I d'ont understand ( no ball head needed for panning ) why? not same the picture? thank
2050166
The base has two parts, the rounded bottom that mounts into a bowl tripod and a rotating plate on top that pans the vertical supports that hold the extension arms.
994587
I was unhappy that there is not a ball head to allow for much more adjusting of my Nikon D5100. It is fairly stable, although do not stand in front of it with your back turned....walked into mine. It feel over with my camera. Yikes. My big 105mm lens and camera do not seem too heavy so the Handycam will hold the weight. Panning the camera could be a problem. No Instructions available from Polaroid either...grrrr. Ask on Flickr about using this tripod.
1271296
I already had a ball head so I just put that on so if you don't have one then yes you will need to purchase a camera mount.
100321
I am basically a sports and wildlife photographer. I have a couple of ball heads that I have used in that manner, but the gimbal is much easier to manage. Your camera/lens are centered directly above the tripod instead of hanging off to one side which makes everything much more stable. If you are shooting moving subjects(sports, flying birds, etc...) it is so much easier to follow the action and stay on target with the camera centered and balanced on the tripod. I have had no regrets with my gimbal.
1571745
I am not a fan of ball heads on tripods. Tripods are for establishing a solid base for the camera, which implies fine adjustment capabilities the ball head simply doesn't have. Ball heads should pretty much be limited to use with lighting units and small cameras mounted on mini tripods and monopods.
1976692
It requires a ball head, or some sort of screw on tripod head, which is not included with the slider
891691
For high end panning and tilting, no. For limited panning and/or tilting (with a little graphite put in the assemblies, and using them a bit to loosen them up), it will do in a pinch, but the results will NOT be the same as using a fluid or geared head. If you do limited pans and tilts, it might be suitable for what you need. If you do a lot of them, or a lot of "delicate" pans or tilts, then no, it is definitely NOT suited to your needs.
1972071
Camera's position is fixed. I got a Professional Mini-ball head which when attached to the mono pod gives you flexibility. the Mini ball head only works with point and shoot camera's NOT DLR
746559
It pans from the base of the tripod, not the head. It is great though. It is the best monopod I've ever seen!
690838
The slider doesn't come with a ball head. It does not flex but if you have it mounted on a tripod in the center, a heavy load can sometimes make it move some. Best solution is to support it on both sides or place on the floor or apple boxes ext.
637256
Well, I'm not using this original head and quick shoe (plate), I bought a new video type head when I got this tripod and replaced them. If you are interested buying a new ball head I can sell a original head with quick shoe to you. Please contact me. They are new condition. I can set up a eBay with buy now option.
100322
The gimbal head works better with 300mm or longer lens. With lens less than 300mm the ball head is probably a better choice.
1812832
There is no pan handle on mine either...must not have one...I seldom do video panning so do not miss it...great tripod anyway.
775630
Yes, but I wouldn't recommend it for lots of video, there are better tripod heads with a pan-handle (haha) that make panning smoother. Once you lock the ball with the two knobs, there is a separate knob that controls rotation, and it tells you the degrees (0-360), so you can take panoramic photos. You loosen the rotation knob and can pan, it does feel smooth, and could be used if you will do occasional videos. If you are taking a lot of videos, I would get something made more for videos.
1974855
Sorry for the delay but I bought this for my son and I had to get in touch with him to get the answer. He says that he had to buy a robust Ball Head that would hold the weight in order for this to work successfully. The ball head also allows you to tilt and move the camera as you want to. I hope this helps you with your problem.
2249764
It's a full ball head that will rotate to allow the camera to shoot straight down ... The field of view would be rather small between legs and the height wouldn't give much clearance though.
518757
Yes, if you look at the image of back of the camera you'll see a little trapezoid shape coming down under the screen. The threaded 1/4" hole is in the middle of that. It's centered with the lens, so that's a plus for panning.