tilthead

Tilthead, occasionally written tilthead or tilt head, is a type of tripod head designed to control the tilt axis of a camera with independent regulation from the pan axis. It is a specialized alternative to ball heads when precise vertical articulation is required, such as when aligning horizons or adjusting perspective for architectural and macro work.

Most tiltheads consist of a tilting platform mounted on a base that attaches to a tripod head. Tilt movement is typically adjusted by a friction control, a geared wheel for fine increments, or a fluid-damped mechanism for smooth motion in video. Mounting screws are usually 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch, compatible with standard camera plates and quick-release systems.

Variants include geared tilt heads, which allow exact angle revisions, and fluid tilt heads, which provide smooth, damped motion suitable for video. Some designs offer a combination of tilt and pan axes with separate locking controls, while others are built as a dedicated tilt apparatus paired with a basic pan function.

Common applications include macro photography, architectural and product shoots, landscape work, and cinematography, where precise control over vertical angle is important. Compared with ball heads, tiltheads deliver greater precision and repeatability in the tilt movement, though they may be slower to adjust and less versatile for rapid dynamic framing.

Maintenance and selection considerations include load capacity, build materials, and compatibility with existing tripods and quick-release systems. Regular cleaning and periodic lubrication per manufacturer instructions help maintain smooth operation.