Which Pan-Tilt head for (studio) 5DMkII?

Nikolai

I have finally decided to bite the bullet and purchase a separate head for studio work. It doesn't have to hold huge weights as all I'm gonna put on it will most likely be about 5-6lbs (Canon 5D2 + Grip + L-bracket + 24-105L/4). Also I'm shooting stills, not videos.

My key concerns are:
* smooth operation in "unlocked" state;
* reliable locking to prevent accidental changes;
* ease of use;
I don't mind having separate levers; in fact I prefer those so I know exactly which axis I control at the moment.

I already did the search across several respectable (B&H, Adorama, Calumet, FM, etc.) sites, and was kinda swamped by the variety of options. :scratch

I also checked pano/gymbal solutions -those seem a bit too much for what I need, since I don't need neither mm-level accuracy in nodal positioning, nor the large weight support.

What would be your thoughts/experience?
TIA!:thumb

billythek

Can't help you with a geared or pan/tilt head since I prefer a ball head. However, I did want to make one comment. It is not so much about the weight that the head can support as it is about how well the head & tripod eliminate lens vibration. The smallest lens vibration will degrade image sharpness to some degree, and you can never completely get rid of it, only control it better. Even with a monster ArcaSwiss ballhead and a series 5 Gitzo tripod there will be a minute amount of vibration.

The heavy-duty heads and tripods usually do a better job of reducing vibration. My point is, don't look at your camera and say "oh it only weighs 5 lbs, this setup should hold it". There's a reason why most studios have very substantial tripods or stands.

puzzledpaul

If you don't need to adjust all 3 axes, would a pan /tilt head be of use / interest?
If so, something like a Sinar one would tick the boxes listed - in spades, imo.

They're a stupid price new, but crop up from time to time on fleabay for more reasonable amounts.

... and yes, I have personal experience of using such a bit of kit

Together with being built like a tank and smooth operating, they also have a pretty low profile.

Another low-profile one - with 3 axis control is the Gitzo PL5 (or whatever modern No it goes by) - extremely robust (again) and often goes for a song - especially the severely cosmetically challenged ones:)

These both have large diameter clamping surfaces - so don't need much 'wellie' to lock off etc.

Depending on where the Cof G of your rig is - and where it was positioned on the (large) top plate of the PL5, it'd be fairly easy to sort it so's it flopped back on itself, should you forget to lock it off.


pp

Nikolai

Thank you Bill and Paul!