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Tripod heads - Recommendations.

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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
I'm in the market for some new tripod heads, one for general photography, one for video use. I have legs that are adequate to my needs.

What are those that you guys have used, and why do they either A: suck, or B: kick ass?



Note: I'm currently using a Ravelli AVT tripod (the 67" one, not the supported 75" one) - which is decent for lighter rigs, so it's okay for the HDSLR video I'm usually doing, but I'd really like something a little more smooth. That, and like I said, a good head for general photography is definitely needed.
Apr 2 2014 3:27PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21083 - Karma: 8,455
I couldn't find the video clip from Austin Powers so this will have to suffice.









You're a tripod
Apr 2 2014 3:49PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,114
Budget? What kinda legs? Bowl head I hope...
Apr 2 2014 4:10PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
you can grab a used RRS mid sized ball head for like ~250, thats what I would probably look at for photos, i wouldn't even consider manfroto or gitzo's offerings
Apr 2 2014 4:53PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
I'd like to keep it as affordable as possible, but I'd be fine spending up to around 300 or so. Depends on what it is.

Cheaper the better obviously. (pretty sure you guys know how much of a jew I can be now haha)



...here's what I currently have.

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Here's a closeup of the head.

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It's adequate, and alright for tilt, but the pan is just not as smooth as I'd like.
Apr 2 2014 6:12PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
I should also probably state that I'm MORE in the market for a photography head, as I can get by with the video head as it is, but I'm going to be getting a better head in not too long.
Apr 2 2014 6:14PM
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No.Quarter
Posts: 5257 - Karma: 16,962
Just from what I have gained on here and my experience using a cheap head is that for photography you really only pay more for weight savings or durability. But my understanding with video is that it is much more important to shell out for a nice head because you will get noticeably better results with a fancy one.

This is my own personal opinion, but a photography head gets the job done while a video head does a job (if that makes any sense)
I paid $30 for a Bogen 3030 and it suits me fine for photo and I will probably still be fine with it even when I start shooting with my big, heavy, MF camera. One complaint is that one of the handles is bent showing that you really get what you pay for and cheap gear isn't made to take much of a beating.
Apr 3 2014 1:07AM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
No.....have you ever compared a good head (rrs, arca swiss for example) with an average run of the mill manfroto? BIG difference in usability and design and build.
Apr 3 2014 9:16AM
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Mkvackay
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 5,465
sirui k40x ballhead for photo
Apr 3 2014 9:36AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
Arca Swiss Cube.

I know you want it Sean, I just know it.
It will outlast you and the rest of mankind.

Click for larger image

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Apr 3 2014 11:04AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
MOTHER OF GOD, that is a ridiculous head... 1700$, too...

That said, honestly, I'd just like a decent head that can support my Hasselblad with a 150mm sonnar, or my D600 with my 80-200 f2.8. I'm open to a 3-way head as well if it's going to cost less and hold more weight... I can always just get a cheap 40$ ball head on amazon if I'm shooting with less weighty lenses.
Apr 3 2014 3:09PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
Also, I'm definitely not against going with Manfrotto (Dude, It's fine..) but with the way arca/swiss has become such a 'norm' lately, obviously I'd rather go that route. The last thing I'd want to do, however, is keep switching plates. fuck that.
Apr 3 2014 3:12PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
Even better, get two for unparalleled geared adjustability.

Click for larger image
Apr 3 2014 4:53PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
Oh god why.
Apr 3 2014 6:28PM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
The shitty thing about capturing 24+ frames per second is that you have to pay an arm and a leg just to get a support system that works at all. If you're not going to spend $1k+, you might as well keep using some $200 crap because all tripod systems under a certain price point are more or less equally crummy.

If you aren't going to get a Sachtler Ace, find a used Manfrotto 701 and plan on replacing it every 2 years if you don't throw it away before then.
Apr 6 2014 3:19PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
Alright guys. New question.

Best Tripod head under 100$

Ball or 3way, doesn't matter. Post both if you want to differentiate.
Apr 9 2014 5:09AM
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