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Shao
1
Apr 1, 2018
Hello People of Massdrop! I’ve been looking for a tripod and ball head. My problem is I’m not sure where to start. There are so many good brands and the different options of ball head combinations is a bit overwhelming. I would welcome any advice. I will be shooting mainly portraits but have recently been shooting video for a small theatre company. A friend recommended getting a video ball head, a floating head...? I know tripods and ball heads can be expensive but I don’t mind paying for quality gear that will last.
Thoughts anyone?
Mantequillas
14
Apr 1, 2018
ShaoI have always had good luck with Manfrotto. They provide a great product with a ton of different application.
therealmuthu
34
Apr 1, 2018
ShaoManfrotto is awesome and probably the best choice, but if not Joby is also available. You can also find some third party on Amazon and read the reviews.
Dr.McCoy
345
Apr 2, 2018
ShaoDon't listen to your friend - you want a pan and tilt head for videography and a ball head for photography*. Floating heads are more commonly referred to as "fluid heads". The term refers to the way the head is dampened in the joint(s) with a liquid. It responsible for resistance and smoothness of travel. There are some (usually very high end) heads that are pan & tilt with a ball attachment underneath so you have the most flexibility possible but they're generally pretty expensive and mostly used for news and documentary.
The reason you don't want a plain ball head for videography is because the range of motion is beyond just the x and y axis. Ball heads can make it difficult to do clean pans and tilts (very common in video). Also, ball heads do not typically have "arm" attachments that allow for ease and accuracy in movement of the shot.
Source: 10+ years of videography and photography experience.
*this is not a hard-and-fast rule but a rule of thumb.
quihgon
96
Apr 2, 2018
ShaoI looked for months before finally deciding on a Tripod. I chose the Manfrotto BeFree, cause large heavy tripods suck, the portability is awesome, its sturdy and I also do a lot of backpacking so having a light durable and steady tripod is a godsend. I also went with a fluid head, ball heads are all in good but i can do the same thing with a fluid and have the ability to pan/tilt.
Shao
1
Apr 2, 2018
quihgonHello Quihgon!
I went to a small meetup of local professional photographers sharing with newbies last week and noticed quite a few Manfrotto tripods and most were the Befree model. I thinks that’s the way I’ll probably go. It has good solid reviews and seems to be a favorite among professionals too. Now I need to figure out the ball head/ fluid head that I need and I’ll be set.
Thanks for your advice!
Michele
Shao
1
Apr 2, 2018
Dr.McCoyHello Dr. McCoy,
And suggestions of the type of head you would recommend? Any and all product information is welcomed!
Thanks
Michele
ShaoMost comments are on the right track, a fluid (float) head is what you are after in video shooting, as vs to a plain ball head, for more fluid (smooth) pan and tilt, noticeable with a extension-arm for ease of control and a "spirit-leveler" to check for leveling. One piece of information that would help us help you is the actual setup you are using or planning to use. For a "general" Full-Frame DSLR-video setup the weight will be roughly two (2) kilogram, with one kg for a body and another kg for a mid-zoom lens. In this setup, a 3-5 kg safeload tripod plus a 3-5 kg fluid head will sufficient. Or if your planning to use a more compact setup, ie Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens (EVIL or mirrorless) system or even a mobile, then a much-much light-duty, like one from your local accessories store, although the mobile will require a cradle to attach to the tripod. Alternatively, if you are actually planning to use a genuine "shoulder-mount" video camera (sony, canon, red, etc) then a much heavier duty one will be required. While we are on the topic, you should be looking into tripod for lighting as well, a hot/cold-shoe mount will add weight to your load or a separate external continuous lights will be needing support. Generally speaking, the quality/ convenience will be proportional to cost, you should have a hard look at your budget, need and investment before making an informed decision. If you are starting off with a tight budget, it may be safer to getting one you need (lower spec) and upgrade as your budget and skill glow. Else if your budget allows or you are aiming for an long-term investment, it may be a good idea to look at a higher spec one (brand new is ideal but a 2nd hand is also good enough, as they are pretty tough, except of course the warranty would likely to have expired).
Shao
1
Apr 3, 2018
OZ.Bloody.RabbitHi Oz!
Thank you for the advice. I have a Nikon d800 and the biggest lens is a 70-200mm f/2.8. I don’t suppose I will use that lens for video but for portrait work it’s great.
I was able to get the camera and lens at a great price from a friend so I’m able to budget higher for a quality tripod and head. I’ve been jotting down what I want to accomplish with my photography and what I need right now to achieve that goal, so I’m planning on getting the best tripod and head for my camera and later down the road I can get another for a flash/lighting system. That was a great idea, thanks for bringing that up. I’m learning the basics of using a flash right now so I think I’ll wait to get a second setup for a bit but that is definitely something to think about.
Thank you!
BF_Hammer
717
Apr 3, 2018
ShaoReally you may get by with a standard pan-head in your situation. Your budget will be a big part of the decision. Ball heads are harder to adapt to video work with.
Really if you have the budget to get the right tripod to use it with, fluid heads made for video work also work very well with still photography. I have a link below for a video that makes a very persuasive case for still photographers to use fluid heads. I would say the parts I disagree on are that he has to use a tripod with no center column and longer legs to use this setup. That boosts the overall cost beyond the cost of the Manfrotto fluid head he is naming. And there is the fact that he is using multiple adapters because video fluid heads tend to use bigger size quick-release plates and not the Arca-Swiss compatible gear that become the standard for DSLR gear if you don't buy Manfrotto's more proprietary system. But I say all his points are still pretty valid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epPSQaYnU8M
Dr.McCoy
345
Apr 3, 2018
ShaoI actually love the Canon version of that lens for event videography - it's like having a mini studio camera once you get the hang of it.
Dr.McCoy
345
Apr 3, 2018
ShaoYeah, I would say Manfrotto is a great place to start. I've used them on numerous professional jobs. Basically really think about your needs and make a list of what you want to film/accomplish to pick the right head/tripod.
If you are doing video I would avoid "3 Axis Heads" that look like this:
search
They're a really great compromise for people who can't afford a nice ball head (or want something lighter) because they have really good movement but as a video tool INCREDIBLY frustrating to operate. Instead look for something like this:

search
Basically you have the same three friction points as a 3-axis, but in a format which doesn't require more than one hand on the head to operate.
BF_Hammer
717
Apr 3, 2018
Dr.McCoyActually you bring up a disadvantage for the fluid head to use with still photography without realizing it. Study the video fluid head and you should only notice 2 axis of motion. Up-down, left-right (yaw and pitch). There is not "roll" to put the camera in portrait configuration like the 3-axis heads do. Now you can remove the mount plate and remount it on camera rotated 90 degrees, then you can rotate the head sideways and tilt it to put the camera in portrait mode. It is extra work and not a quick-change thing at all. I just bring up to show that there is compromise to consider in this. This can also be fixed by using an L-bracket on camera and a 90-degree Arca-Swiss adapter clamp, but it is just more hardware to buy and use.
Dr.McCoy
345
Apr 3, 2018
BF_HammerIt's not a disadvantage though - that's the point for video. You really don't want to deal with that "roll factor" during a shot. For one, it's visually discombobulating to watch. Second, 99.9999999% of the time you really don't want vertical video.
To do it well, you want two different heads - one for photo, one for video.
Shao
1
Apr 11, 2018
Dr.McCoyThank you so much. I have a plan to spend some time this weekend at the very few local camera shops in my city. I really hope their prices are comparabl, I prefer to shop locally whenever I can. I’ll be back with more questions I’m sure.
Shao
1
Apr 11, 2018
BF_HammerThanks for the video. Lots of information. I think I have an idea of what I want. I’ll be spending some time this weekend in my local camera shop. Thank you for your advi
Dr.McCoyYou are an awesome teacher.
jsangerman
2
Jun 14, 2018
ShaoAnyone in the group have a take on Arca vs Manfrotto plates?
I see a few people liking Manfrotto tripods, which obviously come with their plates. On the other hand, I've seen that many prefer the Arca plates, which seem to be more compatible with non-tripod accessories like those from Peak Design (I know they have Manfrotto-compatible plates, but they're extra).
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