Ball Head vs Pan Tripod Head: Which Do You Need?

The ball head and pan heads are high-quality tripod heads that you can use in real estate photography and videography. However, it can be challenging to choose one over the other. Understanding the ball head vs pan head debate in terms of design and performance differences will help you choose one that suits your real estate photography needs.

Ball Head vs Pan Tripod Head General Overview

The ball head and pan head help to attach the camera to the tripod while allowing the camera operator to tilt and pan the camera for a more stable shooting experience than hand-holding. This ball head vs pan head comparison exploits their different control mechanisms and applications.

Ball Tripod Head Overview

Brand: Gitzo GH1382TQD	Brand: Induro BHL3S	Brand: Vanguard Alta BH-250
Item Weight: 0.86 pounds	Item Weight: 0.95 pounds	Item Weight: 1.3 pounds
Item Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.5 x 5.1 inches	Item Dimensions: 4.65 x 3.35 x 4.13 inches	Item Dimensions: 4.2 x 4.2 x 4.6 inches
Primary Rating: 4.8	Primary Rating: 4.4	Primary Rating: 4.4
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Brand:

Gitzo GH1382TQD

Item Weight:

0.86 pounds

Item Dimensions:

4.3 x 3.5 x 5.1 inches

Primary Rating:

4.8

Check Price on Amazon

Brand:

Induro BHL3S

Item Weight:

0.95 pounds

Item Dimensions:

4.65 x 3.35 x 4.13 inches

Primary Rating:

4.4

Check Price on Amazon

Brand:

Vanguard Alta BH-250

Item Weight:

1.3 pounds

Item Dimensions:

4.2 x 4.2 x 4.6 inches

Primary Rating:

4.4

Check Price on Amazon

A ball head is a tripod head that uses a simple design of a ball mounted in a socket. The ball has a screw that you use to attach the camera to the ball, and then the socket is attached to the tripod.

Typically, a ball head's design and operational mechanism are almost similar to a human joint. Considering that the ball can move freely in the socket, the ball head mechanism uses a screw to help loosen or hold the ball in place.

Pan Tripod Head Overview

Brand: Vanguard VEO 2	Brand: Vanguard VEO 2 PRO	Brand: SLIK Pro 700 DX
Compatible Devices: Camera	Compatible Devices: Camera	Compatible Devices: Camcorder, Camera
Item Weight : 9.6 Ounces	Item Weight : 3.3 Pounds	Item Weight : 3670 grams
Primary Rating: 4.1	Primary Rating: 4.3	Primary Rating: 4.8
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Brand:

Vanguard VEO 2

Compatible Devices:

Camera

Item Weight :

9.6 Ounces

Primary Rating:

4.1

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Brand:

Vanguard VEO 2 PRO

Compatible Devices:

Camera

Item Weight :

3.3 Pounds

Primary Rating:

4.3

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Brand:

SLIK Pro 700 DX

Compatible Devices:

Camcorder, Camera

Item Weight :

3670 grams

Primary Rating:

4.8

Check Price on Amazon

The pan head design consists of a platform with a screw on the top side for attaching the camera. The platform then sits on top of the tripod, holding and stabilizing your camera.

In most cases, a pan head comes with two hinges that allow you to control both the horizontal and vertical movements. It also features a lever that makes it easy to control the tilts and pans.

Comparing a Pan vs Ball Tripod Head

Although both the ball head and pan head are versatile tripod heads that you can use in a wide range of photographic applications such as architectural, product, landscape, and real estate photography, they have the following similarities and differences.

Similarities

Although ball heads and pan have some differences, they have some common performance and design features such as:

• Both the ball head and pan head can have a quick-release place to enhance faster camera attachment and detachment
• Although they use different tilt and pan adjustments, both the ball head and pan head can be adjusted into portrait position when shooting portraits
• It is possible to lock both ball heads and pan heads into fixed horizontal and vertical positions
• Both the ball head and pan head allows you to adjust the tension and friction that helps to restrict movements

Differences

Although ball heads and pan heads are flexible in both pan and tilt, they have significant design and operational differences that affect their performance and photographic applications. Learning these differences will help you decide which tripod head fits your camera gear.

Flexibility

Considering that a ball head like the Benro Triple Action uses a ball mounted in a socket, the ball can move freely and rotate in all directions when you loosen the screw, giving you better flexibility. That means you can tilt and pan a ball head simultaneously with much ease.

On the other hand, a pan head comes with two separate hinges, one for the vertical tilt and the other for the horizontal pan. It means you will either have to tilt and then pan or vice versa, but not 3-axis. A pan head may also have a lever for tilting and panning.

Form Factor

A ball head uses a simple design with only two or three control knobs with no lever sticking out. The lack of levers and hinges makes ball heads more compact and in better shape than pan heads.

On the other hand, pan heads like Vanguard VEO 2 are bigger and come with a sticking-out lever and several knobs. As a result, pan heads are also heavier than ball heads, making them less portable.

Precision

Considering that the ball of a ball head can move in 3-axis when you loosen the screw, it can be challenging to set it in a level position when you only want to use the pan or the tilt.

This lack of precision can be an issue when shooting interior photos where angles and corners are levels. On the other hand, pan heads offer a more precise control as you can lock the tilt and remain with the horizontal movements or lock the pan and remain with the vertical movements.

Major Distinguishing Factor

The major distinguishing factor between a ball head and a pan head is their design. A ball head consists of a ball that can move freely for 360 degrees. It features two knobs, one for controlling the tension of the ball and the other for locking it.

Keep in mind that you cannot lock the tilt or the pan separately in a ball head. On the other hand, the design of a pan head consists of a platform with two separate hinges and a control lever. It also features separate knobs for locking and unlocking the tilt and the pan.

When to Use a Ball Head

Considering that a ball head is flexible and can move in all directions, it is suitable for these photographic conditions.

• When shooting fast-moving subjects, considering the 3-axis movement will allow you to follow the subject with ease
• Considering that a ball head is lightweight and has a small form factor, it's the best tripod head for carrying around in your camera bag or backpack
• The single knob for setting both the tilt and the pan ensures uniform tension in both tilt and pan, which helps maintain uniform smoothness in the 3-axis

When to Use a Pan Head

The pan head design makes it have some benefits over the ball head in the following shooting situations.

• When using heavy cameras, the lever can help to counter some of the camera weight and prevent possible falls
• Considering that you can lock the tilt or the pan separately, pan heads are the best option to use when you need precise leveling and uniform tilts or pans in real estate photography
• When taking photos of stationary subjects or landscapes, it is easier to level a pan head and lock it into position

Ball Head vs Pan Tripod: Final Verdict

The pan heads offer better leveling and precision that many professional real estate photographers might prefer. However, ball heads are more flexible, easy to use, and can follow a moving subject faster. Generally, you can use a ball head to shoot in a wide range of conditions compared to a pan head.

Whether in videography or photography, the stability of the image depends on the type of tripod head you are using. It is also best to research the best tripod head for video. The above ball head vs pan head comparison will help you choose a tripod head that meets your panning, leveling, precision, and flexibility needs.