Tripod head: Pan/Tilt or Ball?

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Hi, I am looking at buy one of those Redsnapper tripods, and wondering what tripod head would be most suitable for me.

One of my friends has a Monfrotto ball head with a trigger release type thing. I really like the ease of use and how quick it is to compose a shot. But I am wondering whether it is suitable for panning type shots, or are there any limitations to this type of set up. Most of my current photos are landscapes and candids of people and animals. Also I am wondering whether the ball head would be suitable to use with a lens like the canon 70-200m 2.8 L IS?

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Does the trigger head not rotate still with a separate lock to stop that? The type of head trigger, normal ball, pan&tilt is personal choice although certain applications lead themselves to certain heads. I like the trigger ones myself. Have you thought about trying them out in a shop and seeing which you prefer! There is no hard and fast rule and just because most most people like a certain type for say landscapes it doe not mean you will.
 
i'll give them a shot in the shop, i think ill be banned from my local jacobs. im in there every lunch time, and yet to buy a thing (mainly due to their prices!).

Do you think a ball and trigger type head would have difficulty supporting the canon lens with a 40d?
 
There will be a maximum weight limit in the specs for each type of head but remember back to school and physics lessons re rotation/levers etc if you have a large lens on your camera and your camera is attached to the tripod then as the weight gets further from the point where it is attached then it will make it rotate more.....
 
had a look at some in jacobs. was very impressed by the Giottos MH 1302-652. Does anyone know if the Redsnapper tripods are compatible with this?
 
I'd have thought the Redsnapper ballheads have enough capacity for the 70-200 f2.8 but I don't think the Manfrotto trigger grip would handle that weight and would droop.

I used to have the 322RC2 pistol grip but could handle longer lenses, so I sold it...

As been pointed out above, Giottos ballheads are very good, as are their carbon fibre tripods. Excellent value for money :thumbs:
 
Redsanpper quote a load of 10kg for their ballhead, as I own one I can believe it too, it locks down tight as a gnats chuff and I'm guessing 10kg max load to be pretty spot on. For me the choice between the Giottos and the Redsanpper is a real no-brainer IMHO as the specs are almost identical, only differences being the RS has a greater load and the Giottos has a bubble level.

Carl
 
i found the Giottos one for £10 more than the Redsnapper. Im wondering how useful the spirit level is, and is it worth the extra dosh!
 
ok, so i went for the redsnapper setup, not bad value at all!

Tripod + Ball Head + Spare QR plate + (free bag) = £106 delivered!!

One happy bunny.
 
ok, so i went for the redsnapper setup, not bad value at all!

Tripod + Ball Head + Spare QR plate + (free bag) = £106 delivered!!

One happy bunny.

Oh dear Hassan, I bet you haven't told your mrs eh? :lol:
 
she'll find out when she sees the Credit Card bill...! lol
 
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