Tripod Heads

[2Beers]

I have just been given a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod as a birthday present and I was wondering what kind of head would be best to get. E.G 3way pan & tilt or ball head.

I like to take landscapes, wildlife and Aircraft etc.

So any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[markgozz]

I don't think you will find a one fits all head but I recently got a Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head which I find a real joy to use , it's quick to adjust and very stable once you release the trigger but I wouldn't be without my 3 way head for macro work .

Good luck on your hunt .

Mark

[2Beers]

Originally Posted by markgozz

I don't think you will find a one fits all head but I recently got a Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head which I find a real joy to use , it's quick to adjust and very stable once you release the trigger but I wouldn't be without my 3 way head for macro work .

Good luck on your hunt .

Mark

Thanks Mark was looking at a 327RC2 Joystick

[jet_kit]

I agree with Mark. I use the 488RC2, but your choice will depend on what size/weight camera you're putting on it and, of course, what you're most comfortable with. Try to find a well stocked shop where you can have a little play.
Good luck with the 055XPROB, it's a heavy piece of kit to carry about with you on your landscaping, wildlifeing & aircrafting expeditions.

[chris-p]

You certainly won't get one head that covers all those scenarios. Personally, I use a Manfrotto 410 geared head on Giottos legs. It's slower than a ball head but it's faster than a pan/tilt (or 3 way) and far more stable than either as well. The only down side with these is they're heavy.

It's personal preference. I only use my tripod when I want the camera to be still and I know I can't hold it still. I used ball heads but found that the ball has a tendancy to move as you tighten up the ball which is very frustrating if you've positioned the camera perfectly and then it's moved by the tripod head when you lock it into position.

[JonnyM]

I use the Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and the 141RC 3-way head. Probably not as quick to operate as a ball head but it does me well for landscapes and certainly still-life. Yes it can be a bit heavy on long hikes but I'm prepared to suffer some discomfort for good stability.

Whenever I've photographed aircraft I've shot handheld, tripods are too limiting for me in that respect.

My usual set-up is a Canon 60D, Sigma 17-70mm lens; sometimes I use the Canon 300mm f2.8 L lens.

[cosmicma]

whatever you choose and the chances are you will end up with more than one head try and choose your heads using the same quick release plate ( such as the CR2 ) so your not messing around changing the plate every time you want to use a different head