There are lots of options for tripod heads, with ball heads and pan-and-tilt heads being the most popular. But with these, it is tricky to position the head quickly and safely with one hand. This is where the pistol-grip head comes in.
Pistol-grip tripod heads give you joystick-like control of the camera's position, allowing you to unlock and move it up and down and side to side with just one hand by squeezing a 'trigger' that releases the locking mechanism. Releasing the trigger locks the head in place again.
They are ideal when quickly tracking a subject is more important than getting a perfectly level horizon. Here are five tripod pistol grip heads I have tried and tested.
Best pistol-grip tripod heads
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The Manfrotto 327RC2 is a bit of a beast in terms of size, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight thanks to the hollow stainless steel ball that forms the pivot. Increasing the pressure on the pistol grip controls movement smoothly, allowing small, precise adjustments, while reducing pressure locks it in place. There is also a wheel on the underside to increase or decrease friction.
The maximum load capacity is 6kg, making this the ideal tripod head for photographers who love their long (and heavy!) lenses. The release trigger is at the side of the handle, rather than underneath, which isn't quite so natural for left-handed users.
The reduced weight of the 324RC2 makes it perfect for use with monopods as well as tripods, and the four-inch grip is great for smaller hands. As with the other Manfrotto ball heads, the 324RC2 comes with a built-in bubble level, a friction adjustment wheel, and a double-locking quick-release plate.
However, with a maximum load capacity of only 4kg, the combination of a mid-level camera body and a long telephoto lens may result in creep.
The Slik AF2100 doesn’t win any marks for aesthetics, but it has some very intuitive features. The trigger design is ideal for left- and right-handed users, and the maximum load capacity is a respectable 4.5kg. The quick-release plate has a locking mechanism that ensures your camera equipment is completely safe.
The tension of the head is adjusted by applying pressure to the trigger, although this isn’t as smooth as I had hoped, making it difficult to control the positioning of heavier camera gear.
The GH-100 is packed full of 'why didn’t I think of that' features that make it ergonomic and intuitive to use. The handle can be repositioned in any direction over 360 degrees for easy use, and the 72-click panoramic platform with locking option is a great inclusion. The trigger design is perfect for left or right-handed users, and the tension switch is neatly located within reach of your thumb.
One of the few drawbacks of the GH-100 is the fact that the bubble level is positioned beneath the quick-release plate, so you can't check whether you've leveled the head once the camera is locked on.
Pistol grip tripod heads are great for making fast and precise adjustments to a ball head, but Vanguard’s GH-300T goes one better and incorporates a remote shutter release button into the handle. The result is that you only need one hand to simultaneously move and fire your camera, making this an ideal platform for shooting fast action. Two shutter release cables are included for compatibility with entry-level and mid-range Canon, Nikon, and cameras, with extra cables available separately to link certain other models.
A maximum load of 8kg will take the strain of the bulkiest camera and lens combo, but thanks to variable resistance, you’ll get precise control over any camera weight. A separate 72-clickpoint pan base also makes capturing level panoramas easy. However, at nearly twice the price of the GH-100 standard Vanguard pistol grip head, this one-handed novelty doesn’t come cheap.
What to look out for
- Check the maximum weight limit that your pistol grip tripod head can handle. Overloading will lead to ‘creep’ – the head slowly shifting position in the direction of any imbalance. This damages the ball inside your tripod head and produces noticeable blur in long exposures.
- All the pistol grip tripod heads I tested come with a built-in bubble level. Most modern tripods come with an attached bubble level on the neck, but it’s easier and quicker to adjust the head of your tripod, rather than the individual legs.
- Attaching a trigger head to your tripod or monopod couldn’t be easier! Twist the current head left to remove it. Then, with the ¼-inch screw exposed, twist the new head in place until secure. As most modern kit comes with the ¼-inch screw fitting, you can mix and match brands easily.
- If you’re travelling with your tripod, a pistol grip head can add length and weight to your kit, and could look sinister on a security scanner! To avoid upsetting airport staff, pack the whole tripod in your hold luggage with the head attached.
- There are many cheap, non-branded pistol-grip tripod heads for sale, but most are made of plastic, rather than magnesium or steel. Plastic internal balls will crack under too much pressure and don’t have the level of friction required to hold a heavy camera and a long lens.
Don't miss our tripod head guides
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