Are you using the right tripod head for landscape photography?

Cley-Next-the-Sea, Holt, UK. March 16, 2014. Image shows a windmill set among marshes in Norfolk. The long grasses are broken by a river tributary in which we also see a partial reflection of the windmill. The clear blue sky and warm colored grasses offer a warm scene useful for illustrating written articles about the countryside.

An aftermarket tripod head might not seem like a pressing investment if you’re just getting into landscape photography or are still happily using the one that came with your tripod, but I think it’s something you should at least consider. Beyond a capable camera and a decent wide-angle lens, a tripod is third in the pecking order when it comes to essential landscape photography kit.

If you’ve read through my landscape photography tips, you’ll know that there are many instances where using a tripod is essential when capturing the great outdoors, including long exposures, focus stacking, and exposure bracketing. And while plenty of photographers will invest in a quality tripod, many will pick up a kit with a standard head and never consider the wealth of additional options that are available to them. So, read on to learn about the different types of tripod heads available to you and their pros and cons, so you can find out the right head for your landscape photography.