I have to replace my tripod and head soon, and was hoping to get some input from some of the more experienced users. I will most likely be purchasing a lightweight, small, carbon fiber tripod and am trying to figure out what head to get. I have had the Manfrotto Pistol Grip ball head for the past several years and am hoping to get something quite a bit lighter. I am thinking just a regular ball head will do, but I do like the idea of a separate pan function for the few panoramas that I do. Does anyone out there have extensive experience with a head with those features, such as the Manfrotto 468mg ball head?
My second question is regarding the manner in which the camera is attached to the tripod. I currently have a head with a quick release. The 468mg, as well as numerous other heads, do not have that feature. Is it really necessary or worth it? I have always enjoyed the convenience of the quick release. However, I honestly do not keep the qr plate on my camera at all times. I attach it only when I am specifically using the tripod, typically leave the camera attached to the tripod while I move around my location, sometimes for hours on end, and then remove the qr plate when I am finished.
I would appreciate any and all advice from people that have used various tripod configurations.
Thank you,
Scott
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