Tripod Heads / Some of the options?

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[@iank1638]

Cheers, good advice. I’ve had a Benro tripod and ballhead for 6 months. Delighted with it. Beautifully made. Should last many years. Helpful after service when I lost a small piece that I couldn’t find on the internet, they posted out for a small fee.

[@stevesag]

All good information Adam, thanks. There are several Arca-Swiss adapters besides RRS. I too uses a geared head, Benro, and am very happy with it. As a former pro videographer one of the first thing we had to learn was to actually level the tripod. I continually amazed at still photographers that have their tripods with ball-heads set up so a breeze or bump will knock them over.

[@daz3719]

Now I definitely know I've got the photography bug, I've just spent 15 minutes of my life watching a talk on tripod heads 😁. Great video as always Adam.

[@jongrall]

Nice summary, Adam! The gear from iFootage is top notch, especially for the price. Love their monopod, gazelle tripod, and the komodo head.

[@phdman2014]

Thanks Adam, great video. Wonderful practical video with the right kind of information. I struggled recently over these same choices and I wound up getting the FLM tripod with the Acratech Pan Head. Awesome choice. Both companies have absolutely fantastic folks. Shoutout to Ari at FLMCanada and Patty (owners wife) at Acratech. I completely agree that it makes so much sense to level your head with a leveling base rather than the legs. Cuts down on the time wasted.

[@jimgraves4197]

Great information Adam. Tripods and heads are something we all need at some point and there's a tripod for everyone's budget.

[@jimwallar8920]

What an adventure! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

Thank you, I really enjoyed the video and the reviews. I don't video but had a geeky camera equipment itch that needed a scratch. Perfect. Feel better now.

[@erichstocker8358]

I enjoyed this "technical" episode. I also think these are perfect type of videos to do from the backyard. I am looking forward to your "experience" video for the sunway gearhead. Given your shooting style and topics, I'm going to be very interested in your long term experience with that head. Great job on this one and all your from the Canadian Rockies videos. I appreciate your efforts and learn a lot from the instructions plus get different perspectives often.

[@tburt50_]

I just started using a Benro precision geared head instead of a ball head. It works great for leveling my camera and fine tuning my compositions. It is a little slower to set up but that little extra time allows you to really think about what you're shooting.

[@PMCN53]

Great overview of the wide range of tripod heads. I've been considering a fluid head and this VLOG has given me some more information to consider. I use a Manfrotto carbon fibre tripod, solid and reliable & Ive used it for over 10+ years (leavers on the leg extensions) love them. I do like the iFootage head, for the size and price. I agree that RRS is completely over the top from the price perspective, I could never justify that at all. Cheers.

[@NishitDave]

Thanks for the informative video. I bought a Neewer levelling base for a future fluid head purchase, but then got cold feet about the actual big expense. Wildlife video shooting seems to be a never-ending money drain. I don't even dare to buy a 95mm ND filter now! By the way, you mentioned the issue with ball heads about panning. There are many heads with separate panning control knobs (which I don't possess, again) that address this concern, but they're more expensive. Again that money drain problem.

[@leighdorey8271]

I use a BENRO G2 ball head on my BENRO Mach 3 TMA37C carbon fibre tripod. The ball head has a smooth action that can be changed from quick or ultra slow. The tripod comes with a short centre column or a longer one and has interchangeable feet from rubber feet to tripod spikes all inclusive, its a superb piece of kit.

[@klausschleicher523]

Great overview Adam. Since 6 years I have my dream combination with a Gitzo Mountaineer tripod and a Novoflex Ballhead. But a geared head like the one you showed would be a nice addition.

[@williamstatt8651]

Then I found it in a medium size with head and lever clamp for $179 as a preorder only. Thanks for the info on the head. I like lever releases.

[@dawnharrold4474]

That was really helpful Adam, thank you so much. 👍

[@keithsandercock1412]

I highly recommend the iFootage tripods. Best I've ever owned, although I still have a couple of Manfrotto tripods and one GItzo

[@stormbox]

Thank you for the perfect timing Adam! You reminded me to check out a Manfrotto geared head, and it is 50% off today 👍

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Perfect!

[@IamUke]

I normally use RRS stuff but I needed a ballhead for mounting to my star tracker. Found the Desmond Demon DB-44 on Amazon and am very pleased with it. Surprisingly high quality, and it can hold a GFX 50S with the 100-200 lens at any weird angle with no issues. Highly Recommended.

[@neilcole3406]

Don’t tell Gavin you have a problem with your knob for gods sake!

[@niftytwo]

Hahaha. Good sense of humour is good for when the S..T hit the fan.

[@ulrichpflug2644]

Shooting with a Flexshooter ballhead. Its two in one and functionality is just great.

[@robo2606]

I work with a Arca Swiss balhead on a carbon Manfrotto tripod since more than 10 years. Never let me down.

[@thomastuorto9929]

great vid for someone who will be in the market. I went to B&H just before the shut down & purchased the smaller Manfrotto MVH500AH video fluid head for about $150 us. Kirk makes a piece that replaces the mannfrotto piece where you can mount the arca swiss style clamp either way & rotate 90* in under a minute so you can do a long lens foot or the L- bracket. That smaller video head would of been a sell if they had it on display. Add a leveling base & the RRS 192 rail with the ir clamp & you are set for landscape/pano or wildlife. RRS is expensive but it will last you a life time. Can't wait for your winter vids.

[@astralbody]

One will have to pry the Acratech Pano head on my ifootage TC7 out of my cold dead hands! Not really a fan of ball heads, they always start to seize of sloooooowly start to droop. The Acratech is a nice hybrid like a fluid head for locking in level whilst being able to pan or tilt, not fluid movement but can be adjusted for a semi-similar effect. the ifootage fluid head is nice. great video with lots of good info, thanks Adam!

[@horntv5039]

Great video as always. Although the brands may vary, you worked out the necessary basic specs, which are vital. I work with Gitzo for more than 30 Years now. Heavy as hell, but indestructible. Its the Pre-Carbon Thing. Over here in Europe, we don't have too much of a choice, when it comes to real good stuff.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@seth.graham]

iFootage is worth looking at just because of their prices. They aren't in the "dirt cheap" category, but they have fairly low prices for the features and quality you get. I've been using their gazelle legs since they became available and they're cheap enough to be a beginner's first "serious" legs but good enough to survive pro use.

[@thomaschipman]

as i've grown older, i too have tended towards things that slow me down in my photography. i never thought i would see the day where i would consider that a selling point, but here we are.

[@thomastuorto9929]

At your guy's age , it's you that is slow! LOL HAHA. Hobbies are about enjoyment, that's why I try not to go to the iconic places all that much & when I do , it is off season. But seriously lighter is better as you get older also. Heck even the young serious hikers go as lite as they can on everything.

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

You wanna slow down? Shoot film again.

[@lylestavast7652]

I see you rockin' that GFX 100 in your description now.... :)

[@ronboe6325]

Nice new colour on your logo.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great advice! II am currently in the market for a good tripod and head combination I think that I'm going to do the ballhead. Thanks for your thoughts on the subject!

[@SteveP_2426]

I have one of of the ifootage TC7 Fastbowl tripods Adam - saw Thomas Heaton using one early days and got one as it's relatively lightweight, easy to set up for panos and it also has lever leg locks which I prefer. I see they now do a slightly larger TC9 version which I'd look to get if I ever need a replacement.

[@carljarvinen1189]

Another good and inexpensive fluid head is the Manfrotto 500 AH which Kirk mades a very good replacement plate to allow using your camera both in a horizontal or vertical position. This plate clamp can also be turned At 90 degree angles. Thanks for the video....

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for the info!

[@kendallkyle585]

Thanks, nice video. A lot of FLM tripods there!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yes, really great tripods

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

I use a geared head for only one thing. Polar alignment of my tracking head for shooting astro/night sky images. I rough align with a laser pointer (on the north star), the I use a polar scope to fine tune the alignment. Great when using longer focal lengths at night.

[@Luigi13]

Adam, I purchased the Manfrotto video head and I find that it works for photography and video which I don't do. I also have regular tripod heads as well. The Manfrotto or fluid heads are very practical for panoramas in photography. I find that the larger base in the fluid heads is very stable as you indicated and having a leveling column on the tripod makes the whole process very smooth. Yes it is a bit heavy and bulky to carry and that makes up for steady photography and a dual purpose gadget. Cheers.

[@dvk2photographer]

I LOVE those pants.

[@kreygscott]

One word comes to mind: 'Functional'

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Fjallraven Kebs

[@davidrippin9222]

Adam.... I have a 3-Legged-Thing tripod too that I now only use as a lightweight tripod when trekking etc. (have a big Benro as my main one). Like you, I don't like the centre column, so I removed it. The ball-head now virtually attaches directly to the leg-unit. Okay, it's a bit lower, but it's MUCH lighter and more compact, and more stable... fantastic when weight is at a premium.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

Got Novoflex head,panorama and macro rails years ago and never looked back.It is expensive but you get what you pay.

[@williamstatt8651]

I found the lever clamp at Colorado Tripod. But, it was $69 just for the clamp. And it was a preorder only.

[@tjh44961]

A couple of years ago, I bought a ball head to try, because as you say, they've been out for a long time, and a lot of people seem to really like them. I hate them -- maybe it's because I have a couple of inexpensive ones, but I really prefer three-way heads, because like the geared head, they slow me down, and I find them much easier to level the camera on. They seem to make me much more specific in my camera movements, and therefore, help my composition.

[@neilt]

I own a similar K&F tripod that I use for travel because it's relatively small and light. To their credit, when I lost a part of the tripod somewhere in the forest, they posted me a replacement part from China following a short message exchange. So full marks for customer service there. I have recently bought a Benro geared head, following some irritation using a ball head for my recently acquired full frame EOS RP. Heavy cameras are far harder to adjust accurately on a ball head, and I look forward to a lot less frustration in the future.

[@CarloDidier]

Great tripod review. Did you ever hear of the FlexShooter? It's a combination of a classic ballhead and a gimbal-like function. Got one about 6 months ago and love it. It can be used like a classical ballhead or you use the ballhead to level it and then release the nob for the gimbal-like two-axis movement. Great for video and longer lenses.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I will check it out

[@simonlatulippe2355]

Great video Adam! I use Acratech ballheads and they are awesome! It never seize and are crazy reliable.I used Benro ballheads with tripod before and it lasted me 4 uses so I will never ever buy Benro.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks for the info!

[@zackstanton4654]

Yo Adam, did they not open the barber shops back up in BC yet? Ha! Sorry, couldnt help myself. Great stuff as always, brother. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

It's my new look

[@blivieriphoto]

Interesting video. My first "el-cheapo" tripod had a pan and tilt head. I had no clue about tripods or heads. All articles I read said don't go cheap on tripods so I spent $80 rather than $30! Haahaa. (Ohh, how much I had to learn.) I used it for a year while I learned the basics. When I finally upgraded and bought my first ballhead I was not happy with it. I wanted to go back to the pan and tilt but "REAL photographers use ballheads" right? Anyway, I eventually got used to the ballhead. I've had the FLM tripod/ballhead for nearly a year. Thinking of getting the leveling base to go with it. Thanks for the video. I didnt even know you put one out on Wednesday. 🙄

[@robgerityphoto]

Hi Adam I found it quite nice that you were discussing the video heads today. Earlier I happen to come across Richard Birchett A nature photographer. I was astounded with what he could do with a video head shooting video I’ve quite small birds. It almost looks like he has a manfrotto head. I liked that you found one that you like and it’s affordable. You did mention that I will need a leveler. And that wasn’t really the point of the video wondering if you could give me some guidance on a good choice for a leveler. As you well know all of our work has been canceled so I’ve taking up photographing birds. Then I saw what Richard could do with Canon 600 mm lens and a video head it looks exciting I’m on the BNH website and will be shopping but if you have a thought and you can send it my way I never miss your videos I am shooting with a Fuji XT4 and a 102 400. I also have the option of the Fuji 50 to 140. I purchased the 2X converterSorry to ramble but between you and Gavin I have learned so much thanks in advance and have a wonderful holiday

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Depends on your tripod. If the tripod has a removable plate at the top for a bowl then you can use one of these. www.amazon.ca/LEOFOTO-YB-75LP-Levelling-Adapter-Sandbag/dp/B0815RNMFC/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=tripod+leveling+bowl&qid=1606351463&sr=8-10 but you have to make sure it will fit as there are a number of different versions and sizes. The other option if you cant fit a levelling bowl is to use one of these. www.flmcanada.com/product/flm-lb-15-leveling-base/

[@billonthehill9984]

Thanks Adam, an interesting array of options here... The head that interests me the most is still the Sunwayfoto geared head... You've used it for quite awhile know & I am curious about your overall impressions of it over the test of time & whether it has held up well or not, etc...

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Well it still works fine, no problems yet.

[@1LRLRG]

How do you get around not having a long centre column? You mentioned that you had one head mounted to the tripod is this a special attachment? Thanks for the excellent videos, learning a lot.

[@davidhowe1069]

Cool vid Adam. I’d be interested to know what head you’d recommend for taking panos.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

If you do a lot of multiple image panos then I would recommend a dedicated pano head like the one sold by RRS www.reallyrightstuff.com/search?keywords=pano or if you just do the odd pano then anything with a rotating clamp above the head so that once youve levelled the head out you can rotate the top independently like the geared head that I talked about.

[@roybixby6135]

Although I have several ballheads up to the RRS-55 - I still dont like them. Gimbal heads for long lenses. The most important feature of heads - Is it Arca Swiss compatible?. Great Video - Is the next one about legs?

[@curtisdauphney]

Very informative! Thanks, Adam! It's a shame we don't really have too many options in Canada to get things at a somewhat comparable price. Any chance you might have a recommendation for a lower budget build? That Colorado Tripod Company piece sure looked interesting!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

For photography I would go for an FLM tripod, CF 34 is a good all round tripod. On that I would grab a Colorado Tripod head. Theyre coming out with a new ball head that looks interesting and might be worth a try as well.

[@mathiaslibor287]

Very interesting video as I'm on search for a good head at the moment. But here's another question: what is the tripod that you have the fluid footage head on in the video. Lookalike a pretty good combination sidzwise.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Tripod is by FLM - bit.ly/2zVLDIw

[@horntv5039]

Hi Adam Do you have the possibility to get Novoflex in CAN ? Really worth checking. My experience with the Combination of Gitzo and Novoflex are outstanding. Although I must admit, that I never go for lightweight Stuff.

[@jsimes1]

I'm glad you are getting endorsements to help you limp along during this crazy time! I was really disappointed at the cancellation of the Mull workshop! Maybe in the future we can all travel again! I love tripod reviews! I collect tripods like I collect camera bags! 😁 Someday I'll find a perfect one!! I like the iFootage bowls for the leveling base!!

[@bekind816]

Hi Adam...great vid as per....obv there are some great ballheads out there, I use the Benro G3, which is solid, altho a tad heavy, but built like a tank...have you tried it? Stay safe mate!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

No I haven't tried it but thanks for the heads up!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

Very informative Adam. It's like one of those things you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. :-) No wader sponsorship yet then?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Not that I know of

[@liamdoran2149]

Off topic but...how did you get the dead cat to stay on your Rode mic? Superglue? Mine constantly falls off!

[@holgerkroger889]

You get what you pay. I use Gitzo Tripods and Novoflex Ballheads (made in germany) and a Arca Swiss D4 geared head. That`s for a livetime gear. Many greets from germany.

[@peterebel7899]

You forgot Sachtler for the wildlife work. Mine is 25 years of age, travel several times around the world & is basically still new. The tripod is unchanged still the best option on the market. The head got some unneeded gimmicks on top. Possibly my best buy ever. It was not cheap, but I can sell it today for more money than I paid for the new quarter of a century ago ....

[@holgerkroger889]

@@peterebel7899 Sachtler is fantastic, but for me as a landscape photographer to heavy

[@peterebel7899]

@@holgerkroger889 A Sachtler ENG2CF is less of weight than a Gitzo Series 5 but far more stiff (and already provides a 100mm bowl) But is is not nearly as versatile in shooting low, wide spread of legs, ... It's more like a Berlebach, just without any weight. Great for long lens work. less a option for landscape work.

[@dinsdalephotography]

Don't know if you've ever covered this Adam, but have you ever done a comparison video between hand held vs. tripod? I"m a nature photog and do everything hand held. Sometimes when I shoot landscapes I think the tripod just slows me down - I guess that's the idea.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Hey whatever works for you, I'm all for it. You did answer your own question. No I haven't done a video about handheld and suspect that in most cases it would be easy to get away with handheld shots.

[@zacharyr764]

Adam, how has the Sunwayfoto geared head held up? Do you give your stamp of approval on it (for the price)? About to pick up a new head but in a toss between the geared head or the acratech pano head.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

The build and quality I find to be good. Slow to use, price is good. I have no complaints.

[@reneholtslag2297]

Adam, what do you think of the Platyball? Made by Platypod. It is a new head.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Looks interesting, not sure about the durability but it might be worth checking out.

[@WalkingDevon]

Uncanny, I did exactly the same thing and bolted an Arca-Swiss plate to an oversized fluid head so I could use an L Bracket with it, I too didn't like it for the same reasons and I've now ordered a smaller Manfrotto fluid head so that I can keep the same plate on the camera and use it with my Manfrotto Ball head as well for portrait. I just have to change over the heads between video and photography.

[@williamstatt8651]

I could not find the Breakthrough Photography ball head. But, that looks like a Colorado Ball Head. I looked them up but could not find one with a lever release and they were much more than $100. I could not find that on their site. Do you have a link for that ball head? Thanks.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

The ball head is a Highline but small version $99. You're right the quick release is an add on, my apologies for not mentioning. The one I showed is a small with lever clamp, $149. Unfortunately backorders are a regular problem with The Colorado Tripod Company,

[@mattjpnw]

Adam, do you happen to have the model number of the FLM tripod that you use for backpacking? Thanks!!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yes right now Im using the CP30-M5 Hybrid

[@mattjpnw]

@@QuietLightPhoto Awesome thank you so much!!

[@jamesgerboc]

It always seemed to me that there is a market for a fluid ballhead for still photography. Not sure why no one offers one. Maybe too heavy or costly?

[@kilohotel6750]

I can’t stand ball heads, can never get it level. Just when I think I got it and tighten it down it moves. I ended up using my gimbal head for my Canon 600/4 for my Pentax 645Z. With a leveling bowl and gimbal head it was perfect, so easy to get it level.

[@markjensen663]

Then you’re using the wrong ball head. With a high end ball head when you lock it down it won’t move. The leveling thing is a whole different story though.

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Have to agree on the slightly slower process of the gear heads. I use the Manfrotto XPRO Geared Head for my landscape photography, suits my needs well. As with Canada the exchange rate and tax’s here in Australia makes some items way too expensive. Thanks for sharing again Adam.

[@ianiles6430]

Not cheap, but the Arca-Swiss P0 is a great head. From the perspective of a traditional head, it's inverted, but that means you can level the head (rather than the tripod) and then using the only knob on the head, have the clamp move around whilst remaining level - great for panos. For more info, follow the link - and no, I don't work for them :-) www.robertwhite.co.uk/arca-swiss-monoball-ball-and-socket-p0-with-quickset-fliplock-device.html

[@Crispy_Bee]

It's not the fluid head that keeps the image level, it's the tripod-bowl that levels the whole head. If you used a fluid head on a regular tripod with a centre column you'd have the same struggle of getting it levelled in the first place.

[@bhikhta]

So many choices in tripods and ball heads over there. Here in India we can't find a decent ball head. 🥸

[@brucemacneil]

SunWayFoto website.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Go for an actual Arca-Swiss they sell all around the world and they last, plus spare parts, accessories, etc.

[@FromePublishing]

breakthrough.photography appear not to make Ball Heads now !

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I meant to say Colorado Tripod Company

[@michaelhull1813]

Third!!

[@maxencelemoine4190]

I have a cheap tripod (something like K&F), it is ok for my need but the problem is the head...

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Something like the Colorado Tripod Company might be a good mix?

[@kevinjack5184]

COLORADO TRIPOD COMPANY. Over 6 month wait for my order. So don't order from them if you want it anytime soon