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01/24/2007 10:04:24 AM · #1 |
I am researching a new tripod. One thing that has me a bit confused is the heads available - Ball head vs. Gear head.
Is one more advantageous than the other?
Is one or the other designed for specific use? (as in studio only versus out-door/on the go photography)
Is one better than the other or is it a matter of taste/preference or cost?
For comparison, two Bogen Manfrotto heads:
Geared Head
Ball Head
I am not comparing the above for purchase, they just happen to be the first ones from the Manfrotto site that came up on a general search and linked here so you can have a picture to look at. |
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01/24/2007 10:07:01 AM · #2 |
I have a manfrotto ball head and a manfrotto 3-way and find that I use the 3-way 90% of the time. The ball head is nice for quick repositioning in any direction, but in the studio so often I only need to move the verticle or the horizontal and don't want to have to readjust everything. Also I had a problem with the ball head "slumping" when I use a heavy lens. The ball head is still my favorite for the monopod because its small & light, but I don't use the mono very often.
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01/24/2007 10:10:32 AM · #3 |
I use a three way head, that rarely leaves my studio. I only use it for self-portraits, now I think of it.
I didn't choose the ballhead, because I know how clumsy I can be. I saw myself wrestling with the ballhead and cam on top of it, and the cam falling down the moment I pushed the button to adjust the position ;) no thanks :P
idnic said:
"but in the studio so often I only need to move the verticle or the horizontal and don't want to have to readjust everything"
Exactly :) |
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01/24/2007 10:12:45 AM · #4 |
Ok, now I am more confused...three way? Searching that term for tripod heads produces no results. Is a three-way a geared head?
Message edited by author 2007-01-24 10:14:54. |
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01/24/2007 10:13:39 AM · #5 |
| I have a ballhead on my tripod. I love it. I like having complete control over the positioning with just a flip of a single lever... I've never used a 3-way, though... |
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01/24/2007 10:14:49 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by CEJ:
Ok, now I am more confused...three way? Searching that term for tripod heads produces no results. |
like this one :) |
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01/24/2007 10:20:28 AM · #7 |
Right, like Hann posted. Its a bit bulky for carrying around, but it's secure in 3 directions and you can adjust just one at a time if you need to (like for panning) while keeping the other 2 directions locked in place.
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01/24/2007 10:20:38 AM · #8 |
Heh, Hanneke is too damn fast!
The 3-way heads (reference biteme's linked photo) have individual pivots for the three rotational directions. Ball heads do it all with one, and sometimes add a second (panning) pivot with an individual lock.
The 3-way heads are more precise when you just need ot move in one direction. A ball head is faster when you need to move in more than one direction quickly. So what's best for you depends on your intended use, and to a degree on personal preference.
FWIW, I used to be a big fan of the 3-way heads, and never liked ball heads. I did recognize that i sometimes needed the flexibility that a ball head provides, and eventually bought a decent one. I now rarely use my 3-way head, LOL. |
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01/24/2007 10:23:26 AM · #9 |
Ok, looks similar to a geared head only operates more like a ball head?
Hmm...so a three way head is the same as a geared head only a geared head has gears?
Message edited by author 2007-01-24 10:45:39. |
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01/24/2007 10:24:55 AM · #10 |
I am very glad this topic has popped up as I too am just about to upgrade my tripod and head. ALL of the reading I have done so far says that ball heads are the way to go. There is some serious cash however that can be spent on a ball head to get a good one with tension control. I have used the 3-way on my junk tripod for a long time. I like the sustem, but each of those long rods have ended up in my eye or ear at some point. I have a very lightweight ball head on my hiking tripod, but it won't support a bigger lens. It is such a tough decision. I hope to see lots of you responding with your ideas.
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01/24/2007 10:28:56 AM · #11 |
Cheap 3 way heads are much better than cheap ball heads.
But more expensive ball heads are far better than any 3 way head, in my experience.
But a cheap ball head is next to worthless.
Also, the combination of a great L-bracket and a great ball head is fantastic, quick, rock solid, easy to adjust, doesn't sag.
But it'll cost ~ $500 to get a decent head & L-plate.
Cheaper options are available, with increasing amounts of compromise.
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01/24/2007 10:43:49 AM · #12 |
| Do a forum search for 'pano equipment bank' and you will find an old thread with pictures that illustrates the value of mounting a ball head upside down on the tripod. Save yourself some big bucks and get some great functionality. |
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