Learn which tripod head is best for you.

Tripod heads are critical to a photographer’s success. When it counts to get the shot, you want to rely on the right head without breaking the bank.

I find that the Bogen Manfrotto line of Tripods and Heads offers the best value and easiest to use Tripod Legs and Head combinations. In this article, I will compare three different types of heads.

Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate

The 322RC2 has quickly become my favorite. Although it is expensive, you are getting your money’s worth in functionality and usefulness. The revolver head design lets you compose quickly without having to turn any knobs while giving you a great grip for precise adjustments.

The friction adjustment lets you control how easy it is to move the head when you are holding down the grip. It is easier to fine-tune a composition if you set it tight enough but not too tight.

Advantages

I love this head, since I love to move around a lot. Instead of standing firm in one place during a sunset, I like to shift my vantage point and change things around to get as many different compositions as possible. This head offers the flexibility to be quick on your (tripod’s) feet.

You can adapt the head for left-hander operation. Simply unscrew the connector base and screw it in the opposite side of the handle.

Disadvantages

This head is the most expensive in this review. It is also the heaviest. I do not find it too heavy to carry it around all day on my pod, but if you need to reduce weight, keep reading.

Additionally, ball-heads are not very useful for panorama shooting.

Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System

I like this little head. The 486RC2 is very lightweight and very versatile. I bought this head on Amazon on my way out the door (rush delivery), since I needed something quick while preserving cash I had allocated for my trip.

The head was small enough to fit into my camera bag without having to remove anything else. It is easy to use while giving you the great image results you are looking for. This head is worth every penny, considering that it costs less than a meal for two.

Advantages

This head is very affordable. You can adjust it quickly and comfortably, almost as well as the revolver-type head. This head also gives you the flexibility to recompose quickly.

The head is the lightest in my test. If you need to cut down on weight and still want to have a great ball-head, this one is perfect.

Disadvantages

I find this head a bit flimsy with large cameras and lenses, but it is just my sentiment, as it is perfectly capable of getting the job done.

This head is not great for panorama photography, just like the Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head.

I find the biggest drawback is the lack of a level. The other heads in this review have built in levels that greatly aid your composition when there is no clear definition of the horizon.

Manfrotto BOGEN 3437 3D Magnesium Head with Quick Release

The 3437 used to be my only tripod head for some time. It gets the job done and it works great for panoramic photography. This inexpensive head is ideal for nature photographers. It is very sturdy and very light and lets you fine-tune your shot better than the ball-heads do. The head forces you to take your time while composing your shot which can be a “blessing and a curse” (cit. Mr. Monk).

Advantages

This head has separate adjustments for tilt, yaw, pitch and roll. That makes it a good candidate for panorama photography. Set the tripod up to be level (use the water level of the legs) for perfect results.

Disadvantages

With four controls, it takes a while to compose a shot. If you move around a lot, you should consider an inexpensive ball-head like the 486RC2 to complement your setup. If you primarily photograph nature, the 3437 is all you need.

Which one is best for you

Best Value

Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System

Panorama Shooters

Manfrotto BOGEN 3437 3D Magnesium Head with Quick Release

No compromise, best head

Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate

Upcoming Articles

• Tripod Leg recommendation
• Gorillapod review

Subscribe to my feed and be among the first to read the new articles.

Tripod heads reviewed in this article: