No More Ball Heads 

I've been using ArcaSwiss P0 for a number of years. Perfect for panos with the inverted ballhead. Expensive, but compact and very reiable.

I thought it was y fault that I didn't know how to use bullheads. I really hate them. I am on the market for a new one. My DSLR and lens are heavy, hard to get a straight shot and the flop is annoying.

One of the best bits I have purchased.

In the old days, landscape photography was my passion, and loved the RRS products. Now I take photos and make videos of my Macaw parrot family, and based upon how fast they move from second to second, most of the time I am hand-held, even for video! Thanks for sharing this information!

I still have three ball heads but for my video business where I record live theatre, concerts and dance shows with multiple cameras I use gear heads and pan heads on the static cameras. With these heads, it is easier to get more precise and effective framing. Ball heads are very effective, if you need a quick set up.

Tripod heads are a very individual choice and one type does not suit everyone, and there are so many to choose from. Personally, I like ball heads and don't have a problem with gear flop, because I take extra care when using them. Sunwayfoto makes a beautiful (but expensive) ball head with the locking lever plate clamp, with screw adjustment on the opposite side, since not all Arca Swiss plates are exactly the same size.

Great video, Richard. I went through the same process with ball heads and ended up with the Acratech Long Lens head and their new nodal rail with the locking quick release lever. Landscapes are so much easier now.

SunwayFoto and others have quick release clamps. I think RRS has Some ballheads and geared heads rotate top and bottom. Sunwayfoto and Leofoto have. "weak." I don't need the reminder I have AML Leukaemia.

Have never looked back since getting my geared head.

I left the RRS BH-55 ball head behind years ago, primarily due to shooting more panoramas. I switched to the Acratech Panoramic Head if I am hiking very far, or the Manfrotto MVH500AH video head if not hiking as far. The Manfrotto MVH500AH is my preferred choice. I also use a RRS level base for my RRS Versa 34l Tripod, along with a RRS nodal rail. It is best to establish nodal points for lenses being used that are 70mm or less (full frame).

Informative, thanks Richard!!

Great Video >> I am Learning Panos at the Moment so very interesting >> Subscribed

I use the FlexShooter, it replaced my RRS gimbal, also great for panoramas

Thanks Richard!

Acratech Heads are awesome .. I Like yours

How about a stepper on the base so you do not need to count the numbers on the base?

What software are you using to stitch multi level panoramas?

Hey Richard... what are your thoughts on the Platyball Elite Head?

Hmm $1700 for a head vs $500. Why does a cube of aluminum need to cost that much?

I think you forgot to ‘put the links below’