 Laura J. Smith |
Pan Head vs Ball Head I read the Q&A on tripods -- I've used one three times, it was $3.95 at a garage sale and it wobbles when I press the camera button. I may limit my research to "I just love it!", a statement by Jim M. about the Bogen 3444 with 3437 magnesium head. BUT, why does one choose a pan head or a ball head and, in terms of value like Corvette, Camry, and used Cavalier, which model is this? I'm thinking I'd be happy with a Camry. THANKS!
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Andy |
When using a tripod, it is recommended to use also a remote shutter release on the camera instead of pressing the button with your finger. In case some cameras do not accept remote shutter release, it is recommended to use the self-timer to allow time for the camera to settle after you press the shutter. For most photographers, the Bogen 3444 is a dream tripod, a Corvette in your own term ;) Here you can find the spec: http://www.bogenimaging.us/ Before deciding on which tripod/head combination to buy, you have to ask yourself a few questions. What is the maximum weight of your camera, longest lens, flash, and any other accessory (filter, angle-finder, etc.) you put together on your camera at one time? Do you use it for indoor, outdoor, or all purpose? Do you prefer speed (ball head) over extreme precision (3-way pan head or gear head) when setting up the shot? How much weight do you want to carry? How much money do you want to spend? The head has to be able to accomodate the total weight of your gear. The leg has to be able to accomodate the total weight of your gear and head. There are tripods that come with the head and there are ones that you can pick your own head, even from another manufacturer. Other Carbon Fiber tripod to consider are: Gitzo, SLIK, Hakuba and Velbon. If you still have questions, post them here. Hope this helps.
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Bob Cammarata |
If you do a lot of work in the field, the lightest tripod that can handle the weight of your gear will be the most practical. You can probably get away with the "Camry" version if, as mentioned, your camera and biggest lens aren't real heavy. You can even modify the stability of a lighter 'pod by hanging something heavy, like your camera bag, on the bottom of the center column. (a small hook can be easily attached with duct tape.) A heavy, cumbersome model might, more often than not, stay at home or in the car, simply because it's too heavy to lug around all day. The reason many opt for a ball-head vs. a pan-head is for convienience and speed of use. A ball-head can be adjusted and locked in place more quickly with only one knob. Also, as mentioned, it's great advice to use a remote shutter release or your camera's timer when using a tripod.
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Terry L. Long |
Both Andy and Bob provided you with some "excellent" answers. I'm going to try to contribute by adding my two cents worth. The first and only tripod I bought was a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 Pro which has a lateral mount feature. This means I can remove the center column and put it back on horizontally. It comes in handy for those shots of being directly overhead of the subject. I can also get lower to the ground than if I kept the center column in it's original vertical position. Another reason I bought it was the price. It's not overly expensive but it's a good quality tripod. I own two 3021's now. When I bought the tripod I opted for the 3030 Tilt/Panhead because of the price too. It's a good quality head for a moderate price. As Bob mentioned, it's not as fast as a ballhead but easier to get the composition "just right". Later, I bought a ballhead and, again as Bob said, it's quicker to use. I use the ballhead for my 35mm and MF setup's and the tilt/panhead for my Large Format (4x5) camera. I've had the Large Format set up on the ballhead but found it cumbersom to get the composition set-up perfectly. Both the tilt/panhead and ballhead use the same quick release plate so I can mount any camera and/or lens to either tripod. I have a quick release plate attached to each of my cameras (five) and several lenses to get the most out of the quick release feature. I recommend staying away from the "pistol grip" type ballheads because they just can't handle heavy lenses.
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