Tripod Head : Details, Types and Parts of Tripod head

Tripod Head is possibly the most delicately designed part of a tripod. Here are details, types and parts of Tripod head to decrease the headache for the users. Previously we wrote about Tripod itself, if the head is combined with the needed good legs, it can deliver the most out of your DSLR especially at certain situations.

Introduction to Details of Tripod Head

There are different types of tripod head available to deliver a wide variation in control mechanisms to the photographer. Some tripod head can restrict the movement only to a single axis in one plane, while other tripod head which are quite advanced can offer robotic movement for precision of the movements. A kind of tripod head can be used without the set of tripod legs. Heads can be attached to usual tripod legs, short length legs and monopods.

Details of Tripod Head

Three main distinct parts :

1. Base mount : Base mount connects the tripod head and the tripod legs with a screw. The screw is 3/8 inches in diameter, with 16 threads per inch.
2. Head mount : Head mounts are added only in mid to higher models.
3. Camera mount : Camera mount is the connecting part between the tripod head and the device.

Types of tripod head (s)

Ballheads

It has a typical ball and socket type joint allowing almost 270° range of movement. Depending upon the model, both the axis and full range of movement can be restricted for better control. There is usually a socket system that can be locked by a single clamping screw to stop at articular position. The basic two problems of Ballheads Tripod Head is, first they can be proved to be less stable with heavy instruments over them and secondly as with all ball and socket joints, with mechanical friction, there will be erosion of one (the socket or the ball) or both parts.

Pan heads or pan and tilt head

This is the typical two or three lever attached head commonly seen in a studio. A pan head allows the independent rotation of the camera which do not intersect. Pan heads have lockable levers for each axis, a scale marked in degrees at least for the vertical axis, and one or more spirit levels. This construction is significantly more complicated and sophisticate than that of a ball head.

Joystick Head

Joystick Head has a single locking lever, making control of all movements fast. The head features 360° panoramic rotation, -3°/ +90° lateral, and -90°/ +90° front tilt.

Panoramic tripod head

Mainly designed for taking Panoromic shots.

Pistol-Grip Ballhead

The lightweight pistol grip allows to lock, unlock, and reposition comfortably with one hand but the basics are almost the same like Ballheads.

Gimbal Heads

Offers less precision but is capable of carry heavy weight. The joint is gimbal joint.

If there is no standard screw system on your Tripod legs, usually some kind of converter is available to attach the Tripod head which are sold separately.

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