Smooth is the word that describes the number one requirement of a video camera tripod head, and smooth is what the AL H head delivers. The fluid head weighs about 3 pounds and supports up to a 9 pound load, enough for essentially all affordable cameras including DSLRs.

The pan (side to side) and tilt (up and down) movements lock using knobs of similar design. Once unlocked, pan and tilt drag effort is not adjustable. This may seem like a shortcoming, but tests revealed that the pre-set pan drag was at a level that permitted smooth camera movement. When tilting, the head has a propensity to return to the level position when not locked.

The head attaches to the shoulder of the tripod with the adjustable 75mm ball that allows the videographer to find a perfect level. A 3/8-inch screw mounted at the end of a special handle does the attachment work. An LED illuminated bubble balance confirms when the head is plumb.

The supplied pan handle mounts on either side of the head. When mounted on the left, it’s possible for the pan handle to interfere with the pan and tilt knobs — an easy fix with a little adjustment of the handle.

A one-button quick-release mechanism makes fast work out of mounting and removing a camera. With the release button activated, simply tilt and lift the camera for removal. The system moves fore and aft to achieve perfect balance for a camera that might be front or back heavy. A locking knob secures the mechanism once equilibrium is found.

The camera mounts to the quick release plate with a standard 1/4-inch screw and a spring-tensioned alignment pin. You’ll need a flat-blade screwdriver, or coin, to attach the plate, too bad it is not more finger-friendly. An extra 3/8-inch screw stores under the locking plate.