GH3 3- Way Fluid Head Recommendation

[d1rockwild]

So for slider work I see ball heads and 2 way fluid heads, but not 3 way fluid heads used when the slider is set at an angle. I'm sure they're out there and hopefully for less than $200. I use Velbon fluid heads, which I know aren't true fluid heads, but are good enough for me. For example, the Velbon PH-368 is good enough for me. Anyone have something to recommend?

 

[Bern Caughey]

Short of investing in a Dutch head, or mounting one fluid head atop another, consider a leveling base. While not fluid it will allow a flat mount head to Dutch.

I use Acratech's.

http://acratech.net/home.php?cat=2

 

[TheDingo]

B&H Photo list another brand of leveling head that has 17 degrees of movement ( versus the 10 degrees of the Acratech model )

Sunwayfoto DYH-90 Leveling Base : $169

 

[dustylense]

THe Arcatech is far stronger though. Can handle lots of weight. Then there is the Kessler low profile head. http://www.kesslercrane.com/product-p/low_pro_ball_head_qt.htm

 

[TheDingo]

THe Arcatech is far stronger though. Can handle lots of weight.

The Arcatech is rated for 25 lbs, while the Sunwayfoto mount is rated for 66 lbs. That doesn't seem far stronger to me.

 

[aldolega]

There's also this Manfrotto leveler which would give you 10 degrees of adjustment, and is less than the others posted:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554093-REG/Manfrotto_438_438_Compact_Levelling_Head.html

Do you really need to pan or tilt while sliding, though? It seems like that doesn't get done much at this level of production. If you just want the camera level, a ball head will work just fine.

 

[dustylense]

The Arcatech is rated for 25 lbs, while the Sunwayfoto mount is rated for 66 lbs. That doesn't seem far stronger to me.

I suppose it is :thumbsup: The thing is that the leveler is very hard to move lighter weights. THe Arcatec is very fluid and easy to adjust throughout all specified weights. But in the end, they both do the same thing.

 

[d1rockwild]

There's also this Manfrotto leveler which would give you 10 degrees of adjustment, and is less than the others posted:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554093-REG/Manfrotto_438_438_Compact_Levelling_Head.html

Do you really need to pan or tilt while sliding, though? It seems like that doesn't get done much at this level of production. If you just want the camera level, a ball head will work just fine.

Thanks. These levelers are interesting. Never really new they existed actually. As to needing a 3 way head, yes I can think of some pretty would-be simple camera moves that wouldn't be pushing the limits of the production. For example, setting the slider completely vertical, then sliding the camera up or down while panning up or down. A 2-person operation I suppose. Time is of the essense as well, so a 3 way head would help in that regard.

 

[Bern Caughey]

There's also this Manfrotto leveler which would give you 10 degrees of adjustment, and is less than the others posted:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554093-REG/Manfrotto_438_438_Compact_Levelling_Head.html

I have this Manfrotto leveler too, but the lever can sometimes be a PIA to operate.