The 9 Best Panning Heads (2022 reviews)

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Are you planning to buy panning heads, and are you confused about the options ? This page is just for you.

Our review process:

Our Top Picks:

Best Overall:
Buy: Benro Panning Head
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Best For Panoramic Shooting:
Buy: Neewer Panning Head
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Best For Precision Adjustment:
Buy: Artcise Panning Head
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Best For Solid Metal:
Buy: Smallrig Selection Panning Head
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Best For Very High Quality:
Buy: Focpro Panning Head
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Best For Max Load:
Buy: Leofoto Panning Head
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Best For Great Price:
Buy: Smallrig Panning Head
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Best For Photography:
Buy: Sirui Panning Head
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Best For Stainless Steel:
Buy: 3 Legged Thing Panning Head
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Best Overall: Benro Panning Head

Benro Panning Head
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Best part: Benro Panning Head costs are reasonable and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The benro panning head is very happy and has a new design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Also, the head works OK and has a compact design.

The head allows larger camera movement for approximate positioning. Also, the head allows complete precision with camera positioning. Above all, the benro panning head is compatible with other heads in the benro range.

Most customers agree that the head is made of metal and the whole thing feels well-built. In addition, a few also found that the head is compatible with every arca swiss plate out there. Also, a few also found that the ability to easily adjust the head independently along the different axial planes is great. In short, many customers have used the head for more than a few months without letup, and it shows no sign of giving up.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • Individual rotating control knobs - allows complete precision with camera positioning.
  • This fits all tripods with a quarter inch screw.
  • This is a bit fussy and takes time to get used to.
  • This does the job, it has no issues and has an original design.

Best For Panoramic Shooting: Neewer Panning Head

Neewer Panning Head
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If you want nothing but a head that is reliable, this Neewer Panning Head is certainly a wise investment. The neewer panning head is good for smooth rotation, it has mounting screws and has a special design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, this is compatible with plate, can be widely applied to various professional tripods.

The head is as well, it is creative and has a great design. Finally, the neewer panning head comes with a handy locking screw. The camera can be fixed in any desired position.

Most buyers quickly discovered that the head is small but effective and turns smoothly. Moreover, a few also found that the head makes it sooo much easier to set up. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is the integrated spirit level for accurate horizontal alignment.
  • This comes with a 1/4inch to 3/8inch screw adapter.
  • This can be mounted either between a tripod and ball head or ball head and camera.
  • This can be used with almost all commercial balls.

Best For Precision Adjustment: Artcise Panning Head

Artcise Panning Head
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Artcise is known for creating pragmatic and minimalist heads for people on the go, and its line of articles panning heads definitely falls in line with that reputation. The artistic panning head comes with 4 * 90 scale, 5 degrees per scale, and double spirit bubbles to meet the needs of accurate photography and panoramic photography. There are 2 u-shaped notches on the main body of the ball head, so you can easily switch to vertical shooting from horizontal. This low - profile ball head adopts superior aluminum - alloy construction, cnc precision finishing, and anodized surface. It is very strong and durable.

Lastly, the artistic panning head is easy to attach, is good for real estate, it moves smoothly and has a solid design.

Almost all buyers agree that the head can be easily fixed by replacing the grease. In addition, they also found that the head is a very good ball head for the price. Also, a few also found that the ball head is very easy to use and very smooth.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has done the job well enough.
  • This is perfect with a heavy telephoto lens.
  • This works well on a bogen/manfrotto tripod.
  • This works well with the d850, It works perfectly and has a strong design.

Best For Solid Metal: Smallrig Selection Panning Head

Smallrig Selection Panning Head
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The Smallrig Selection Panning Head should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The smallrig selection panning head is affordable, is extremely stable, it is suitable for light weight and has a great design. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. This fluid head features fixed damping for a smooth operation experience.

Above all, the smallrig selection panning head is super smooth, it works great and has a good design.

Almost all buyers agree that the head will perform after extended use. Further, they say that the head comes with a ⅜" screw insert that changes to ¼" when removed. Further, a few strongly agree that the head is great with panning and tilting, plus it's made by smallrig.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is a fluid head that is literally the size of a standard ball head.
  • This comes with a quick release plus has a separate large screw.
  • This truly is a compact fluid mount head.
  • This makes the head only suitable for home movie sort of work.

Best For Very High Quality: Focpro Panning Head

Focpro Panning Head
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Next on the list, we've got yet another head that manages to win our hearts. It's the Focpro Panning Head and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient heads you can buy. The focpro panning head can be mounted either between the tripod and ball head or ball head and camera. You can accurately control the photography angle. Further, it is great for max load, comes with great item, it is easy to install and has a solid design.

The head is great for standard screw, it is very secure and has a sturdy design. Most importantly, the focpro panninghead is made for good value, It has mounting screws and has a good design.

Most customers opine that the head works well and 6 shot pans stitch together trouble free. Also, they strongly agree that the head is great for panoramic photography. In short, most customers call the head suits best, and no one questions it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This has maximum load, has built-in bubble levels, it works fine and has a lightweight design.
  • This is the integrated spirit level for accurate horizontal alignment.
  • This is good for fine movement.
  • This is a cheap setup that is light enough and works.

Best For Max Load: Leofoto Panning Head

Leofoto Panning Head
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The Leofoto Panning Head is capable of outshining several other heads featured in this list in overall features for the price point. Furthermore, this includes a 100mm qr plate with 14" and 38" screws bottom thread. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Finally, the leofoto panning head is integral and cannot be removed.

Why We Like This:
  • 💥Max load: 15kg (33lbs)💥net weight 408g (14.4oz). 💥Height 102mm. 💥Base diameter 60mm.
  • 💥+90º / -90º tilt. 💥360º panning base w independent pan lock knob.
  • Panning base with independent pan lock knob.

Best For Great Price: Smallrig Panning Head

Smallrig Panning Head
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If you often find yourself confused about convenient and suitable head, Smallrig Panning Head is your end point. The smallrig panning head is great for solid build and it is rust-resistant. With a rubber-padded mount on the top to protect your camera from potential scratches between your camera and the mounting part. The ball head features a 1/4''-20 thread hole on the bottom that enables us to attach a mini tripod after removing the cold shoe adapter.

Above all, the smallrig panning head comes with product dimensions, is designed for a great price and it is rock solid.

Overall, most customers agree that the head is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.

Why We Like This:
  • This is capable and it is made with steel construction.
  • This features built-in slots that allow us to secure them with an allen wrench to ensure safety.
  • This is applied to adjust the tightness for quickly lockup.
  • This features built-in slots on the locking plate.

Best For Photography: Sirui Panning Head

Sirui Panning Head
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The best part: Sirui Panning Head costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The sirui panninghead comes with this sliding plate arrangement is also a safety lock system, preventing any accidental slippage of the plate. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. The siri l-20s 2 - way pan / tilt head can be tilted by 90 degrees in two directions, with an etched scale to help with positioning.

The head is used for easy operation, is designed with excellent quality and it is good for carbon fiber. In addition, this as well, operates smoothly and it has built-in bubble levels. Lastly, the sirui panning head is suitable for professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.

Almost all customers agree that the head allows smooth pan & tilt even with this heavy equipment. Furthermore, a few also found that the head is so much easier to handle on a monopod than a ball-head. In addition, a few say that the sirui l-10 tilting head is highly recommended for its superb build quality. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.

Top Customer Quotes:
  • This is an issue, since the monopod is quite easily rotated right/left for panoramic shooting.
  • This is by far one of the best designed mono/tripod heads on the market.
  • This head is incredibly well made.
  • This fits very well also with my long lens shoes.

Best For Stainless Steel: 3 Legged Thing Panning Head

3 Legged Thing Panning Head
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Next on the list, we've got yet another head that manages to win our hearts. It's the 3 legged panning head and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient heads you can buy. The 3 legged panning head is powerful, compact and light, giving precision cinematography and tracking for any tripod that has a 3/8” male thread. The Manufacturer says: All our products feature a 5 - year warranty to give you peace of mind. The side of the head also includes a stainless steel 1/4”-20 screw thread for attachment of accessories such as articulated arms. Lastly, the 3 legged panning head is made from precision milled aerospace-grade magnesium alloys for a beautiful, sleek finish, built to enable travel and exploration.

Why We Like This:
  • It has 2 different clamp and plate options.
  • Good investment for the long term.