Definitively was the video that finally just got to the facts. No flim flam, just pure operation and the pros and cons and different scenarios made it simple for me to chose and go buy one now. You have got yourself a new sub and I will be diving into all your other videos once my kit arrives. Keep it up!
Thank you for this great video! Was about to unnecessarily spend on a ball-head tripod thinking it was somehow better for my purpose than my existing tripod. Will instead go for a bigger, more stable pan-tilt setup.
Great help! Thanks for making the video. I guess professionals probably have both, but they also have many cameras and lens to do their job for different shoots. It seems the Pan and Tilt is the safer option to use, especially if you forget to lock those knobs down on the ball head. Obvious need for both in each circumstance you discussed.
Really nice channel! I have a photography degree, but even i find it useful, we often tend to over-complicate things. So thank you! You should really do a video about solutions for panoramas. From simple ones up to more sophisticated solutions and mounting. Maybe even how to set it up properly would be awesome for most of the people. Cheers mate!
Thanks Drobas. Really appreciate the feedback, especially from a fellow photographer. You also must be a mind reader as I’ve just completed a HDR panoramic shot which I will be making into a tutorial in the near future. Stay tuned for that one. All the best - Marc
Thank you! Looking for my first tripod - these sites explain all of the specs to you, but not the functional aspect of each spec. This video was straightforward, and helped me to make the decision on my first tripod (going with the ball head).
Excellent content here, thank you... I have both set-ups. A serious consideration is that both set-ups accept the same plate mountings. In my situation I have a Manfrotto 229 Super Pro with their "proprietary" hexagon mounting plate. I have a Acratech ballhead & a RRS Leveler under it that utilizes the industry std. Arca Swiss mounts & all (3) of my cameras have the "L" brackets on them & Arca Swiss compatible. I also utilize a ProMediGear 42mm 58" carbon fiber tripod, NO center post... ( the weak spot is the ballhead itself. ) So in a nutshell, I have a absolutely rock solid beautiful panhead that I NO LONGER use because it is incompatible with the industry std. Arca Swiss systems. You are absolutely spot on the money with respect to accuracy, a tilting/panhead is the ONLY way to go... Bill on the Hill, WGF Studio53, Vermont, USA... :~)
Thank you for this video! Was one click away from purchasing ball head but now will be buying the tilt instead as I plan to do landscape and astrophotography mostly. Thanks again!
I own both "systems" and pretty much prefer the ball head over the 3-way head for all subject matters. I get the point about a ball head being more fiddly to get level, but since it's such a "fast" system to change, and with the friction knob to get it to stay where you leave it, I'm still faster leveling/aligning things up with my ball head compared to pan & tilt. The pan & tilt is also heavier and bulkier as you mentioned. I had the P&T first, but since I own a separate tripod with a ball head my other tripod has been gathering dust for over 5 years now I think.
I'm a beginner, this was AN AMAZING REVIEW. You are great at teaching, thank you so much, I have learned what I needed to make a decision on buying my tripod head :)
That was very clear and just enough. I was thinking of shifting from a 2-way pan & tilt to 3-way. You have a pleasant face and way of presentation too! :)
Very good points!! I’ve been considering a ball head but started to think wait, why do I use a tripod, when I do, anyway? You point out that answer well.
The School of Photography ok so I got a tripod that came with a ball head (Vanguard SBH100) , the pan is incredibly smooth, can’t be any smoother!! But as mentioned I wanted to have the 3 way option so I ordered a ph32 from vanguard. I LOVE the pan and tilt way better, as I thought I would, except the pan if needing to do a bit of video is not at all smooth. It’s impossible to start a smooth slow pan whereas the ball head is absolutely silky smooth. Do you recommend a 3 way model that has a smooth fluid pan?
Great video! I've been in need of a beginner tripod for a while now, but knew very, very little about what I should even be looking for...that whole part of the market was just intimidating for some reason. Having a strong grasp on at least what one part of the tripod is and does has really helped give me a better understanding of what I should be looking for.
Thanks Theresa, glad it helped. I would really appriciate it here if you could like and share the video and subscribe to our channel. It really heps us out and enables us to bring you more Photography Tutorials for free :). Thanks - Marc
Thanks. This video just helped me make my decision as to which tripod head I’m taking to Iceland! I own both types, but am going w the heavier pan & tilt head especially for my landscape & long exposure work.
Many thanks for this useful clip, as you have answered the basic question, on which type to go for. Probably, a pan and tilt will be the best choice, due to accuracy of the picture taken and security of your photo gear instslled.
Excuse me please. I was mounting a telescope on my pan and tilt tripod. I bought them both 12 years ago assuming I would have plenty of time but little money when I retired. My problem is that the tilt function seems only to allow it to move from the horizontal position to almost vertical downward. You can of course pan or strangely tilt it to either right or left. I never realised that I would be limited to never “pointing” above the horizontal. Incidentally I also I have a Cannon 400D which would also suffer the same limitations on this tripod. Thank you for any potential assistance as I didn’t actually see You raise/tilt the tripod head upwards. Michael Sims
Great Video explaination of the different type of tripod heads, going to replace an old flimsy tripod and it's given me a good idea what to purchase after watching the tripod video and also this one. Brilliant, Thanks.
Thank you, very helpful :) Going for the pan and tilt for smooth panning. Would be even more helpful to share this brand and model of the tripod or at least the ones you recommend so we know what to look for in quality or affordability. Thank you!
Hi thanks for your comments, glad it helped. The tripod I used in the video is the manfrotto 190 but I think there is an upgraded version of that now. Thanks again :)
get it juli Pan and tilt heads don't have smooth panning for video though, if that's what you're after. There's also a separate video head, often with fluid inside.
very informative, thank you!! I'm looking for a tripod to rest a pochade art box on, so pan & tilt is the way to go, but I was hoping for more information about quick release heads.
Great review, I am watching from ball to pan & tilt. Try securing a Nikon body with a heavy lens like 24-70 or 28-300 on a ball head requires a lot of hand strength specially when you zoom out the barrel. Also once in motion, try to level back is challenging for me. Manfrotto MH804-3W is my choice which with a tripod is on sale at B&H today, just bought one, haha.
So glad it helped Tamara, puts a smile on my face :). Please support us here at TSOP by sharing the video and subscribing to the channel. Thanks - Marc
Many thanks for the precise review; the pan and tilt head will be more suitable for my type of photography like video shooting, portraits, weddings, landscapes and U-tube clips for accurate levelling. For motion photography like sports and wild life a hand held shot will be much more easier and practical, especially with new cameras having image stabilisation and high ISO ratings. Best regards from Egypt.
so helpful.. almost ended up spending too much on something i did not need. Having said that, my camera starts loosening after a while as I think my screw (the part that is screwed onto the camera) comes loose after moving it for a bit... don't know how to fix this. Thanks
Great video and I definitely will value your opinion, if I'm going to be doing something like vlogging or doing some kind of video skits for a gaming channel is it better to go with the ball head or the pan and tilt? Also can you recommend a tripod and head for sony a7ii?
Hi I'm using tripod to shoot lecture videos, dance performance, and photography. For lecture, the speakers don't move that much but they sometime do. Dance performance, I tend to keep the same camera position. For photography, I use portrait, landscape and traveling. Would you recommend ball head or pan&tild head?
Hi Ina, if the people you're shooting are moving around a lot then a ball head would be best as it's quicker to loosen and move the camera around. It will also be ok for the photography as well. That would be my recommendation anyway. Hope that helps - Marc
I shoot birds mostly, and the handle on the tilt and pan help with fast, figity subjects. Is the ball head as versatile? My slik tripod just broke, and I've got to replace..QUICKLY.
+Ken Branch Hi Ken, at the end of the it comes down to what works for you and if you've been using a pan and tilt and worked well stick with it. The other suggestion is to borrow a ball head if someone or try one of someone else's next time you're out. Hope that helps - Marc
At 2:05 when you tilt down in portrait can you further change the angles of pointing the camera in all directions again(180 degree tilting)? Got serious problem while shooting milkyways and high water fall that needs crazy positions.
Any ball head can be fitted with a base leveller, which makes it super easy and fast to get very accurate levelling for panorama photos that can be stitched together in post. Base levellers range from $50-$200 for ones of usable quality
Oh, forgot to thank you, Marc! One more thing; your video goes out of focus at times; is it my problem or that of the video? I shoot dragonflies; I have been using a Manfrotto 2-way pan head, but to take macro photos, especially in the Portrait mode I decided I must have a 3-way head. Am on the verge of buying a Manfrotto X-Pro with retractable handles. Would like to know your opinion about X-Pro. And about the Velbon Super Mag slider, if it is not too much of a bother. Thank you, Marc! Enjoyed your video!
@@theschoolofphotography The problem is I want a tripod that covers both outdoor and indoors. I am going to utilize it for outdoor shots and videos as well as indoor photography/videography and to record my own percussion stuff. What are your thoughts on vanguard 203 AGH? It's a ball head tripod. And yea I can't afford to buy 2 at this stage. I might be going for mini manfrotto and vanguard.
I like to use a ballhead for digital and a pan and tilt for film, especially 120. I've changed my ball head to Arcs Swiss, and opposite to you I much prefer it for landscape as it's micro accurate especially on uneven ground. I use the 5DIII and 7DII mainly and both have inbuilt levels so you know it's level and a ballhead you can turn every which way where a pan and tilt can only be raised one way. I do prefer pan and tilt for film though, simply because I always have and I find the levers easier to use with a waist viewer and the pan lever makes more sense with the reverse view. With my large wildlife lenses I won't consider anything but a gimbal head and I've never taken to the heads with a pistol handle.
Hi nice post I do LED light box flower photography and need to be able to shoot 90 degrees to the ground where I have flower petals placed on a light box will 3 way head allow me to do this ? Similar to if I were shooting food photography with a bowl of food on a table would I need to use centre column in horizontal position to achieve this? Thanks isaac
What I don't understand is how so many products are being advertised as 3 Way pan and tilt heads online but yet they only have one handle, how are you supposed to easily switch between panning and tilting if there's only one handle? One handle means you'd have to turn the camera just to switch from panning to tilting.
The problem I have is I'm trying to make a 30-40 minute short film with a really tight budget. I already have a tripod (Pan & Tilt) but it's the 60-inch Amazon basics one that cost me $20 and really sucks. I can spend at most $70 on a tripod and I thought I would get a ball head because it would overcome my fear of the pan and tilt not working well. On the other hand, I think a pan and tilt one would work better in that case, but I don't want to buy it to find that it doesn't work well, and for $50-$70 I don't know what to expect.
Hi, yes it's a minefield when you get into it. My advice is to go to a camera shop and try a few out so you can get one for your specific needs. Thanks
Which tripod do u recommend for camera and also can be used for astronomy binoculars. Remember i need 360 or close to 360 smooth movement in all directions for astronomical purpose
I bought the Oben AC-1451 Tripod with the PD-117 Pan/Tilt head. I am primarily going to use it for self-portraits for promotional use and with my pets. Was this the best decision or should I have gotten a Ballhead?
Hi Tamarah, I think in this case it wouldn’t make too much difference between the two types of heads, it would be just what you prefer. The Pan and tilt head will be fine for what you are doing. Hope that helps. Thanks - Marc
Great video!I was thinking to buy ball head but as my main purpose is doing architecture i should stick with a pan and tilt hear ,is that right?Thank you!I did subscribe with you,as there is alot i can learn from you!
Thanks Zhenya, appreciate the feedback. I would stick to the pan and tilt head for architecture. It will give you more control to make fine adjustments. Hope that helps - Marc
The School of Photography Thanks!You are so helpful and I just made the purchase!I have one more question!Would you please assist me for that type of tripod 055 series which size manfrotto bag i must purchase?The 75cm or the 80cm padded?Thank you very much!
Hi Zhenya, I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to that one. There are different size bags for the different tripods. The manfrotto website is very good though and will tell you what bag you will need. Hope that helps - Marc
Thanks Mark!I appreciate your quick reply!You really like to help the people !I did my purchase straight from manfrotto web and I ordered this tripod 3 way head for my hotels photo shoots and also the 80cm bag!I am very glad I find you here!You are awesome!
Try a fluid head with L bracket on camera. A bowl head tripod is beat. Hudson Henry has a whole series of videos on this Idea. I have tested and adopted this method.
I have an old single handle Slik pan and tilt (Slik M310 Master Deluxe Tripod, big heavy aluminum head and leg supports, almost like a video tripod, from the 70s) that is amazing for leveling by using both the pan and tilt while using the rotation of the attachment plate at the same time. It is really fast to move, and locks with a single twist. That said, with a really heavy set-up (Nikon D3s, 200-500mm lens, and a 2x converter). I often have to tighten it while above the image, and let it then "fall" to where i want it. This may be due to the fact that it is a single handle, and does not have a dedicated lock dial.
This is the video that I was searching for rather than spending 10+ hours on amazon trying to find a Tripod
Thanks, glad it helped 👍
100%
@@theschoolofphotography which one is best for horizontal video , photography ! Please reply !
What did you go with?
@@stevethea5250 pan and tilt
Definitively was the video that finally just got to the facts. No flim flam, just pure operation and the pros and cons and different scenarios made it simple for me to chose and go buy one now. You have got yourself a new sub and I will be diving into all your other videos once my kit arrives. Keep it up!
+Jeffrey West thanks for the comments and support of the channel. Glad you found it helpful :)
Thank you for this great video! Was about to unnecessarily spend on a ball-head tripod thinking it was somehow better for my purpose than my existing tripod. Will instead go for a bigger, more stable pan-tilt setup.
Great help! Thanks for making the video. I guess professionals probably have both, but they also have many cameras and lens to do their job for different shoots. It seems the Pan and Tilt is the safer option to use, especially if you forget to lock those knobs down on the ball head. Obvious need for both in each circumstance you discussed.
I read few articles on this, and all I managed was to get more and more confused. But this video really answered all my questions. Thanks a lot!
No problem. Don't forget to subscribe for more :)
Really nice channel! I have a photography degree, but even i find it useful, we often tend to over-complicate things. So thank you! You should really do a video about solutions for panoramas. From simple ones up to more sophisticated solutions and mounting. Maybe even how to set it up properly would be awesome for most of the people. Cheers mate!
Thanks Drobas. Really appreciate the feedback, especially
from a fellow photographer. You also must be a mind reader as I’ve just
completed a HDR panoramic shot which I will be making into a tutorial in the
near future. Stay tuned for that one. All the best - Marc
Finally! After going through 10 clips talking about a bunch of irrelevant stuff, I find yours! Thank you!
Glad it helped.👍
I have both of these heads, but never really thought about the difference. This was a very interesting comparison. Thanks for posting.
You're welcome Raphaela, glad you liked it 👍
Thank you! Looking for my first tripod - these sites explain all of the specs to you, but not the functional aspect of each spec. This video was straightforward, and helped me to make the decision on my first tripod (going with the ball head).
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent content here, thank you... I have both set-ups. A serious consideration is that both set-ups accept the same plate mountings. In my situation I have a Manfrotto 229 Super Pro with their "proprietary" hexagon mounting plate. I have a Acratech ballhead & a RRS Leveler under it that utilizes the industry std. Arca Swiss mounts & all (3) of my cameras have the "L" brackets on them & Arca Swiss compatible. I also utilize a ProMediGear 42mm 58" carbon fiber tripod, NO center post... ( the weak spot is the ballhead itself. )
So in a nutshell, I have a absolutely rock solid beautiful panhead that I NO LONGER use because it is incompatible with the industry std. Arca Swiss systems. You are absolutely spot on the money with respect to accuracy, a tilting/panhead is the ONLY way to go...
Bill on the Hill,
WGF Studio53,
Vermont, USA... :~)
You're welcome, thanks 👍
Thank you so much Marc! Such a useful video. Now I am decided that I need a pan & tilt Tripod instead of a ballhead. Super clear and on point! 😊👍🏻
You're welcome 👍
Thank you for this video! Was one click away from purchasing ball head but now will be buying the tilt instead as I plan to do landscape and astrophotography mostly. Thanks again!
Your welcome 👍
Right to the point, no fluff, and good pros and cons with uses. Great video.
+TheStaniG thanks for the comments. Don't forget to subscribe for more 👍
I own both "systems" and pretty much prefer the ball head over the 3-way head for all subject matters. I get the point about a ball head being more fiddly to get level, but since it's such a "fast" system to change, and with the friction knob to get it to stay where you leave it, I'm still faster leveling/aligning things up with my ball head compared to pan & tilt. The pan & tilt is also heavier and bulkier as you mentioned. I had the P&T first, but since I own a separate tripod with a ball head my other tripod has been gathering dust for over 5 years now I think.
This was so much more helpful than any other video on this subject I’ve seen! Thanks for getting to the point.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm a beginner, this was AN AMAZING REVIEW. You are great at teaching, thank you so much, I have learned what I needed to make a decision on buying my tripod head :)
Thanks Patricia, glad it helped and all the best with your photography :)
Excellent presentation of the pros and cons of each system to be able to pick which one applies to your needs, thankyou.
Thanks, glad it helped 👍
I've just broken my tripod (locking mechanism) and this was invaluable, for my next purchase. Thank you Mark
No problem Phil 👍
That was very clear and just enough. I was thinking of shifting from a 2-way pan & tilt to 3-way. You have a pleasant face and way of presentation too! :)
+Bala Chandran Thanks, appreciate the feedback :)
Very good points!! I’ve been considering a ball head but started to think wait, why do I use a tripod, when I do, anyway? You point out that answer well.
Thanks 👍
The School of Photography ok so I got a tripod that came with a ball head (Vanguard SBH100) , the pan is incredibly smooth, can’t be any smoother!! But as mentioned I wanted to have the 3 way option so I ordered a ph32 from vanguard. I LOVE the pan and tilt way better, as I thought I would, except the pan if needing to do a bit of video is not at all smooth. It’s impossible to start a smooth slow pan whereas the ball head is absolutely silky smooth. Do you recommend a 3 way model that has a smooth fluid pan?
Great video! I've been in need of a beginner tripod for a while now, but knew very, very little about what I should even be looking for...that whole part of the market was just intimidating for some reason. Having a strong grasp on at least what one part of the tripod is and does has really helped give me a better understanding of what I should be looking for.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank ya!! Just helped me make a decison. I do like the ball head for needing to move around fast. But I want accuracy and stability!!
👍🏼
Thank you for this easy to understand video. I am in need of a new tripod for my 7D, now I know which one I will purchase. Thank you again
Thanks Theresa, glad it helped. I would really appriciate it here if you could like and share the video and subscribe to our channel. It really heps us out and enables us to bring you more Photography Tutorials for free :). Thanks - Marc
Thank you, I was not sure which one to get and now I am confident in making the right purchase.
Glad I could help!
Thanks. This video just helped me make my decision as to which tripod head I’m taking to Iceland! I own both types, but am going w the heavier pan & tilt head especially for my landscape & long exposure work.
You're welcome 👍
Most helpful video I've found on this topic. Thank you!
Thank you Seth, really appriciate the feedback - Marc
Seth Nielsen me too.
Many thanks for this useful clip, as you have answered the basic question, on which type to go for. Probably, a pan and tilt will be the best choice, due to accuracy of the picture taken and security of your photo gear instslled.
That was perfect and confirmed my decision for a pan & tilt. Very useful, clear and informative video, thank you.
Incredible video. So clear, and transparent!
Thanks Fernando, glad it helped. All the best with your photography :)
Excuse me please. I was mounting a telescope on my pan and tilt tripod. I bought them both 12 years ago assuming I would have plenty of time but little money when I retired. My problem is that the tilt function seems only to allow it to move from the horizontal position to almost vertical downward. You can of course pan or strangely tilt it to either right or left. I never realised that I would be limited to never “pointing” above the horizontal. Incidentally I also I have a Cannon 400D which would also suffer the same limitations on this tripod.
Thank you for any potential assistance as I didn’t actually see You raise/tilt the tripod head upwards.
Michael Sims
Which one out of them is best for astrophotography and mounting telescopes? Can you please share your experience?
Thanks. This video clear a lot of things for me regarding tripod head. Great video explanation which head to choose.
+David Webb no problem David, glad it helped :)
Thanx for this vedio.... And which one would be better for extreem zoom.
Short, to the point, and useful. Thank you!
You are welcome 👍
Excellent video! Was a bit confused before about the two and now i understand. Thanks again.
+Avinash Nair thanks for the comments, glad you found it helpful
Very useful information here, thank you. I think I'll keep my pan and tilt, all my subjects are static anyway.
I'm just close to buy a new head and this video was helful to me for the final choice. Thank you!
You're welcome, glad it helped you out 👍
Great Video explaination of the different type of tripod heads, going to replace an old flimsy tripod and it's given me a good idea what to purchase after watching the tripod video and also this one.
Brilliant, Thanks.
Great to hear!
Thank you, very helpful :) Going for the pan and tilt for smooth panning. Would be even more helpful to share this brand and model of the tripod or at least the ones you recommend so we know what to look for in quality or affordability. Thank you!
Hi thanks for your comments, glad it helped. The tripod I used in the video is the manfrotto 190 but I think there is an upgraded version of that now. Thanks again :)
get it juli Pan and tilt heads don't have smooth panning for video though, if that's what you're after. There's also a separate video head, often with fluid inside.
Well covered! Great clarity and simplicity.
Glad it helped!
Many thanks - well explained. I now know that the pan and tilt ball head is for me!
very informative, thank you!! I'm looking for a tripod to rest a pochade art box on, so pan & tilt is the way to go, but I was hoping for more information about quick release heads.
+Halibut 1 hi, you'll find some info on quick release heads here. Hope it helps :)
ruclips.net/video/Q1JHYB3mj5U/видео.html
You reassured my thoughts before purchase, exactly what I wanted from this video. Thank you!
You're welcome 👍
AWESOME informative in just 5 mins ❤️👌👌👌👌😊. Loved it ❤️ and subscribed your channel 😊
Thanks and welcome
Thanks! Your video has helped me realize that I need a pan and tilt instead of a ballhead. So which one?
Great review, I am watching from ball to pan & tilt. Try securing a Nikon body with a heavy lens like 24-70 or 28-300 on a ball head requires a lot of hand strength specially when you zoom out the barrel. Also once in motion, try to level back is challenging for me. Manfrotto MH804-3W is my choice which with a tripod is on sale at B&H today, just bought one, haha.
+Alex Hsu thanks for sharing Alex
Brilliant really helped me decide Now know my money won’t be wasted. It’s pan and tilt for me. Cheers
👍
Hi! Great explanation. Very useful and clear. What about geared heads?
Which one will be good for nikon d750 and dining photography?
Nice video!
It depends really on your preference but a pan and tilt might make it easier for panning up and down and side to side. Thanks
very well done! it's pan and tilt for me. thanks!!
You're welcome!
Great video. Really cleared it up for me which to buy.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍
I love your vid. I was wondering if they combined the ball head with those nice handles? I am suprised they are do not make the handles screw in.
Hi Kevin, I have never seen any like that I'm afraid, good idea though :)
Now he got right to the point. Great video, thank you.
+Alan .F thanks for the comments 😊
I'm deciding on my first tripod and this has been the most informative! I think I finally decided :)
Thanks!
So glad it helped Tamara, puts a smile on my face :). Please support us here at TSOP by sharing the video and subscribing to the channel. Thanks - Marc
Many thanks for the precise review; the pan and tilt head will be more suitable for my type of photography like video shooting, portraits, weddings, landscapes and U-tube clips for accurate levelling. For motion photography like sports and wild life a hand held shot will be much more easier and practical, especially with new cameras having image stabilisation and high ISO ratings. Best regards from Egypt.
You are welcome Ahmad 👍
so helpful.. almost ended up spending too much on something i did not need.
Having said that, my camera starts loosening after a while as I think my screw (the part that is screwed onto the camera) comes loose after moving it for a bit... don't know how to fix this.
Thanks
Hi Sandeep, I'm not sure what quick release plate you have but if it has a slot, try using a coin to tighten it. Hope that helps - Marc
Hi Marc.
Thank you for your helpful hint.
Greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the video, it really helped us in our decision and now we are ready to use it to shoot photos and video :) We went for a pan/tilt tripod
Glad to help!
A great, helpful video. Just entering into Photography so I subscribed!
+Longshotarcher thanks, appreciate the feedback and good luck in your journey to better photographs :)
Precise and to the point. Very nice video!
Thanks glad it helped :)
Welcome!
Any tutorial on green screen recording?
Hi Abhishek, maybe this one will help with the removal of the Green Screen ruclips.net/video/tqUBcMv50ZM/видео.html
Thanks
Great review! What brand are these tripods you're using?
Hi Franklin, they are both Manfrotto tripods and heads. Hope that helps - Marc
Perfect - thank you! this was just what I was looking for .
You're welcome!
Amazing video. I can relate to other comments finding solace in this precise explanation. Thanks so much.
GReat video. Concise info that is all we need. Excellent.
+Tony Breugem thanks Tony, appreciate the comments 👍
Great video and I have such a better understanding on which head to buy for my new tripod.
Great video and I definitely will value your opinion, if I'm going to be doing something like vlogging or doing some kind of video skits for a gaming channel is it better to go with the ball head or the pan and tilt? Also can you recommend a tripod and head for sony a7ii?
Hi I'm using tripod to shoot lecture videos, dance performance, and photography. For lecture, the speakers don't move that much but they sometime do. Dance performance, I tend to keep the same camera position. For photography, I use portrait, landscape and traveling. Would you recommend ball head or pan&tild head?
Hi Ina, if the people you're shooting are moving around a lot then a ball head would be best as it's quicker to loosen and move the camera around. It will also be ok for the photography as well. That would be my recommendation anyway. Hope that helps - Marc
Nice discussion. Maybe have a video on how gimbals and fluid heads differ from pan tilt heads?
I shoot birds mostly, and the handle on the tilt and pan help with fast, figity subjects. Is the ball head as versatile? My slik tripod just broke, and I've got to replace..QUICKLY.
+Ken Branch Hi Ken, at the end of the it comes down to what works for you and if you've been using a pan and tilt and worked well stick with it. The other suggestion is to borrow a ball head if someone or try one of someone else's next time you're out. Hope that helps - Marc
At 2:05 when you tilt down in portrait can you further change the angles of pointing the camera in all directions again(180 degree tilting)? Got serious problem while shooting milkyways and high water fall that needs crazy positions.
Thank you sir, really helpful, gonna buy a pan and tilt tripod
+MAQ Khan you're welcome Khan, glad it helped :)
Any ball head can be fitted with a base leveller, which makes it super easy and fast to get very accurate levelling for panorama photos that can be stitched together in post. Base levellers range from $50-$200 for ones of usable quality
Thanks for sharing
Thank you. The tripod I like comes with the ball head. So I'll just buy a separate pan and tilt
good video, thought you might have had some recommendations for which make are better ones tho.
This video very helpful for me to.make quick and firm.decision on selecting and purchase my ball head tripod. Thank you 👍
Glad it was helpful!
It would be nice to see what brands of heads those were.
+Bill Morley hi, they are manfrotto ones. Thanks
Thank you sir! Can I use fluid heads for both photography and video?
+OO hi, yes, just check the weight of your camera against the limits of the head. Thanks
Thank you very much! I learnt a lot from your videos.
Thanks mate, came in handy, I'm a newby with a Nikon p1000. Any ideas of best for moon, planes, stars, zoom stuff? You've given me iseas.
You're welcome Joe, glad it helped you out 👍
Super sir, my confusion is cleared now
😊
Oh, forgot to thank you, Marc! One more thing; your video goes out of focus at times; is it my problem or that of the video? I shoot dragonflies; I have been using a Manfrotto 2-way pan head, but to take macro photos, especially in the Portrait mode I decided I must have a 3-way head. Am on the verge of buying a Manfrotto X-Pro with retractable handles. Would like to know your opinion about X-Pro. And about the Velbon Super Mag slider, if it is not too much of a bother. Thank you, Marc! Enjoyed your video!
+Bala Chandran hi Bala, I can't speak for the velbon but do know that the x pro one is good. Hope that helps :)
Thanks again!
So a pan and tilt head would be better for food photography/videography?
It would be my preference but essentially that's what it comes down to, your preference. Thanks
@@theschoolofphotography The problem is I want a tripod that covers both outdoor and indoors. I am going to utilize it for outdoor shots and videos as well as indoor photography/videography and to record my own percussion stuff.
What are your thoughts on vanguard 203 AGH? It's a ball head tripod.
And yea I can't afford to buy 2 at this stage. I might be going for mini manfrotto and vanguard.
Can you recommend an inexpensive pan and tilt? How about a used one?
I like to use a ballhead for digital and a pan and tilt for film, especially 120. I've changed my ball head to Arcs Swiss, and opposite to you I much prefer it for landscape as it's micro accurate especially on uneven ground. I use the 5DIII and 7DII mainly and both have inbuilt levels so you know it's level and a ballhead you can turn every which way where a pan and tilt can only be raised one way. I do prefer pan and tilt for film though, simply because I always have and I find the levers easier to use with a waist viewer and the pan lever makes more sense with the reverse view. With my large wildlife lenses I won't consider anything but a gimbal head and I've never taken to the heads with a pistol handle.
+Mark Harris thanks for sharing Mark. All the best - Marc
Hi nice post
I do LED light box flower photography and need to be able to shoot 90 degrees to the ground where I have flower petals placed on a light box will 3 way head allow me to do this ? Similar to if I were shooting food photography with a bowl of food on a table would I need to use centre column in horizontal position to achieve this?
Thanks isaac
What I don't understand is how so many products are being advertised as 3 Way pan and tilt heads online but yet they only have one handle, how are you supposed to easily switch between panning and tilting if there's only one handle? One handle means you'd have to turn the camera just to switch from panning to tilting.
A very good talk Marc!!!
+Yoosaf Abdulla thanks :)
The problem I have is I'm trying to make a 30-40 minute short film with a really tight budget. I already have a tripod (Pan & Tilt) but it's the 60-inch Amazon basics one that cost me $20 and really sucks. I can spend at most $70 on a tripod and I thought I would get a ball head because it would overcome my fear of the pan and tilt not working well. On the other hand, I think a pan and tilt one would work better in that case, but I don't want to buy it to find that it doesn't work well, and for $50-$70 I don't know what to expect.
Hi, yes it's a minefield when you get into it. My advice is to go to a camera shop and try a few out so you can get one for your specific needs. Thanks
@@theschoolofphotography No thank you!
I would do both photography as well as videos(short films) then which will be good for me??
for videography Tilt and pan head and also can do photography ..but its difficult to do movie in ball head
Which tripod do u recommend for camera and also can be used for astronomy binoculars. Remember i need 360 or close to 360 smooth movement in all directions for astronomical purpose
Thanks, gonna get the pan and tilt 😃
Thanks, appreciate the feedback and good luck in your journey to better photographs :)
which one can you make the camera look down at the floor with?
If I occasionally shoot video can I track by panning and tilting together with a 3 axis head rather than stopping to level my tripod ?
Which would be best for a slider on an angle.
+Quick Cal's Garage hi, I think they would both perform very similar. Just make sure the head is big enough to support it. Hope that helps 👍
I have an Induro PHQ3 do I need to add a nodel rail to the set up? Or because I have a pano head I should be ok to make panoramas.
Thanks for this. Now I will not get a ball head for my 2 kilos(4.4 lbs) binocular 😅. I'm going to find a good pan and tilt head
I bought the Oben AC-1451 Tripod with the PD-117 Pan/Tilt head. I am primarily going to use it for self-portraits for promotional use and with my pets. Was this the best decision or should I have gotten a Ballhead?
Hi Tamarah, I think in this case it wouldn’t make too much difference between the two types of heads, it would be just what you prefer. The Pan and tilt head will be fine for what you are doing. Hope that helps. Thanks - Marc
Thank you Marc for your quick response!
thanks for the helpful video. 3:08 tilt the camera
Thank you for the information! Super helpful! :)
Thanks Niz, appreciate the feedback :)
Great video!I was thinking to buy ball head but as my main purpose is doing architecture i should stick with a pan and tilt hear ,is that right?Thank you!I did subscribe with you,as there is alot i can learn from you!
Thanks Zhenya, appreciate the feedback. I would stick to the
pan and tilt head for architecture. It will give you more control to make fine adjustments.
Hope that helps - Marc
The School of Photography
Thanks!You are so helpful and I just made the purchase!I have one more question!Would you please assist me for that type of tripod 055 series which size manfrotto bag i must purchase?The 75cm or the 80cm padded?Thank you very much!
Hi Zhenya, I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to that one.
There are different size bags for the different tripods. The manfrotto website
is very good though and will tell you what bag you will need. Hope that helps -
Marc
Thanks Mark!I appreciate your quick reply!You really like to help the people !I did my purchase straight from manfrotto web and I ordered this tripod 3 way head for my hotels photo shoots and also the 80cm bag!I am very glad I find you here!You are awesome!
:)
Try a fluid head with L bracket on camera. A bowl head tripod is beat. Hudson Henry has a whole series of videos on this Idea. I have tested and adopted this method.
fantastic video, thanks for the help!
👍👍
I have an old single handle Slik pan and tilt (Slik M310 Master Deluxe Tripod, big heavy aluminum head and leg supports, almost like a video tripod, from the 70s) that is amazing for leveling by using both the pan and tilt while using the rotation of the attachment plate at the same time. It is really fast to move, and locks with a single twist. That said, with a really heavy set-up (Nikon D3s, 200-500mm lens, and a 2x converter). I often have to tighten it while above the image, and let it then "fall" to where i want it. This may be due to the fact that it is a single handle, and does not have a dedicated lock dial.
👍🏼