A little help required - Pan Tilt heads

I`m looking for a little help in getting a more heavy duty Pan Tilt head.

The one I have works fine with the smaller lenses / camera set up, but I`m trying to get something more stable for when I put the K1 ii together with the 500mm lens. Once the lens is extended there is a distinct tendency for the lens to "droop" which obviously means I spend a significant amount of time trying to get things back in focus.

I`m thinking of perhaps something that would allow a fairly heavy lens / camera combination and be solid when set, but would also be easy (and quick enough) to be changed when required. I`m not averse to buying a tripod / head combination and obviously if anyone just happens to have something .....

I`ve obviously looked through the various company / amaozn / ebay lists but before I move forward I`d appreciate any help from anyone that has been through a similar predicament.

Many thanks

David

I assume your 500mm lens has a foot. There should be no droop with that.

David

Are you sure that you wouldn't be better of with a Gimbal Head? I have both the GH-2 (full) and RH-M1 (monopod) from the LensMaster (link) and have found them excellent.

Jon

Thanks for your input both.

Peter - the lens does have a foot but regardless of how I tighten it, the lens still drops. There is obviously something not sitting quite right but I can`t find it

Jon - I`ve looked at the link and that looks like it may be worth a shot - but of course, everyone is self isolating just now so I`ll have to be patient (which according to my wife, I`m not too good at)

David

I have the same problem with a pan & tilt head and heavy lens when pointing skywards at the moon for instance, whereas on the level it is ok.

I had the same problem and went for a ball head instead. Solid as a rock.
You just have to check the ball you choose has more capacity than the weight you want to put on it. Most do.
If I could have afforded it at the time I would have probably gone for a gimbal but at the time they were serious money. There are more affordable options now.

So, it now looks like either one of the cheaper Gimbal heads (and yes Gwyn, some of them are serious money) - or maybe a more substantial ball head.

I had both pan and tilt, and ball head from other tripods but the recent addition of the heavy K1 and the 500mm lens is certainly giving me pause for thought.

I`ll continue with this one and see what other snippets are offered.

Many thanks All.

David.

I've used a K1 linked to a 150 -450 lens mounted on a cheap-ish " Neweer " gimbal with good success, no creep at all. I don't use it that often and I think I paid around £50 for it inc shipping.

Thanks Chris,

Looks like this is the way I`ll go. For sure I can`t hold the camera and this lens without some serious gym days.
The older pan and tilt can be used for the lighter work.

Now to find a good one reasonably priced

David