Originally posted by csa I've always used a Pan/Tilt Head (Manfrotto #3126); and am wondering what are the advantages/disadvantages of Ball Heads over this type of head?
I use a pan/tilt tripod head (on left tripod) when panning or shooting stationary or slow-moving subjects.
I use a gimbal tripod head (on right tripod) when shooting fast-moving subjects with long and/or heavy lenses. The gimbal head uses balance and counter balance to neutralize the weight of my heavy lenses.
I use an Acratech Ultimate ball head when shooting fast-moving subjects with a moderate telephoto lens. I tend to use my ball head more on a monopod than a tripod.