Archive 2012 · Fluid head recommendation?

Frank Kearney
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p.1 #1 · Fluid head recommendation?

I am looking for a pan/tilt head for my tripod - I have also seen them referred to as a "fluid head".
Any recommendations for something like this? I have a ball head, but want something with a handle to adjust etc.

TIA
Frank

May 15, 2012 at 07:46 AM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · Fluid head recommendation?

what is your use? for video/cinema?

May 15, 2012 at 08:04 AM

Frank Kearney
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p.1 #3 · Fluid head recommendation?

Stills, actually - 1Ds - but I want more control in the vertical and horizontal planes. Mostly for landscapes.
Thanks

May 15, 2012 at 08:35 AM

sjms
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p.1 #4 · Fluid head recommendation?

then you really want a geared head i believe. that is the highest relative precision. a fluid head just give you higher controlled movement dampening.

look at the manfrotto geared heads like the manfrotto 405

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/244282-REG/Manfrotto_405_405_Pro_Digital_Geared.html

May 15, 2012 at 08:45 AM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #5 · Fluid head recommendation?

I think SJMS is right -- a geared head will probably get you closer to what you're looking for.

Fluid heads are really designed for moving image use, though they're also handy for spotting scopes and even for long-ish primes that are a little too small for a full gimbal setup (300/4 can be nice to use on a fluid head in some circumstances). For a basic fluid head, the Manfrotto 501 is probably the best inexpensive entry point for a full size DSLR. Beyond that level, prices, size, and weight increase quickly -- but so does performance.

May 15, 2012 at 09:16 AM


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