Tripod head help....

[doctorjames]

Hello all

Ive just gotten hold of a manfrotto 055 tripod with a 115 head.

Whilst I love the tripod, the head is.... well..... rubbish.

When I say rubbish, I mean rubbish in my opinion, because its just not user friendly. It obviously holds the camera nice and still, but its cumbersome and difficult to set. Because you have to set all 3 planes seperately, its difficult to get bang on, first second or even third time.

Ive been looking at some replacement options, but wondered what others would advise. Ive seen both ball and trigger arrangements... but really need some expert opinion

[OsmosisStudios]

Pan heads (like the one you describe) are generally used for panoramas and video work. I prefer them to ball heads personally.

CHeck the Manfrotto website and look at their ball heads. Just make sure it's compatible with your legs (not a problem) and that it'll support the heaviest possible weight you might need

[Elmo]

A 115 is a three-way head and is really not suitable for video. I prefer a three-way over other types such as a ball head. I am able to use it to get better aiming than with a ball. It is also the cheapest type photo head to give decent results. Give it a little time you might like it.. I have a pisto; grip type and it does not even qualify as a decent paper weight for me.

[sk66]

I prefer ball heads for most things...Acratech

[doctorjames]

Originally Posted by Elmo

A 115 is a three-way head and is really not suitable for video. I prefer a three-way over other types such as a ball head. I am able to use it to get better aiming than with a ball. It is also the cheapest type photo head to give decent results. Give it a little time you might like it.. I have a pisto; grip type and it does not even qualify as a decent paper weight for me.

I had another go with the current head and I think ive worked out where most of the problem lies.

1) my left hand is in plaster at the moment, making it difficult to use anything

2) I was being too inpatient and probably not setting the thing up properly to start off with.

I think I will give it a little while and see

no change = lots more loose change in my pocket

James