Ball head Vs. 3 Way panning head

Big_Bill

Big_Bill

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Hi all,
I am in need of a new tripod and I have decided (for budget and great reviews) to go for a Redsnapper TRI-283 Alloy.

What I can't decided on is if I should get the 3 way panning head, or the ball head.
I can't decided because I really don't understand what the pros and cons are to each.

Any help would be gratefully received.
 
Ball head all the way for me. Loads easier and quicker, you can move on all three planes by the turn of a knob. The pan and tilts have a seperate knob / button for each plane.
 
Cheers Sarin,
If it's that simple I think I will be placing my order in a few moments :)
 
Don't take my word for it, go and try them out in your local shop. I did this and spent a good couple of minutes using a pan and tilt trying to get my camera moved to the right position - decision made. Oh and one other thing, make surre that the head you get can support the weight of your camera with the heaviest lens fitted, there are different models of ball heads, some more rugged than others.
 
i have a markins Q3 (£280) on my tripod and a redsnapper ballhead on my monopod (£50) they are both great, i would go that way every time now, the Q3 is better than the redsnapper it has a smoother action, and you dont have to mess with knobs once you have the right setting dialled in just move it a let go, but is it worth £230 more?....get the redsnapper and you will love it!
 
Hi cannockwolf,
Cheers for the advice.
I think £280 will be just over my budget :lol:
I am almost sure what I am going to go for now.
Being a tight fisted old git I am going to see if I can pick up a bargain 2nd hand set up first.
 
I've got the redsnapper. and it is great. Ballhead is loads faster than faffing with three handles.
 
Just to introduce some confusion, you could go for a ball head with 2 knobs...

This allows you to have the advantage of a ball head, 1 knob for movement in all 3 axis and quick adjustment and the ability to use the other know just to control the horizontal plane, ideal for panoramas, the best of both worlds!
 
dont all ballheads do that?
 
Some don't ;)
 
cannockwolf said:
dont all ballheads do that?
Click to expand...

No, only certain models. The Manfrotto 488RC2 is one.

The advantage of the three way heads is that you can adust one plane without altering the others, fine tuning if you will. If you go to adjust a ball head in this instance there is a very strong chance you will alter the other two planes.

I have both and use the 3-way static subjects and the ball head (on the monopod usually) for sports.
 
how do people rate the snapper tripods?
 
oh right, i just loosen the little knob at the bottom and the whole head rotates on one plane, im glad i have that as it would bug me a bit, another plus point for the redsnapper and my Q3 then!
 
Jusr recieved the Redsnapper Tripod & have to say I'm very impressed with the quality, excellent especially considering the price...

I personally prefer the Pan-head, landscapes aren't going anywhere fast so speed isn't any issue for me and I prefer being able to lock-off the axes of my choice and adjust others..it's very much personal preference with tripod heads

simon
 
V8burble said:
High :thumbs:

Happy with mine anyway ;)

You have to consider weight too, is the Carbon version required for you or not?
Click to expand...

cheers :) just thinking of replacing my Hahnel triad before leaving
 
Sarin said:
Ball head all the way for me. Loads easier and quicker, you can move on all three planes by the turn of a knob. The pan and tilts have a seperate knob / button for each plane.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Since going ball head instead of 3way, I'd never go back. So muich easier imho.
 
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