Tripod Heads for Still Photography
Benro GD3WH 3-Way Geared Head
- Load Capacity: 13.2 lb
- Height: 4.3"
- Weight: 1.6 lb
- Arca-Type Compatible
Oben GH-30 Gimbal Head
- Load Capacity: 44 lb
- Height: 9"
- Weight: 3.2 lb
- Arca-Type Compatible
Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate
- Load Capacity: 33.1 lb
- Magnesium-Alloy Construction
- Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
- Independent 360° Rotation with Lock
Oben GH3W-15 3-Way Geared Head
- Load Capacity: 15 lb
- Height: 4.7"
- Arca-Type Compatible, with QR-20 Plate
- Independent Panning Base with Lock
Magnus GH-M1 Gimbal Head
- Load Capacity: 30 lb
- Height: 8.3"
- Weight: 2 lb
- Arca-Type Compatible
Oben PD-117 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
- Load Capacity: 17.6 lb
- 360° Panning
- Quick-Release System with Safety Lock
- 5 x Bubble Levels
Manfrotto XPRO 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate
- Load Capacity: 26.5 lb
- 3 Independent Movements with Locks
- 90° Forwards and 30° Backwards Tilt
- Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
Manfrotto XPRO 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate
- Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
- 3 Independent Movements with Locks
- Spring-Clamp Controls for Fast Movements
- Integrated Incremental, Geared Movements
Sirui K-40X Ball Head
- Knobs for Pan, Tilt & Tension
- 77 lb Load Capacity
- Quick-Release Plate with Anti-Twist Pins
- Arca-Style Clamp for Quick Release
Oben BD-02 Mini Ball Head
- Single-Lever Adjustment
- Supports Loads Up to 6.6 lb
- 90° Tilt
- Accepts 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Studs
Manfrotto 410 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head with 410PL Quick Release Plate
- Load Capacity: 11.0 lb
- 3 Independent Movements with Locks
- Snap-Lock Controls for Fast Movements
- Integrated Incremental, Geared Movements
Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate
- Load Capacity: 19.8 lb
- Height: 3.9"
- Weight: 10.58 oz
- Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
Oben BE-117 Ball Head with Arca-Type Quick Release
- Load Capacity: 17.6 lb
- Height: 3.7"
- Weight: 13.4 oz
- Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Set
Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head II with Quick Release Base
- Gimbal-Type Tripod Head
- Supports Wide, Medium & Telephoto Lenses
- Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Base
- Required QR Plate Available Separately
edelkrone FlexTILT Head v3
- Flexible, Dual-Jointed Pan & Tilt Device
- Supports up to 5.5 lb Camera Rig
- Knob-Free Constant Friction Lock Design
- Use with Tripod or on Flat Surface
Robus RTH-1050 Triple Action Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 55 lb
- Height: 5.0"
- Weight: 1.8 lb
- Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Clamp
Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp (Chrome)
- Load Capacity: 50 lb
- Height: 3.7"
- Dual 90° Notches for Portrait Mode
- Tension Control
SmallRig 3034 Aluminum Panoramic Ball Head with Quick Release Plate
- Load Capacity: 11 lb
- Height: 3"
- Weight: 5.7 oz
- Arca-Type Compatible
Oben MBH-11 Dual-Action Mini Ball Head with Arca-Style Quick Release Plate
- Load Capacity: 11 lb
- Height: 2.9"
- Weight: 5.35 oz
- Arca-Style Quick Release System
Platypod Platyball Elite Ball Head
- Inverted Design with Pan Section on Top
- Electronic Leveling Indicator
- Arca-Type Top / 3/8"-16 Female Bottom
- 22 Payload lb
Sirui K-20x Ball Head
- Knobs for Pan, Tilt & Tension
- 55 lb Load Capacity
- Quick Release Plate
- Arca-Type Clamp for Quick Release
Falcam 320P Inverted Ball Head with F38 Pro Quick Release
- Load Capacity: 11 lb
- F38 Pro QR Set with Quick Release Lever
- Compatible with Most Arca-Type Plates
- Adjustable Friction Control
K&F Concept 3-Way Geared Tripod Head
- Load Capacity: 13.2 lb
- Height: 4.5"
- Weight: 1.8 lb
- Arca-Type Compatible
Robus RTH-1030 Triple Action Ball Head
- Load Capacity: 35 lb
- Height: 3.9"
- Weight: 14.1 oz
- Arca-Type Compatible Quick Release Clamp
Manfrotto 327RC2 Ball Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate
- Ball Head with Control Handle
- Load Capacity: 13.2 lb
- Integrated Handle Squeeze Trigger
- 90° Forwards and 90° Backwards Tilt
Really Right Stuff BH-40 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp
- 18 lb Load Capacity
- Max Height: 3.0"
- 90-Degree Notch for Portrait Orientation
- Separate Tension Control Knob
Oben BD-0 Mini Ball Head
- Single-Lever Adjustment
- Supports Loads Up to 6.6 lb
- 90° Tilt
- Accepts 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Studs
Velbon PH-157Q 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
- 1/4"-20 Mount
- Durable All-Metal Construction
- Height: 4.3"
- Weighs Only 1.3 lb
Tripod Heads to Enhance Your Camera's Functions
You already know that tripod stabilizers support your camera for improved clarity, but perhaps you're just discovering how you can improve focus even more with wise use of tripod heads that work to let you get a better shot.
Why Do I Need a Separate Tripod Head?
The head that came with your camera may fit most everyday shots, but advanced heads can match your photography type to the proper technique. For example, a landscape portrait needs a wider angle, so match that to a corresponding geared tripod head.
When choosing tripod heads, be sure to consider the picture subject as well as the desired degree of motion and focus.
Camera Ball Heads
The most common type of camera head, and the best accessory head for a beginner, is a ball and socket system. Camera ball heads are the most intuitive of the head types due to their easy and smooth motions. You can pan over an area with little effort and then adjust the tension knob to lock the ball when you have your desired position. Some models include a tension knob for easy panning of the area. You may need multiple heads to achieve the proper composition, so invest in professional tripod cases that can carry them, too.
Pan and Tilt Tripod Models
Pan and tilt camera heads, also known as three-way heads, have separately-adjustable control levers to change the front and lateral tilts and scanning. These geared tripod heads permit precise adjustments of your digital still camera to maintain an accurate focus, allowing you to capture macro shots such as blades of grass. Adjustments with the panning feature let you capture landscapes on a large scale using panoramic and time lapse heads that rotate 360 degrees and zone in at the no-parallax point so you just need to dial in the tension to lock it in place.
Gimbal Tripod Heads
Large telephoto lenses and general tripod accessories, along with a weighted still camera body, need support to maintain smooth operation. Gimbal tripod heads operate similar to camera ball heads, except the ball is filled with fluid that levels and lubricates the movement. It often sits within a rotating mount collar attached to the mount. The whole camera needs balance to pan easily, so make sure the tripod legs can maintain the support of heavy gear. If you want to get gimbal quality without the cost of a new separate head, gimbal tripod head conversion kits can fill that need.
Pistol Grip Heads
This simple head packs a punch with one-hand control. Simply squeeze the trigger to unlock the head and rotate it using only your hand. This allows precise control over the camera focus. For added stability, the position can be locked in after you've found the right coordinates.
Capturing your desired shots becomes easier when you have tools to match the necessary techniques. Trust a tripod to provide support, and employ the versatility of the various top-name tripod heads available at B&H Photo and Video to maximize your efficiency in creating memorable photographs.