.

[@joshuameadows4165]

I purchased the pieces and put together the 324CL legs with the recommended parts wrap and grease. I will add that I use blue loctite for the feet as I have a tendency to have them get loose otherwise. (I also used it on the kirk adapter). It's been a great kit and really has sold me on fluid heads vs. ballheads. I previously used an Induro BHL2S (which works very well). Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your experience and say that I really like that you have a pre-built option now. Lastly, I thought I'd chime in and recommend Innovativ Digisystems to go with the legs. I use the Digiplate to put my laptop directly on the legs for on location tethered shooting, and/or multi-cam streaming.

[@sidepieceseason1414]

Thanks!

[@karenwalter5784]

Hi Hudson! Wishing you and your family a wonderful and prosperous New Year! I just wanted to let you know I invested in the Manfrotto fluid head after being very frustrated with the ball head I had. And you are right, I would never go back to a ball head. This Manfrotto fluid head works beautifully. And for those nervous about weight, I use a Nikkor 200-500 lens with adaptor on it with no problem whatsoever. Can’t thank you enough! Have a wonderful vacation with your family!

[@jer3006]

Hudson, Happy Holidays to you and family and crew! I love this video and, with fond memories, it has been about two years since you personally recommended to this beginner the tripod, Fluid Head, and fittings I should consider. Remember I disappointed you when I went ahead with the Manfrotto with the center post? But I don't do mountains and valleys. 😁 And I did follow your excellent advice with the MVH500AH and other fittings! Well, I'm reporting to you here that you saved me from having to re-buy better stuff later. Everything you say and demo in this video is on target and I am so happy with my equipment. Thank you again for the sage advice you gave this inexperienced guy. Always on the "level." ⭐x5

[@blainegauvin9458]

Happy new year Hudson...cheers

[@dnathomps]

Thank you for the information. I am excited to learn about this system.

[@carljarvinen1189]

Hudson, When I first heard about using a fluid head, especially with a long lens I was skeptical. Now, having the Manfrotto fluid and the Kirk bridge I find that it works extremely well with my D500 and 200-500 lens. And for a light weight landscape head the Acratech pano head if great.

[@barryobrien1890]

Happy new year, and thanks for a wonderful 2021. Best of luck in 2022. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@tonytfuntek3262]

I used a ball head for years and had similar issues as you spoke about. I did switch to the Acratech Panoramic head vs the fluid head due to the size. It definitely made my (Photography) life a lot easier. Thank you and Happy New Year

[@1st2die]

Hudson, you might be interested to check out Leofoto's BV-1R fluid head. Crazy small and good quality and is a perfect lightweight combo with the LS-284CEX.

[@beebs4881]

this model is also natively Arca-Swiss compatible

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm just not a fan of their heads. Love the legs, but the heads are way clunker than the competition. I find them to be poor derivatives of other designs. I wish the folks designing the legs would set their sights on the heads for a bit.

[@slny5065]

Very clear video and you make a great case for a fluid setup. I found an alternative to ball heads with the Flexshooter Pro which is effectively a gimbal in a tiny package. So versatile and it really does work. Puts ball heads to shame (easily replaced my Kirk/Wimberley Sidekick combo). I usually use the Mini which handles anything up to the largest prime. And it weighs - yes really - 1 pound.

[@paulkirk5760]

As usual extremely helpful and thoughtful video. Couldn’t agree more with your comparisons but for landscape am now using a geared head from sunwayfoto which is a lot lighter and shorter than my ifootage fluid head, plus I don’t need a levelling base.

[@stevemt2013]

Love your stuff, dude.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Steve!

[@paulmanhart4481]

Very nice video. I design lenses for a living (camera aboard Cassini mission to Saturn etc. ), but don’t know photography as well as you do. I’m headed to the solar eclipse this April and I’m looking for a tripod. Using a Nikon Z7 and 600 mm lens mounted on a small equatorial drive to track the sun. I probably need a leveling head but I’d like your advice on tripod. Thanks, Paul

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You'll be best off with the 324CL on my site. www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods It's pheonominal. Enjoy!

[@RonSkinnerPhotographer]

I'm using a leofoto bv-1r fluid head on the leofoto 284 tripod, I find it works well when using up to the 500pf lens it's great when hiking and light weight.

[@csimet]

Third option (for me)... RRS compact pano-gimbal head with nodal rail. Lightweight, easy to carry/pack and does it all for me... does ball head, gimbal and pano duties in one package. Easy to do multi-row panos. It is not for large/long lenses of course!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, it's far, far less versatile and way less simple, but it gives accurate and level pan / tilt adjustments for static subjects and is great for panos. I often carry a light weight RRS PG-01 rail system to mount atop the fluid head for when I need dead accurate entrance pupil alignment for complex panos with tilt. I avoid RRS when possible, but they make the best examples of that stuff.

[@csimet]

Mostly agreed. RRS makes some of the best pano gear IMHO. I also have their older heavy duty setup that is not ideal for travel, but rock solid and handles the heaviest camera/lens combos. The compact pano-gimbal is perfect for me. Cheers.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Not my favorite company, but they do build quality. Always have. I used thier heads, rails and l brackets for well over a decade before I found out how nice the folks at Kirk and Acratech were. :)

[@csimet]

Yup! I have some devices from them as well... and don't forget Wimberley.

[@rkdazet]

Thanks Hudson! That fluid head doesn't come with an Arca Swiss clamp. I'm wondering how the clamp is attached to the Manfrotto plate?

[@rkdazet]

Nevermind, I'm guessing this from Kirk: MVH500-BQRV2 🙂

[@michailxyntarakis1590]

Very interesting. Have you used the Arca-swiss P0+ hybrid? I watched the nodal course of yours and I got the Manfrotto head but it was too big for me. Hmmm I thought using two rails will allow one to rotate around the "nodal point" at all times. The fluid head doesn't do that right? You didn't mention it so I guess it is ok not to rotate through the nodal point on the vertical direction. I use the canon tilt shift lenses for panoramas.

[@billanderson2730]

You’re a blessing. Do I need both. Manfrotto MOVE Quick Release Catcher System with Additional Quick Release... Kirk Quick Release Bridge System for Manfrotto MVH 500 Fluid Video Head Thanks

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey there. This is a bit dated (a couple of years now) the system and setups I recommend and use are at www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods :)

[@thomastuorto9929]

The only time I miss a ball head is when shooting macro for smaller side adjustments where being level doesn't matter. I like that 500ah fluid head but wish it had a degree's marks on the pan feature. I might make my own set for every 10* or 15*.

[@1973Antoniob]

Good idea to mark the fluid head. I try.

[@cjgetreal]

I added marks around the head with an ink pen. Use it all the time doing pano's once one figures out how much movement for the image one is creating you don't have to look at the view finder.

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@cjgetreal Good deal!

[@jer3006]

@Ted Ted. Would love to hear how you make your own set of degree markers, that will be a nice modification. Scratching them out with a pointy nail would be my poorly conceived plan. No doubt you have a better idea to make it look professional.

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@jer3006 Not sure yet. Probably put a compass on the top. Mark a zero & move it 10* or 15* either way from the zero & so on for 45* each way. I was thinking of trying nail polish for a marker &, clear coat over the marks. But finding a way to scribe in to the coating would be best long term. I believe when done new during the manufacturing process, they are laser etched in.

[@rerod7481]

I love to use this fluid head for my 100-400mm. Yet, I had some trouble when adding a tele converter. When trying to track birds in flight I got blackouts due to the friction of the head and the fact that while I grab the camera, the lens is mounted to the head. This is causing tension on the mount and resulting in contact problems. Might be a problem of my individual setup, yet with a ballhead I don't have such issues.

[@duderinojohnson5434]

Hi Hudson, really appreciate your videos. What do you do if you have a shot setup and want to make a fine adjustment in the horizontal axis? Thanks!!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

THat never happens as I'm level all the time on the systems I use. You level when you set up before you compose and only move on the X and Y axis, so there's never a need to adjust for Z. :-)

[@ChaChaCafe]

Thanks for the video, Hudson. I just bought the Manfrotto fluid head from your link. Can you please recommend an affordable L bracket for a Nikon D4 that will work on this head? Thanks

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I don't think you'll find a better deal than this: ebay.to/3rwt6ux

[@thomastuorto9929]

Mr Hudson Henry, Do you find the degrees marks useful when using the pano head while panning or tilting & if so please explain why. Just wondering after a comment reply. Thanks & Happy New years to you & your family.

[@GMS444]

I know it's such a little thing but where to get the silver pan knob you are using on the 500AH

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It comes with the custom Kirk bridge assembly.

[@raphaelmimoun9571]

Hi Hudson, Fluid head vs Gimbal? Shooting mostly Surf and Kitesurf (150-600mm) but some macro too…

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Fluid! Www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods :)

[@swedgin7097]

Hi Hudson! Your videos are always very informative and I like your detailed insights about the gear you're using. I've question regarding the leveling base you're using. I suppose it's Leofoto LB-75S. Why specifically you're using this one at the moment? In your older videos you used one that was inserted in tripod bowl. Do you prefer this Leofoto one at the moment and why? It looks sturdy but doesn't extra height (at least in theory) add instability to your setup? Adapter that rest on the bowl sits lower so I suppose it could be more stable.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You can see a detailed look at what I'm using for camera support and why at www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods The LB75 is rock solid and adds no instability. It's not like a spindly center column. It allows you to keep both hands on the head when leveling while you set it with a pinky finger, adds a nice big bubble level to the side and has 3 easy to access set screws that lock the head down. Best leveler I've used by far! :)

[@jeremyhaines7504]

Have you converted the Acratech GXP for pano work (as that is one of the features of that head)? If so how did it work?

[@cristianlintrup5174]

Hi Hudson! Great demo (as always). I wonder: have you tried the Unique Ball? Would be interesting to get your thoughts on that solution.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They're a bit overly complicated, remain prone to catastrophic flop like a ball head and worst of all drift a bit as you lock them down.

[@cristianlintrup5174]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for your feedback Hudson!

[@Nickporter17]

Since you have such a affinity for, and I assume close relationship with, Leofoto can I assume that you tried their lightweight BV-5 fluid head and preferred the manfrotto?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, I am not a fan of any of thier heads sadly. I'm working on telling them how to improve, but the legs and leveling adapters are like a totally different company. Innovative, ergonomic, insane quality and well thought out. From the clamps to the action and controls, the heads don't fit any of those descriptions. Like two different companies as I said.

[@Nickporter17]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks so much for your honest reply! I'm saving up and looking forward to buying some legs and filters off your site!

[@AndriiPiddubrivnyi]

Hi Mates Need your advice I have really light camera setup less 1kg weight I now considering Leofoto LS-225CEX for landscape photography. But really not sure about how it will work in field, its only 0.88 kg and I’m aware will it no break while using? The thinnest part of leg is only 10mm in diameter 😀 Have some one experience with it? What are your thoughts? Or just go for LS-284CEX? Does the difference in 0.45kg worth to risk?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'd really go 284. You need a bit of mass to provide stability. You can and should add a stone bag, but those tiny pods will bow under the weight. No matter how small your kit, you want rigidity and stability. Plus your next kit may be heavier.

[@AndriiPiddubrivnyi]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks for rapid response!

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

I have the same fluid head based on your recommendation and really enjoy it. I could not go back to a ball head. You have been doing a lot with Leofoto and I am thinking about their VH-30R paired with their LS-324CEX tripod. They position it for bird watching but it seems like it will work much like the fluid head and be smaller. I would like to hear your thoughts.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'm just not a fan of the heads they make. The legs are innovative and better than the competition, but the heads lag and seem like poorly executed derivatives. :-(

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks!!

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@MrShaun_D1]

Is there a special L bracket for the z7ii with the new battery grip?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'd advise you to just pull the grip to work with it on the tripod. I'm really not a grip fan though. I'm sure Kirk or RRS have a huge one. If it's battery you want with the grip on the tripod, just plug in the usb-c PD battery I link at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks. It's got about 8 battery's worth of power. It'll run several nights' milky way and timelapse shoots in a row without recharging. :)

[@MrShaun_D1]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the info...but Im a big fan for battery grip. I really appreciate your video for the setup on the Nikon Zii.

[@gosman949]

The RRS PG-01compact pano-gimbal head continues to be out of stock since your last video that caused a run on the product. I'm sure the supply chain problems are to blame.

[@patrickguilfoyle8884]

Regarding fluid heads, will the fluid freeze during freezing winter temperatures?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Not in my experience which includes taking one to 14,000 ft camp on Denali as well as numerous other winter expeditions. :-)

[@donl]

Do you travel on airlines with your larger tripod and fluid head? How?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

For neary 20 years from Africa to Patagonia, 14,000 camp on Denali to southern Patagonia. I have a video that answers that question easily. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHSUiJ6lgbijp9k

[@donl]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Great Info... not sure how I missed that episode. Thanks

[@KnightsandWeekends]

Any good mechanic knows that there is no one tool that is best for every job. Photographers know that there is no one lens that will work for every scenario. Yet, we often expect our support gear to magically do it all. With a big lens like the 600 f/4, I don't think I'd ever trust a ball head - gimbal or fluid head is a must. Another big concern about using a ball head in "gimbal mode", even for lighter loads, is that you move the load considerably off the tripod's center of gravity, and you're likely to loose the whole thing if you're not careful. I'd love to replace my Manfrotto fluid head with one that is Arca-Swiss, but I don't see a link to the one you're demonstrating here.

[@KnightsandWeekends]

After chasing down some links on your site, I ordered the KES system for the MVH502 head. I don't own that head, but I have a decent Neewer head that I think is a direct copy of it. I'm going to see if the MVH502-BQR works with the Neewer head and if not, I'll upgrade to the Manfrotto 502AH. Dude, you seem to cost me money every time I visit. ;-)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Oh there is. Www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods

[@ДенисКузнецов-ж2я]

I see only one problem with video head. For some reason a photographer may need not horizontal slant composition.

[@onedayapp3534]

Ballheads make nosense

[@StudioGalvan]

There's NOTHING Wrong with Bald heads! 😕