Tripod head comparison: ball head vs three way

For a long time the three-way tripod heads were the traditional go-to for many birders, known for their stability and strength. You can lock them tight for a blur-free view, yet still manipulate them across three axes of movement.

But ball heads are becoming increasingly popular. Many of the good quality tripod kits available on the market these days, however, include a ball head as standard.

If you’re wondering whether to stick with that ball head provided, or switch to a different type of tripod head, we are here to help with your decision.

We’ll look at how suitable ball heads are for birding in comparison with three way heads. To do this, we’ll cover the main features of these two types of tripod head, as well as evaluating how they each measure up to specific criteria.

While we are speaking about the general characteristics of ball heads and three-way heads, specific models and brands will of course carry their own individual features and benefits.

What we cover here should give you a wide overview of the generic qualities of these two types of trips heads. This will help to narrow down your search and choose which sort will best suit your spotting scope and tripod set-up.

Ball Head vs Three-Way Head: key takeaways

• Ball heads are simple to use, portable, and affordable with a full range of motion but limited control over individual axes
• Three-way heads offer precise control over all three axes, stability, and support for heavy equipment but are bulkier, heavier, and more complex to use
• Choose a ball head or three-way head based on what your priority is.
• Suggested criteria include:
  • movement range
  • ease of use
  • portability
  • affordability
  • precision of control

What are the main features of a Ball Head?

With its ball and socket joint the ball head offers a full range of motion. It allows for smooth and quick adjustments in any direction, making it easy to point the spotting scope exactly where you want.

Ball heads are simple and easy to use, with just one knob to adjust the camera’s orientation and lock it in place. More expensive ones provide more stability and can support heavier equipment.

Some ball heads have levels and panning features just as a three way head does. This could mean you can lock your spotting scope into place, then rotate or pan completely independently from the ball movement.

Ball heads are great for their portability, and are affordable. They work well when tracking fast paced, difficult to see birds.

What are the main features of a three-way head?

Three-way heads, on the other hand, have three levers to control three different movements. Usually they have separate control knobs for pan and tilt, as well as a separate locking knob to secure the scope in place.

This design provides more precise control and allows for independent adjustments of the scope’s position. But it can make them more complex to use than a ball head.

In general, a three way head is more useful for slower paced, distant birding. They have precise markings to indicate the degree of movement.

The classic three-way head offers stability and precision control over three axes. They are therefore best in situations where precision is more important than convenience.

This type of tripod head is especially useful for larger spotting scopes. Correspondingly, while it can handle a great maximum load the head itself is bulkier and heavier.

This makes a three way head less convenient to pack and carry than a ball head.

Another less convenient feature is their twist locks. Three-way heads with this sort of lock have become less popular in recent times due to the difficulty in operating them.

Ball heads vs three way heads: Key differences in design and functionality

Movement Range

A ball head typically has a wider range of movement compared to a three way head, as it can be adjusted in any direction. A three way head, on the other hand, is limited in movement, as it only allows for independent adjustments in two directions (pan and tilt).

Size and Weight

Ball heads tend to be smaller and lighter than three way heads, making them a better choice for those who prioritize portability. Three way heads are typically bulkier and heavier, which may be a drawback for some users.

Cost

Ball heads are generally more affordable than three way heads, making them a good option for those on a budget. Three way heads, on the other hand, are more expensive, but offer more advanced features and capabilities.

Ease of Use

Ball heads are often considered easier to use, as they only require a single knob to be adjusted. Three way heads may require more time and effort to adjust, as they have separate knobs for pan and tilt.

Ball head vs three way head: advantages and disadvantages

Pros of using a Ball Head

• Quick and convenient to adjust with a single knob
• Full range of motion
• More intuitive to direct
• Lightweight and portable
• Often more affordable than three way heads
• Different ball heads are not created equally
• Increasing range of extra features available, such as a separate panning feature or extra support for heavier spotting scopes
• A simpler design and fewer moving parts make them easier to use and reduce the risk of failure in the field

Cons of using a Ball Head

• Limited control over individual axis of movement
• Can be less stable with heavy equipment or windy conditions
• Not as precise as three way heads

Pros of using a Three Way Head

• Classic and traditional type of tripod head
• Offers precise control over all three axes of movement
• More stability
• Supports a lot of weight if you’re using a heavy scope
• Ideal for precise control across three different axes
• Generally better for birding, especially when under less time pressure to find or follow a target

Cons of using a Three Way Head

• More complex to operate and set up
• Takes more time to position
• Heavier and bulkier than ball heads – less portable and packable
• Typically more expensive than ball heads
• May not be ideal for birding from a low angle
• Becoming less popular, so may be a narrow range to choose from

Ball head vs three way head: ease of operation

When it comes to ease of operation, both ball heads and three-way heads have their pros and cons.

Ball heads are often considered easier to use, as they typically have a simple, single-knob design that allows for quick and easy adjustments. With just a single turn of the knob, you can adjust the position of your spotting scope, and fine-tune your aim.

On the other hand, three-way heads can be more complex to operate, with three separate knobs for panning, tilting, and adjusting the height. This can make it more time-consuming to get the perfect shot, especially if you need to make multiple adjustments.

However, three-way heads offer more precise control over the positioning of your spotting scope.

Ball head vs three way head: stability and support

Ball heads are typically lighter and more compact than three-way heads. Historically, ball heads have been designed to handle lighter spotting scopes, with a lower weight capacity than other types of tripod head.

If you are using a heavier spotting scope, the ball head may not provide enough stability and support, which can result in movement and image shake.

On the other hand, three-way heads offer greater stability and support compared to ball heads. This makes them ideal for long observation sessions where stability is essential.

That said, more and more higher end ball heads are available that can cope with a higher maximum load, making them more competitive to handle larger scopes.

Ball head vs three way head: Set-up Time

The set-up time for each type of head will vary depending on the specific design and features of the head you choose.

Ball heads are generally quicker and easier to set up because they only have one locking mechanism to deal with, which makes them more straightforward to use.

Some ball heads, though, may have more intricate locking mechanisms that take longer to set up. This may be the case if you have a ball head with a separately lockable panning feature.

In contrast, three way heads have three different locking mechanisms, one for each axis of movement. These can be a bit more time-consuming to set up initially.

With three way heads, what affects the set-up time includes the type of locking mechanism used, the size and weight of the head, and the presence of any additional features.

If you need to set up your scope quickly in order to observe birds on the move, a ball head may be a better option.

However, if you are planning to use your scope in a more stationary setting, a three way head may offer more precise and customizable adjustments, even if it takes a bit longer to set up.

Ball heads vs three way heads: ease of adjustment

Ball heads:

• Typically have a single knob or lever that controls the movement of the ball.
• This design allows for quick and intuitive adjustments.
• It can be challenging to make precise adjustments, though, as the single point of control can make it difficult to maintain a level position.

Three way heads:

• Their three knobs or levers each control a different axis of movement.
• This design provides more control over the movement of the scope and allows for more precise adjustments, as each axis can be adjusted independently.
• Extra precision can come at the cost of time and effort, as multiple knobs or levers must be adjusted to make the desired changes.

Ball heads vs three way heads: Horizontal Alignment

A ball head is designed to allow for quick and intuitive adjustments, which can be especially useful in situations where you need to quickly adjust the position of your scope.

A ball head can be prone to slight movement or drifting when holding heavier equipment.
So, due to its design, it can be more difficult to achieve precise horizontal alignment with a ball head.

On the other hand, a three way head has separate controls for each axis of movement, which provides more precision in terms of alignment.

Using a three way head makes it easier to achieve perfect horizontal alignment. This can be especially important for birding situations such as sea watching, and other applications like digiscoping where maintaining a level view is crucial.

A three way head is traditionally understood to be more stable and maintain level shots even with heavier equipment, due to its separate controls for each axis of movement.

If you prioritize quick and intuitive adjustments, a ball head might be the better choice, but if precise alignment and stability are important, a three way head might be the way to go.

Ball heads vs three way heads: Price and Budget

Ball heads have become more affordable with improved precision and stability. However, low-priced ball heads may not match the robustness of cheaper three way heads.

If your budget can stretch, though, higher end ball heads offer superior performance and stability. They will hold large scopes and lenses firmly with just one lever lock.

Ball heads vs three way heads: Specific Birding Situations

Birding Situations when a Three Way Head is better

• Slow Moving or Perched Birds:

Three way heads are ideal for observing slow moving or perched birds, as they allow for smooth, precise adjustments in all three dimensions. This allows the observer to follow the bird as it moves and make small, fine adjustments to the position of the spotting scope.

• Landscape Observation:

For birders who also enjoy observing landscapes, a three way head can be useful because it provides a wider range of adjustability and allows for greater control over the position of the spotting scope. This can be particularly helpful when observing birds in a variety of terrains, such as on hills, in forests, or along coastlines.

• Heavy Equipment:

Three way heads are also useful for birders who use heavier equipment, as they offer greater support and stability. This can be especially important when using large spotting scopes or long, heavy lenses that require extra support.

• Precise adjustment and control:

Three way heads offer more precise control over the movement of the scope, allowing birders to make fine-tuned adjustments while observing birds.

Birding situations when a Ball Head is better

• Rapidly Moving Birds:

Ball heads are ideal for observing rapidly moving birds, such as birds in flight, because they allow for quick, fluid adjustments in one direction. This makes it easier to follow the bird as it moves and maintain a clear view of it through the spotting scope.

• Mobile Observation:

Ball heads are also well suited for birders who frequently move from location to location, as they are compact and easy to set up and take down. This can be especially important for birders who travel to different environments and need to set up their equipment quickly and efficiently.

• Lightweight Equipment:

Ball heads are also useful for birders who use lightweight equipment, as they are designed to be lightweight and portable. This can be particularly helpful for birders who want to keep their gear minimal and easily transportable.

• When you need to track birds on the move
• When a quick fuss-free set-up is required
• Birding in a location with limited visibility
• If speed of adjustment is more important than stability and accuracy
• When you need something easy to carry and transport
• If simplicity and reliability are priorities

Ball heads vs three way heads: how to decide on a choice

Ball heads and three way heads are two different types of tripod heads used for supporting a spotting scope. Both types of heads have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, making it important to consider the specific needs of the user when choosing between them.

For birders who value quick and easy adjustments, a ball head may be the best choice. These heads are typically lighter and more compact, making them a good option for those who need to travel with their equipment.

Three way heads offer more precise control and are typically more stable. This makes them ideal for birders who need to track birds for extended periods of time, with heavier equipment, or in challenging environments.

When it comes to choosing between a ball head and a three way head, the best choice will depend on your specific needs. For further information, feel free to check out this article on how to choose a tripod head for birding.

To consider other tripod head options, we also have a thorough guide on how pan heads compare with ball heads.