Tripod Heads for Still Photography

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.