Best tri-pod head for portraits?

[Greg Compton]

What is the best tri-pod head to use for a portrait studio? One that is quick and easy to adjust.

[Dierk Haasis]

Really Right Stuff BH-55 (http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html)

[Asher Kelman]

Really Right Stuff BH-55 (http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html)

An additonal consideration is that in portrait one may want to change the height a little and fluidly. This is best achieved with a hand cranks and levers on the head.

Asher

[Greg Compton]

I think I would like one with the "squeeze grip" Any suggestions on this type of mount?

[Dierk Haasis]

This is best achieved with a hand cranks and levers on the head.

I disagree. When Manfrotto adapted the video heads under the name of three-way heads I thought they were very good. Took me some time to realise that real ballheads are much smoother, faster and more flexible.

[Greg Compton]

That is what I want. smooth, easy to adjust camera. Which one do you use?

[Asher Kelman]

If you shoot portraits you might want to mount your camera on different tripods in the store and try it. I shoot a lot and a ballhead has too many directions to move. So you should see for yourself what you actually prefer.

Certainly for height, a crank is very helpful. All the subject has to do is lean forward and the eyes are on the wrong plane.

Just my experience. Buying without trying is to me not a wise move. For outdoors, ball heads are great and so os Really Right Stuff. I have bought a lot from them and I hear only great things about their ballheads, although I don't own one.

You can't, however, buy something for as intimate a process a portrait photography by simply getting someone else's opinion, especially if that's not what they usually do!

Hand cranks can be as smooth as silk!

Asher

[Jan Luursema]

If your are shooting a lot of verticals I would certainly get an L-bracket. Probably put it on a ballhead, like the RRS. Kirk and Markins also have good ballheads (I'm using a Kirk BH-3). But a 3 way head might be just as easy.
I've been wanting an L-bracket for quite some time, but I switch camera to much to invest in an accessory which is camera specific :P

[Asher Kelman]

Jan, what 3 way head would you buy if you were not cash-limited?

Asher

[Jan Luursema]

Jan, what 3 way head would you buy if you were not cash-limited?

Asher

Well Asher, I really don't know since I've never used or investigated one. But am I wrong assuming 3 way heads are pretty simple in construction so any head from a good manufacturer will be good?

[Asher Kelman]

Jan,

There are differences in how easy it is to tighten and loosen the knobs/levers. I'll do a search and post!

Asher

[David Robertson]

I don't shoot portraits, but perhaps the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared head is suitable. It weighs 3lb and has a max load of about 11lb. I 've had one for years and its still silky smooth and precise in operation. If you need something a bit beefier then there is the Manfrotto 405 Pro Geared head, but I have no experience of it. Both come with a quick release plate.

Kind regards

Dave

[Scott B. Hughes]

the Arca-Swiss B1 head is sweet.

Yes, the photographer needs to pay attention. The versatility and speed steps all over any heads which use multiple levers to make adjustments.

IMO!

[Daniel Harrison]

Manfrotto 488RC2,
Great head, small, light and will hold like a vise! Pistol grips are IMHO no where near as strong. Also you can set the tension so you can move it around but when you stop it just stays. Also great bang for the buck- go and try one!

highly highly recommended!

[Kevin Bjorke]

Pistol grips are big but I like mine a lot (Bogen 3265). Ten years w9ithout ever worrying about it being strong enough (for 35/MF/digi)