Turning Heads
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine|Summer 2018

Jason Parnell-Brookes shows you how to set up your tripod head correctly and explains the pros and cons of different types

Turning Heads

Following on from last issue’s project on setting your tripod up correctly, in this tutorial we’ll be covering the basics of tripod head use and the different kinds you might run into.

A tripod, as most people think of it, has two main sections: the legs and the head. The legs spread out and elevate the mount for your Nikon, but the head is responsible for the movement of the DSLR once it’s fixed to the legs. This is an integral part of the tripod that you won’t want to skip on, because this is how you’ll compose your image, only using the legs for stability and levelling.

There’s no one-head-fits-all solution, as they all have a specific use. Some tripods come with heads as part of the package, but others come as just legs and the head is a separate purchase.

Very cheap tripods don’t give you the option to change the head, and if you want to up your photography game, these are best avoided. There are many different types of tripod heads, but we’ll go over five common types you’re likely to encounter.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM N-PHOTO: THE NIKON MAGAZINEView all
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2

The original version broke the mould for ‘trinity' standard zooms. The G2 enhances handling and performance further still

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
Nikon D500
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Nikon D500

Nikon's flagship DX-format DSLR is a modern classic. And while it hasn't been out of production for long, it left a hole in Nikon's camera line-up that's never been filled

time-read
1 min  |
Summer 2024
Laurence Griffiths
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Laurence Griffiths

With so much sporting action this summer, Laurence Griffiths of Getty Images reveals how to catch every goal at the Euros, details Getty Images' 24/7 Olympics coverage and why he always has a wide-angle ready. Keith Wilson managed to grab him before kick-off...

time-read
10 mins  |
Summer 2024
Ghost town
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Ghost town

Adam Waring uses ND filters to subdue the hustle and bustle when shooting busy cities

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
Creative cities
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Creative cities

Experienced travel photographer Matt Higgs provides top tips for stunning shots of city sights

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
If at first you don't succeed...
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

If at first you don't succeed...

Tom travels to the other side of the world to have another go at shooting an elusive image and displays the power of his perseverance

time-read
3 mins  |
Summer 2024
Shoot the summer of sports
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Shoot the summer of sports

Have the Olympics and Euros inspired you to photograph sport? Mike Harris shows you how to score a portfolio of top shots

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2024
Osprey & prey
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Osprey & prey

Birds of a feather Gary Jones and Leigh Pugh photograph ospreys from a purpose-built hide

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024
Superzoom lenses
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Superzoom lenses

These lenses will have you in for a long stretch, some more than others in the wide-angle to telephoto stakes

time-read
5 mins  |
Summer 2024
Nikon Z 6III
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Nikon Z 6III

With a revolutionary 'partially stacked' full-frame sensor, the Z 6III fits flagship camera features in an compact enthusiast-level body

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024