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Questions tagged [tripod-heads]

A head sits atop the tripod legs. Common types of heads are ballheads, 3-way, and 2-way.

0 votes
2 answers
101 views

Grinding an RRS plate to fit new body

I have an L plate for the original 5D. I now have a 5DII. I see how it can fit with a bit of grinding, and read others have done it. Anyone know what is the best tools and such to use? Bench grinder ...
Doug's user avatar
  • 161
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Hydrostatic ballhead -really worth it?

I'm looking at Manfrotto 468MGRC2 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead which justifies that "using a hydraulic system" is better because it locks better the camera+lens (according to the manufacturer). ...
John Thomas's user avatar
  • 4,495
4 votes
4 answers
11k views

Manfrotto's QR2 system vs Arca-Swiss Release system

I'm used with Manfrotto's QR2 release system and I find it really quick when I need to detach the camera from the tripod and shot hand-held. I do this rather often when I alternate long-exposure shots ...
John Thomas's user avatar
  • 4,495
2 votes
2 answers
824 views

Tripod Head for GigaPan Epic Pro

I get massively confused when it comes to tripod heads screw sizes blah de blah, so excuse the possible simplicity of this question. I have a GigaPan Epic Pro and a Manfrotto 475B Pro Geared Tripod. I ...
Rob Quincey's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
3k views

A budget tripod for astrophotography ball-head or 3-way pan-head?

I am currently looking for a tripod for astrophotography, I wonder is there any significant difference between a tripod with a ball-head or one with a 3-way pan-head? Like say in terms of the ...
user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

Arca Swiss compatibility questions

I'm looking to upgrade my ballhead to a full-size model. My current Manfrotto 496RC2 takes too much torque to lock down with any heavy lens at an angle, and too much droop that I have to compensate ...
camflan's user avatar
  • 2,071
3 votes
3 answers
4k views

What support system do I use to keep a telephoto lens stable?

At the moment I use Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod with Photo/Video Pan and Tilt Head 391RC2 to hold Canon EF 100-400mm lens. Even though in most cases this is stable, on the extreme end I do get blur. ...
peter_budo's user avatar
-1 votes
6 answers
2k views

How good is Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 tripod for a beginner?

I have Nikon DSLR and I am learning bit by bit about the world of photography. I am planning to purchase a tripod. After doing some research, I am putting my eyes on Manfrotto 190CXPRO3. Please ...
Umesh Awasthi's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
1k views

How can I make my heavy lens tripod setup usable for my non-heavy lenses?

About a year ago I invested in a new setup, consisting of a Nikon D7000, kit lens, and a Sigma 150-500mm for my main interest: wildlife photography. Although I'm not a big fan of tripods, I also got ...
Fer's user avatar
  • 766
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

How accurate are cheap hotshoe bubble levels?

It's been suggested to get a hot-shoe bubble level for use with a ballhead tripod, when the camera doesn't offer a digital level (and the tripod head doesn't have its own). Name brand levels, like ...
mattdm's user avatar
  • 143k
9 votes
4 answers
604 views

What qualities should be looked for in a ball head before purchasing one?

So, I looked in the website of Vanguard company and saw many different types of ball heads. I would like to ask what features are must have in a ball head? On what factors does it depend?
Aquarius_Girl's user avatar
11 votes
8 answers
5k views

Is it safe to carry around a tripod with a DSLR attached to the head?

Let's assume I'm coordinated enough not to hit anyone or anything with the tripod. I'm concerned about the DSLR/plate/head interface. Assuming everything is properly attached and tightened, can I ...
Drew's user avatar
  • 2,465
6 votes
5 answers
374 views

Why are some (higher end?) tripods sold without a head?

I assume that the available heads differ somehow, but don't understand what those differences might be and if they're functional, personal preference or a bit of both.
Randy K's user avatar
  • 143
1 vote
2 answers
167 views

What would be a cheap and good bracket for a Markins Q-Ball Q20?

I have a ballhead: Markins Q-Ball Q20 with Lever Release which I use for my Nikon D90. I just bought a HF G10 Canon camcorder and would like to mount it on the Markins. What is a cheap and good ...
nkm's user avatar
  • 11
3 votes
2 answers
406 views

Why doesn't my tripod ball head fit properly on the legs any more?

I've a tripod ball head (Manfroto 496RC2) which used to fit perfectly with a tripod legs (Trax travelpod 480A) that I had. I removed the head a couple of days back and now I'm trying to reattach them ...
Viv's user avatar
  • 3,728

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