What’s Your Preference?

BLBJBranch · #1 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 03:27 PM

Hi all,
I'm looking for my Christmas present, which will probably be a new Tripod. While researching the different models and such, I came across the Slik Sprint Pro II on Amazon. I was looking at one of the reviews and it said this:

"No pan. I know it's a ball head, and Slik doesn't claim it can pan. But it would be great to have pan as well since I love to shoot multiple-image panoramics."

Now, I understand what's he's saying, I think. It doesn't have the pan control knob on the ball head to allow just the pan movement.

My question, however, is this: does this mean that you can't pan at all with it? I mean, it's a ball head. Wouldn't you be able to pan with it by loosening the main control knob? I'm sure it would then allow a 3-axis movement, vice only the pan. I think that's what he's getting at. Am I right?

Thanks.

zona5101 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 03:41 PM

The pan head would allow movement in one plane keeping the others locked. Panning with a ball head would be more difficult because the other planes are also in play. Even if not exposing while panning but making two or more exposures to create a panoramic effect, would be easier/more precise with a pan head. If the tripod would ever serve double duty and hold a video camera, the pan head would be beneficial. All that said, one is not better than the other, they are just different tools for different applications.

OsmosisStudios · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zona5101

The pan head would allow movement in one plane keeping the others locked. Panning with a ball head or would be more difficult because the other planes are also in play. Even if not exposing while panning but making two or more exposure to create a panoramic effect would be easier/more precise with a pan head. If the tripod would ever serve double duty and hold a video camera the pan head would be beneficial. All that said, one is not better than the other, they are just different tools for different applications.

It is this exact reason why i despise ball-heads: not enough precision

fletch · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 04:32 PM

This tripod is great. I have it.

For a small ball head its great. Once you loosen the ball you get 360 movement but you can just loosen the shaft tightener and get a panning motion of some sort. I love ball heads as they are so easy to adjust I can't stand a 3way type head as you have to loosen so may different things just to make a slight change of composition.

Its just personal preference though as other love a 3 way.

One benefit of this tripod which is unusual in tripods of this price bracket is that you can change the head and replace it. Therefore if you decide the ball head is not for you or want to upgrade to a new ball head then you don't need to replace the whole tripod.

BLBJBranch · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 06:36 PM

All,
Thanks for the replies.

Fletch,
I have a D90 and would use a 70-300 lens from time to time. Will this tripod support it without a lot of creep? In portrait mode, too, with an 18-105 lens?

Thanks.

fletch · #6 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 08:40 PM

I use an Oly E510 and have had the Olympus 70-300 lens on it no problem. Its a considerably smaller kit that the D90 + Nikon lenses though. It will probably be OK as it is very sturdy with my set up but I would test it if you have the chance

crunch · #7 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

It is this exact reason why i despise ball-heads: not enough precision

That's exactly why I love ball heads - 3-way heads or (even worse!) gear heads are just too slow!

OsmosisStudios · #8 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crunch

That's exactly why I love ball heads - 3-way heads or (even worse!) gear heads are just too slow!

Depends on what youre doing with them. FOr critical landscape and architecture work, there is no equal.

fletch · #9 (**permalink**) 11-26-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Depends on what youre doing with them. FOr critical landscape and architecture work, there is no equal.

I can't comment on architecture but for landscapes I love my ball head. All the freedom to compose exactly how I want without all the pesky handles or planes of movement getting in the way!

Os - You are getting as bad as our friend Ken with all these statements of "fact"