Tripod head for landscapes
I prefer a 3 way pan-tilt head where rotation about the lens axis is as positive as setting the angle of elevation.
I used to use the Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head which was easy to use and easy to make fine adjustments with but it was a bit heavy and slightly bilky for travel so I shelled out on a Swiss Arca monoball and socket P0 - more than happy with either but for easy of transport definitely the latter.
It may be advisable to nip to your local camera store (or perhaps visit the Photography Show) to have a play with what's available, as ultimately much will come down to personal preference.
Currently I am back to using a ball head after years of using a manfrotto 3-way head (one of the cheapest they did and I found it fine to use). As identified above, the ball head has an advantage in terms of size, but the 3-way worked well for landscape - especially as it forced me to slow down a little and consider my composition a little more. I switched back to a ball head as my Novo tripod was supplied with a rather good one that felt excellent from the word go (and the manfrotto head I had was looking rather tired after years of service).
I can't speak highly enough of my Novo gear and would recommend them in a heart beat.
Currently I am back to using a ball head after years of using a manfrotto 3-way head (one of the cheapest they did and I found it fine to use). As identified above, the ball head has an advantage in terms of size, but the 3-way worked well for landscape - especially as it forced me to slow down a little and consider my composition a little more. I switched back to a ball head as my Novo tripod was supplied with a rather good one that felt excellent from the word go (and the manfrotto head I had was looking rather tired after years of service).
I can't speak highly enough of my Novo gear and would recommend them in a heart beat.
Use a ball head, but a good one. Compact, relatively light, and considerably quicker and easier to adjust with precision in any plane, than a 3-way or a geared head, the latter being a more appropriate choice for heavier cameras... the Mamiya 67s perhaps, or Large Format.
Quote:
Quote:I would add that there have been multiple occasions where, when using the ball head, I have found wishing I had an L plate...
Wasn't long before I had to go and get one.....
Threw mine away. Passed first time
Quote:Use a ball head, but a good one. Compact, relatively light, and considerably quicker and easier to adjust with precision in any plane
Not sure it is easier to make a minor adjustment in just one plane without slightly affecting one or more of the others.
Quote:
Quote:Use a ball head, but a good one. Compact, relatively light, and considerably quicker and easier to adjust with precision in any plane
Not sure it is easier to make a minor adjustment in just one plane without slightly affecting one or more of the others.
It takes practice, admittedly, so fair point.
Quote:Use a ball head, but a good one. Compact, relatively light, and considerably quicker and easier to adjust with precision in any plane, than a 3-way or a geared head, the latter being a more appropriate choice for heavier cameras... the Mamiya 67s perhaps, or Large Format.
A geared head is designed to be adjusted with precision, much more so than a ball head... I do agree with your first sentence though.
