Pairing up Heads / Legs from Different Brands

[dodphotography]

I find it hard as hell to figure out what heads are compatible with other tripod brands.

I'm looking at the Gitzo low profile pan tilt (5 series) and am trying to figure out if this would work well with a RRS TVC33S.

The width of the apex is my primary concern.

[C. D. Keth]

With the exception of majestic heads and tripods, which use a totally different system, I don't know of any heads that won't work on any other legs. They just attach with a 3/8"-16 bolt.

[dodphotography]

So what happens when a head like the Ries 250 head with a 6 inch crown faces a tripod whose apex is 3 inches... How does that work?

[Jac@stafford.net]

So what happens when a head like the Ries 250 head with a 6 inch crown faces a tripod whose apex is 3 inches... How does that work?

It works just fine.

[dodphotography]

It works just fine.

Sweet... In just trying to avoid any mistakes. I've never owned high end tripod gear, just crap you (although working perfectly fine) heavy legs no one is willing to carry around.

First CF purchase.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Sweet... In just trying to avoid any mistakes. I've never owned high end tripod gear, just crap you (although working perfectly fine) heavy legs no one is willing to carry around.

First CF purchase.


I like to match tripod platform to the head, however if the head and tripod are competent I have no worry.

Enjoy.

[Drew Bedo]

If the screw fits—twist it!

[djdister]

For me, if the tripod head base either matches in size or is a bit smaller than the crown of the legs then its a decent fit. If the base of the head is a lot wider (or a lot narrower) than the crown of the legs, then it could suggest a mismatch in load capacity between the two items. Of course, "your mileage may vary..." And again, that's just my approach to it, nothing etched in stone.

[Jim Noel]

With the exception of majestic heads and tripods, which use a totally different system, I don't know of any heads that won't work on any other legs. They just attach with a 3/8"-16 bolt.
Several use 1/4" -20 to mount to head.

[Drew Bedo]

Several use 1/4" -20 to mount to head.
There is an adapter for that. Many heads come with a 1/4-20 bushing fitted.

[dodphotography]

For me, if the tripod head base either matches in size or is a bit smaller than the crown of the legs then its a decent fit. If the base of the head is a lot wider (or a lot narrower) than the crown of the legs, then it could suggest a mismatch in load capacity between the two items. Of course, "your mileage may vary..." And again, that's just my approach to it, nothing etched in stone.

I think I'm going to go with the Gitzo low profile head and a set of RRS sticks.

I really wanted to stick with a ballhead and QR system but even with a lightweight 8x10 that seems to not be a good call.

[dodphotography]

I'm so lost! I know ballheads are frowned upon but can anyone sell me on them... Please?!?! Lol