Tripod Heads - Pan and Tilt or Ball head tripods?

Рет қаралды 204,661

Күн бұрын

Here I’m going to talk to about the pro, cons and differences between pan & tilt and ball heads on tripods. If your confused as to which one is best for you, this will really help you out!
Before we get into the differences, first make sure you get the right head and tripod for the weight of your camera. Basically if your camera is too heavy for the head you’ve bought it will just fall over. You’ll find the weight requirements of a particular tripod head on its specs, just look it up on whatever web site you’re buying it from. Basically it breaks down like this; If you’ve got the lighter SLR’s like the Canon 1300d or Nikon d3300 then you’ll get away with the smaller heads and tripods but if you’ve got the Canon 7D, 5D or Nikon D750, which are heavier cameras because they are built using metals not plastics, then you’ll need a bigger head and tripod to support the weight of it.
There are two different types of tripod heads; a ball head and a Pan & Tilt Head
Ball Head
Pros - Easy to use - quick to operate - and generally smaller to carry around
Cons - Harder to get things precise.
Pan & Tilt Head
Pros - Very precise control - feels more solid.
Cons - It’s bigger in size - Slower to adjust.
So, which one should you buy? Well the answer to that is simple.
If you need speed, buy a ball head.
If you need precision buy a pan and tilt head.
A ball head would suit things like sports, or studio work where the model is moving a lot, or wildlife if you have to keep moving the camera positioning as the animals move etc.
Whereas a pan and tilt head would suit landscape photography as precision is important and the land don’t move. Or studio work if the subject doesn’t move e.g. still life.
Which one do I prefer?
Well I prefer the pan and tilt head as if I’m using a tripod, it’s because I’m trying to be accurate, landscapes for example. If I’m shooting people, in the studio or outside, I tend to be hand holding the camera anyway. So for me a tripod is about accuracy and stability and the pan and tilt heads give me that.
So that’s it. I hope it’s helped you out and informed you as to what one will be best for you.
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Пікірлер: 403

@psncoolpjhq 6 жыл бұрын

This is the video that I was searching for rather than spending 10+ hours on amazon trying to find a Tripod

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad it helped 👍

@clutchisland5323 3 жыл бұрын

100%

@WolfGaming-ix7oh 3 жыл бұрын

@@theschoolofphotography which one is best for horizontal video , photography ! Please reply !

@stevethea5250 23 күн бұрын

What did you go with?

@psncoolpjhq 23 күн бұрын

@@stevethea5250 pan and tilt

@heawin88 7 жыл бұрын

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!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+Jeffrey West thanks for the comments and support of the channel. Glad you found it helpful :)

@dheerajrao 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@NatashaJBella 4 жыл бұрын

That was perfect and confirmed my decision for a pan & tilt. Very useful, clear and informative video, thank you.

@1AFVeteran 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@HaulywoodReviews 6 жыл бұрын

I have both of these heads, but never really thought about the difference. This was a very interesting comparison. Thanks for posting.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Raphaela, glad you liked it 👍

@relaxwithme__ 3 жыл бұрын

This was so much more helpful than any other video on this subject I’ve seen! Thanks for getting to the point.

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@TheStaniG 6 жыл бұрын

Right to the point, no fluff, and good pros and cons with uses. Great video.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+TheStaniG thanks for the comments. Don't forget to subscribe for more 👍

@20LESI 6 жыл бұрын

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!

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

No problem. Don't forget to subscribe for more :)

@Bloque10-um 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing video. I can relate to other comments finding solace in this precise explanation. Thanks so much.

@istvantoth7431 4 жыл бұрын

You reassured my thoughts before purchase, exactly what I wanted from this video. Thank you!

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 👍

@paulb1136 Жыл бұрын

Short, to the point, and useful. Thank you!

@theschoolofphotography Жыл бұрын

You are welcome 👍

@MrFongio 5 жыл бұрын

I'm just close to buy a new head and this video was helful to me for the final choice. Thank you!

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, glad it helped you out 👍

@hollypotts721 3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks - well explained. I now know that the pan and tilt ball head is for me!

@FigNewton36 7 жыл бұрын

Most helpful video I've found on this topic. Thank you!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Seth, really appriciate the feedback - Marc

@Termidryna 7 жыл бұрын

Seth Nielsen me too.

@mcelroychandler6267 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation of the pros and cons of each system to be able to pick which one applies to your needs, thankyou.

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad it helped 👍

@Robootification 4 жыл бұрын

Well covered! Great clarity and simplicity.

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@omega.n 4 жыл бұрын

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! 😊👍🏻

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 👍

@avinashnair9528 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! Was a bit confused before about the two and now i understand. Thanks again.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+Avinash Nair thanks for the comments, glad you found it helpful

@thefunfoodzone4377 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Your video has helped me realize that I need a pan and tilt instead of a ballhead. So which one?

@OfficialFruitSnacks 7 жыл бұрын

Incredible video. So clear, and transparent!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Fernando, glad it helped. All the best with your photography :)

@rsm307studios 4 жыл бұрын

Great video and I have such a better understanding on which head to buy for my new tripod.

@mirakrulic3266 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I was not sure which one to get and now I am confident in making the right purchase.

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@theresah5937 7 жыл бұрын

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

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

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

@tonybreugem 6 жыл бұрын

GReat video. Concise info that is all we need. Excellent.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+Tony Breugem thanks Tony, appreciate the comments 👍

@downdacourt 4 жыл бұрын

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!

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Your welcome 👍

@Sawta 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@niznoobsky6043 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the information! Super helpful! :)

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Niz, appreciate the feedback :)

@rosaliebischof1171 5 жыл бұрын

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.

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 👍

@drobas308 7 жыл бұрын

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!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

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

@WhatNow4140 6 жыл бұрын

Now he got right to the point. Great video, thank you.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+Alan .F thanks for the comments 😊

@mandododo2 6 жыл бұрын

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 :)

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Patricia, glad it helped and all the best with your photography :)

@amaitra 4 жыл бұрын

Short and informative!

@billonthehill9984 4 жыл бұрын

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... :~)

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, thanks 👍

@Screenpeek 4 жыл бұрын

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).

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Plasteel1 4 жыл бұрын

Finally! After going through 10 clips talking about a bunch of irrelevant stuff, I find yours! Thank you!

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped.👍

@intentionalmale155 7 жыл бұрын

Nice video, Thank you for producing it!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Intentional Male thanks, appreciate the feedback :)

@ChristianFerg 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video, mate! Really helpful :)

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Christian, glad it helped. :)

@Ezinma88 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, this really answered my questions.

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 👍

@robertmcpartland3638 8 ай бұрын

Perfect - thank you! this was just what I was looking for .

@theschoolofphotography 8 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@davidwebb3134 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. This video clear a lot of things for me regarding tripod head. Great video explanation which head to choose.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+David Webb no problem David, glad it helped :)

@AndyD162 7 жыл бұрын

A great, helpful video. Just entering into Photography so I subscribed!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+Longshotarcher thanks, appreciate the feedback and good luck in your journey to better photographs :)

@MrDanielDeleuran 4 жыл бұрын

Just what I needed to know! Thank you!

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@AhmadThabet-qw1kc 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@kristinreinhard9599 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. Really cleared it up for me which to buy.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍

@lenscap49 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Marc. Great comparison.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks glad you liked it 👍

@patatacreole8131 5 жыл бұрын

Nice review, well explained. Thanks!

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Patata, glad it helped you out 👍

@MrandMrsTang 6 жыл бұрын

Loved the video, very informative. Thank you!

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+MrandMrsTang thanks for the comments. Don't forget to subscribe for more 👍

@MrandMrsTang 6 жыл бұрын

The School of Photography already did:)

@balanpnb1 7 жыл бұрын

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! :)

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+Bala Chandran Thanks, appreciate the feedback :)

@flyinokie 3 жыл бұрын

Just what I needed to know. Thanks for the vid.

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

No problem!

@TomClaessens 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@DaniHoliday 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you sooooo much!!! This was very helpful.

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Your welcome 👍

@DeltadronesBr 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome Review! Thanks!

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+Delta Drones thanks for the comments 👍

@zinnaalam1886 5 жыл бұрын

this is really very helpful video... thank you so much Sir 🙏

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 👍

@mijoy8034 3 жыл бұрын

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!!

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

👍🏼

@dushman888 3 жыл бұрын

very well done! it's pan and tilt for me. thanks!!

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@paulcook7986 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video, very informative for me.

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+Paul Cook thanks Paul, please support us here by sharing with your friends and liking the video. It really helps us bring you more videos. Thanks, Marc

@1705abhishek 7 жыл бұрын

Precise and to the point. Very nice video!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks glad it helped :)

@1705abhishek 7 жыл бұрын

Welcome! Any tutorial on green screen recording?

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Abhishek, maybe this one will help with the removal of the Green Screen kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qteFdcZ-25uUioE.html Thanks

@AbdulQadirKhan 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir, really helpful, gonna buy a pan and tilt tripod

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+MAQ Khan you're welcome Khan, glad it helped :)

@valerienew9366 3 жыл бұрын

thank you so much and short and clear info :)

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@EduEllie 3 жыл бұрын

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

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help!

@tonykennedy6030 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@ilovewood79 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for sharing your insight.

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+iLovewood thanks for the comment. Hope you get the right tripod for your needs :)

@Balltongue84 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, helped a lot.

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks glad you liked it 👍

@RameshKumar-ng3nf 3 жыл бұрын

AWESOME informative in just 5 mins ❤️👌👌👌👌😊. Loved it ❤️ and subscribed your channel 😊

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and welcome

@donaldthomassen5259 5 жыл бұрын

a very useful video thanks for your view on this.

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Donald 😊

@philipchiore60 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, cleared up a lot.

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@MrShite 3 жыл бұрын

I've just broken my tripod (locking mechanism) and this was invaluable, for my next purchase. Thank you Mark

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

No problem Phil 👍

@paulbridge6063 4 жыл бұрын

good video, thought you might have had some recommendations for which make are better ones tho.

@barrygiddey9139 5 жыл бұрын

Great video-understood it-Thank you very much 📷

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 👍

@yoosafabdulla2680 6 жыл бұрын

A very good talk Marc!!!

@theschoolofphotography 6 жыл бұрын

+Yoosaf Abdulla thanks :)

@BrettHondow 2 жыл бұрын

Very useful information here, thank you. I think I'll keep my pan and tilt, all my subjects are static anyway.

@MuhammadIkhwan95 4 жыл бұрын

This video very helpful for me to.make quick and firm.decision on selecting and purchase my ball head tripod. Thank you 👍

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@QueenOfHeartsx 3 жыл бұрын

fantastic video, thanks for the help!

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

👍👍

@daveamberphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thanks!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave, glad you liked it :)

@edwardbrilliant471 3 жыл бұрын

Very simple. Very good!

@theschoolofphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

@philmees777LordStarrMees 5 жыл бұрын

Really useful info! Many thanks :-)

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome 👍😊

@ggextra 4 жыл бұрын

thank you! this totally clarified my choice

@theschoolofphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@ekal_27 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@shashiranjan5430 3 жыл бұрын

Thanx for this vedio.... And which one would be better for extreem zoom.

@kiwieboss 7 жыл бұрын

I'm deciding on my first tripod and this has been the most informative! I think I finally decided :) Thanks!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

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

@getitjuli 7 жыл бұрын

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!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

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 :)

@CIRCADES 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@jdstinner3868 4 жыл бұрын

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?

@princeajaz9167 4 жыл бұрын

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

@priyagurl68 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you! helpful video.

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+Priya Heble you're welcome Priya, glad it was helpful :)

@NicolasJaegergaard 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! Very helpful :-D

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback Nicolas. We would really appreciate your support by sharing, liking the video and subscribing to the channel. This helps us bring more free tutorials for you. Thanks :)

@NicolasJaegergaard 7 жыл бұрын

I've just subscribed :-D

@Vespistado 4 жыл бұрын

Hi! Great explanation. Very useful and clear. What about geared heads?

@halibut1249 7 жыл бұрын

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.

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+Halibut 1 hi, you'll find some info on quick release heads here. Hope it helps :) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h5d6e7xzmNPOZYk.html

@franznawrath 5 жыл бұрын

solid review... thanx !! ;)

@theschoolofphotography 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Franz, glad it helped you out 👍

@summers9218 4 жыл бұрын

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.

@rachelgurjar. 7 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial!

@theschoolofphotography 7 жыл бұрын

+Rachel Gurjar Thanks Rachel, glad it helped :)

@darcyquimby1522 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@richardbeck4193 3 жыл бұрын

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 ?

@plantman6245 3 жыл бұрын

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