How to choose a tripod video head
Video heads enable smooth and precise tracking with the ability to move on both axes simultaneously.
Frequently asked questions when selecting the heads
Do all tripods come with tripod heads?
Not always. Most tripod models come with a head, especially those designed for beginners; professional tripods, on the other hand, often leave the choice of head to the photographer.
I'm a novice photographer and am not sure which type of photography to focus on. Is a video head the right choice for me?
As the name suggests, video heads are designed specifically for recording videos. For regular photography, 3-way tripod heads are the most versatile option. They are slightly cheaper and more suitable for "slower" types of photography, where you have plenty of time to set up the composition. Ball heads are more suitable for "faster" types of photography that require rapid readjustments, such as sports or wildlife photography.
Glossary - Tripods
Tripod
A tripod is essential piece of photographic kit used to stabilise the camera during longer exposure times.
Tripod head
The tripod head attaches the supported device (e.g. a camera) to the tripod legs and allows the device to be locked or positioned in different ways. Tripod heads differ according to the clamping mechanism used and the method of adjusting the axis.
Image stabilisation
Image stabilisation helps to prevent blur caused by camera shake. You should consider getting a lens with image stabilisation if you often use zoom or shoot without a tripod.
