Your video does it for me. No more Ball Head, and No Gimbal. Fluid head it is, just add a solid tripod. Thank you!

Totally get where you're coming from, my work in TV had me in a conflict of working with fluid heads... then going out for my photography with a ball ..... now that photography bodies are merging the lines with pro video you will see more people taking up the idea of a good fluid head. Hand held video is still hand held video no matter how much vibration reduction is in there, we're not all trying to shoot some hospital drama. Great video Hudson.

You explain things clearly. Thats an unusual gift. I’m sold on fluid mounts.

Thanks!

What an excellent video detailing the value, as well as pros and cons of different setups. Thank you!

Thanks to your sage advice, I switched to fluid heads a couple years ago. Now, like you, I will never go back to a ball head.

the youtube recommendation is scary good. this video somehow speaks to where i am in my photography journey this very moment, and answers so many questions i had. thanks!

great timing - I was just looking into fluid heads! Wishing you and yours all the very best for the New Year.

Hello Hudson, I hope you are having an amazing time with your family. I never got on with any ball heads I tried. I used 3 way pan tilt heads for years and never like them much either. Then I found heard heads from Manfotto this were very good but heavy. Now I switch to a company called Benro and just love there geared head. But they two can struggle with big lenses and heavy cameras. 500mm+, Hasselblad's. But work very well with my Z7ii. Keep well, keep safe and have an amazingly good 2022.

Thank you - and I hope you have a wonderful family vacation, and a fantastic New year.

Hudson, You're Custom Build: (324CL legs) tripod is very reasonably priced at $1399.95. About 2 years ago, I spent over $1500 building my tripod using the components you recommended. I'm sure your custom built 324CL tripod is just as nice for less money.

I started with a ballhead too (BH-55) but later switched to a geared head. It was a Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II. This was almost perfect for me, it alows for very exact adjustments in horizontal and vertical movements. Except that it wasn't stable enough for my D850 in windy conditions. I next switched to a fluid head. Worked great except that I didn't particularly liked the size and weight of it. I finally settled on a Leofoto VH-30R. This is the head that ticks all the boxes for me and it is compact, lightweight and very sturdy too. Me happy!

Hey, Hudson, great episode of ATS. In the past few days I was interacting with people in the Nikon users' group on FB looking for suggestions on tripods, and I've pointed them at this great resource.

Excellent video priceless. Thanks very professionally done.

Hudson, When I first heard about using a fluid head, especially with a long lens I was skeptical. Now, having the Manfrotto fluid and the Kirk bridge I find that it works extremely well with my D500 and 200-500 lens. And for a light weight landscape head the Acratech pano head if great.

I got tired of ball heads as well especially when needing to do any kind of precise adjustments. As a decent compromise between the two types, especially for my infrequent use of a tripod, I also decided to go with the Acratech Panoramic Head 1165. It only has tensioning on the vertical and not the fluid damping but you can’t beat it for its compactness and light weight.

Just upgraded to the Z7ii and in the process of rebuilding my overall kit including tripod. Finding your videos informative and helpful during this process, thank you and keep it up. Cheers

After watching your first video on this topic (maybe a couple years ago?) I made the jump to this fluid head from my ball head. It was an excellent move and I have not had any regrets. The fluid head works well, just as you have described, and it is much better than the ball heads I have used. I would second your recommendation to anyone who is considering making the same jump.

An excellent comparison, Hudson. I built my tripod using your recommended components about 2 years ago and love it, especially the Manfrotto 500AH fluid head.

Hi Hudson! Wishing you and your family a wonderful and prosperous New Year! I just wanted to let you know I invested in the Manfrotto fluid head after being very frustrated with the ball head I had. And you are right, I would never go back to a ball head. This Manfrotto fluid head works beautifully. And for those nervous about weight, I use a Nikkor 200-500 lens with adaptor on it with no problem whatsoever. Can’t thank you enough! Have a wonderful vacation with your family!

LOL, damn you're costing me money. Thanks, Hudson just picked up the fluid head adapter plate, leveling plate and just realized I ordered the wrong replacement foot for my 70-200 S. Looking forward to giving this setup a go :) Also ordered some Nisi filters and adapters for the 14-24 Z.....eek

Hudson, thanks very much for this explanation! Video’s like these really help. Have a nice and healthy 2022 for you and your family. Greetings from Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Awesome, been on it now for years, only way to go.

Just ordered my custom tripod....!! look forward to receiving it...

I purchased the pieces and put together the 324CL legs with the recommended parts wrap and grease. I will add that I use blue loctite for the feet as I have a tendency to have them get loose otherwise. (I also used it on the kirk adapter). It's been a great kit and really has sold me on fluid heads vs. ballheads. I previously used an Induro BHL2S (which works very well). Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your experience and say that I really like that you have a pre-built option now. Lastly, I thought I'd chime in and recommend Innovativ Digisystems to go with the legs. I use the Digiplate to put my laptop directly on the legs for on location tethered shooting, and/or multi-cam streaming.

I used a ball head for years and had similar issues as you spoke about. I did switch to the Acratech Panoramic head vs the fluid head due to the size. It definitely made my (Photography) life a lot easier. Thank you and Happy New Year

Great video Hudson! I never thought of using a fluid head. I got the 500AH, took it to the beach and really, really like it. It could lead to love but we’re taking it slow. I kinda didn’t want to like it, but you’re so damn persuasive! Damn your persuasiveness! Jk but it’s as you said for all the reasons covered, it’s smooth and easier to get where you want to go than a ball head. Still comparing the gimbal with long lenses but I see how the FH can do the same thing. And thanks for the sharing man. Love your work and your videos! Hope to make it to a workshop with you one day.

Really helpful.

Thank you for the information. I am excited to learn about this system.

Happy new year, and thanks for a wonderful 2021. Best of luck in 2022. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Happy new year Hudson...cheers

Very clear video and you make a great case for a fluid setup. I found an alternative to ball heads with the Flexshooter Pro which is effectively a gimbal in a tiny package. So versatile and it really does work. Puts ball heads to shame (easily replaced my Kirk/Wimberley Sidekick combo). I usually use the Mini which handles anything up to the largest prime. And it weighs - yes really - 1 pound.

Hudson, Happy Holidays to you and family and crew! I love this video and, with fond memories, it has been about two years since you personally recommended to this beginner the tripod, Fluid Head, and fittings I should consider. Remember I disappointed you when I went ahead with the Manfrotto with the center post? But I don't do mountains and valleys. 😁 And I did follow your excellent advice with the MVH500AH and other fittings! Well, I'm reporting to you here that you saved me from having to re-buy better stuff later. Everything you say and demo in this video is on target and I am so happy with my equipment. Thank you again for the sage advice you gave this inexperienced guy. Always on the "level." ⭐x5

I use the Manfrotto 502 Fluid head Bridge system for everything and it`s awesome. And the Manfrotto MH055M8-Q5 Photo video fluid head.

you've convinced me hudson ordered one

As usual extremely helpful and thoughtful video. Couldn’t agree more with your comparisons but for landscape am now using a geared head from sunwayfoto which is a lot lighter and shorter than my ifootage fluid head, plus I don’t need a levelling base.

Hudson, you might be interested to check out Leofoto's BV-1R fluid head. Crazy small and good quality and is a perfect lightweight combo with the LS-284CEX.

I'm using a leofoto bv-1r fluid head on the leofoto 284 tripod, I find it works well when using up to the 500pf lens it's great when hiking and light weight.

Love your stuff, dude.

Third option (for me)... RRS compact pano-gimbal head with nodal rail. Lightweight, easy to carry/pack and does it all for me... does ball head, gimbal and pano duties in one package. Easy to do multi-row panos. It is not for large/long lenses of course!

I love to use this fluid head for my 100-400mm. Yet, I had some trouble when adding a tele converter. When trying to track birds in flight I got blackouts due to the friction of the head and the fact that while I grab the camera, the lens is mounted to the head. This is causing tension on the mount and resulting in contact problems. Might be a problem of my individual setup, yet with a ballhead I don't have such issues.

The only time I miss a ball head is when shooting macro for smaller side adjustments where being level doesn't matter. I like that 500ah fluid head but wish it had a degree's marks on the pan feature. I might make my own set for every 10* or 15*.

Very nice video. I design lenses for a living (camera aboard Cassini mission to Saturn etc. ), but don’t know photography as well as you do. I’m headed to the solar eclipse this April and I’m looking for a tripod. Using a Nikon Z7 and 600 mm lens mounted on a small equatorial drive to track the sun. I probably need a leveling head but I’d like your advice on tripod. Thanks, Paul

Very interesting. Have you used the Arca-swiss P0+ hybrid? I watched the nodal course of yours and I got the Manfrotto head but it was too big for me. Hmmm I thought using two rails will allow one to rotate around the "nodal point" at all times. The fluid head doesn't do that right? You didn't mention it so I guess it is ok not to rotate through the nodal point on the vertical direction. I use the canon tilt shift lenses for panoramas.

👍👍

Hi Hudson! Your videos are always very informative and I like your detailed insights about the gear you're using. I've question regarding the leveling base you're using. I suppose it's Leofoto LB-75S. Why specifically you're using this one at the moment? In your older videos you used one that was inserted in tripod bowl. Do you prefer this Leofoto one at the moment and why? It looks sturdy but doesn't extra height (at least in theory) add instability to your setup? Adapter that rest on the bowl sits lower so I suppose it could be more stable.

You’re a blessing. Do I need both. Manfrotto MOVE Quick Release Catcher System with Additional Quick Release... Kirk Quick Release Bridge System for Manfrotto MVH 500 Fluid Video Head Thanks

The RRS PG-01compact pano-gimbal head continues to be out of stock since your last video that caused a run on the product. I'm sure the supply chain problems are to blame.

Mr Hudson Henry, Do you find the degrees marks useful when using the pano head while panning or tilting & if so please explain why. Just wondering after a comment reply. Thanks & Happy New years to you & your family.

I see only one problem with video head. For some reason a photographer may need not horizontal slant composition.

Hi Hudson, Fluid head vs Gimbal? Shooting mostly Surf and Kitesurf (150-600mm) but some macro too…

Hi Hudson! Great demo (as always). I wonder: have you tried the Unique Ball? Would be interesting to get your thoughts on that solution.

Have you converted the Acratech GXP for pano work (as that is one of the features of that head)? If so how did it work?

Thanks for the video, Hudson. I just bought the Manfrotto fluid head from your link. Can you please recommend an affordable L bracket for a Nikon D4 that will work on this head? Thanks

I have the same fluid head based on your recommendation and really enjoy it. I could not go back to a ball head. You have been doing a lot with Leofoto and I am thinking about their VH-30R paired with their LS-324CEX tripod. They position it for bird watching but it seems like it will work much like the fluid head and be smaller. I would like to hear your thoughts.

Hi Hudson, really appreciate your videos. What do you do if you have a shot setup and want to make a fine adjustment in the horizontal axis? Thanks!!

I know it's such a little thing but where to get the silver pan knob you are using on the 500AH

Since you have such a affinity for, and I assume close relationship with, Leofoto can I assume that you tried their lightweight BV-5 fluid head and preferred the manfrotto?

Any good mechanic knows that there is no one tool that is best for every job. Photographers know that there is no one lens that will work for every scenario. Yet, we often expect our support gear to magically do it all. With a big lens like the 600 f/4, I don't think I'd ever trust a ball head - gimbal or fluid head is a must. Another big concern about using a ball head in "gimbal mode", even for lighter loads, is that you move the load considerably off the tripod's center of gravity, and you're likely to loose the whole thing if you're not careful. I'd love to replace my Manfrotto fluid head with one that is Arca-Swiss, but I don't see a link to the one you're demonstrating here.

Hi Mates Need your advice I have really light camera setup less 1kg weight I now considering Leofoto LS-225CEX for landscape photography. But really not sure about how it will work in field, its only 0.88 kg and I’m aware will it no break while using? The thinnest part of leg is only 10mm in diameter 😀 Have some one experience with it? What are your thoughts? Or just go for LS-284CEX? Does the difference in 0.45kg worth to risk?

Regarding fluid heads, will the fluid freeze during freezing winter temperatures?

Is there a special L bracket for the z7ii with the new battery grip?

Do you travel on airlines with your larger tripod and fluid head? How?

Ballheads make nosense

There's NOTHING Wrong with Bald heads! 😕