Is anyone using an inexpensive tripod HEAD, and happy with it?

[glen]

So, if the head is more important...
Go AT, let me hear your knowledge.

 

[glen]

............ nothing?

 

[randomrogue]

Not sure this is really the main issue with a tripod. You either get the right head or you don't. Get the right quick release plate system, pan/tilt, weight support, etc.

 

[Syborg1211]

I'm guessing the answer to your question is no if you're not getting responses. Another likely scenario is that people looking to skimp money on tripod gear buy the inexpensive leg plus head combos and call it a day. If you're buying separate heads and legs, you probably know it doesn't pay to be cheap. What's your budget exactly? Is the $90 Slik Sprint Pro II too expensive for you?

 

[randomrogue]

I just looked at tripod prices. What happened? No wonder we're getting these threads! I paid $243 for mine and got a $35 mail in rebate. The same thing today, 7 months later, is $330.

 

[Midwayman]

Inexpensive heads move when locked, they don't move smoothly, they have limited features (like a ball with pan), they can't hold substantial weight in non upright positions over time. IMHO a cheap head causes more issues than cheap legs.

 

[jhansman]

I use a Benro ballhead that cost me less than $100 and has every adjustment I could ask for. It holds my body (D7000) and every lens I own in any position without any problem. You don't have to spend the kind of money a RRS or Kirk head costs, regardless of what the "experts" tell you. They both sell great products, just waaaay overpriced, IMO.

 

[Childs]

Velbon PH-368 gets decent reviews on Amazon and B&H.

 

[glen]

Looking at a Horusbennu Carbon Fiber and an LX-3 Ball head.
$250ish
More than I wanted to spend, but it seems like a fantastic deal, and it also seems like the quality of tripod and head do matter a good bit in certain situations.

 

[jhansman]

FWIW, just dropped $185 on a Manfrotto tripod. Up til now I've been going the inexpensive route with support, but finally decided to get one that sets up quickly with legs that can go nearly flat and a center column that can be used horizontally. Some times it does make sense to pay more.