A pan-tilt head is a type of tripod head that allows you to adjust the position of your camera in two directions - up and down (tilt) and left and right (pan). It consists of two independent knobs that control the movement of the camera along two axes.
The tilt knob allows you to adjust the angle of your camera up or down, while the pan knob allows you to adjust the camera's position left or right. Each knob controls a separate axis, allowing you to adjust the position of your camera precisely and independently.
The pan-tilt head works by using a series of gears and/or a ball joint to control the movement of the camera. The head is mounted on top of the tripod and the camera is attached to the head using a quick-release plate or screw mount. The tilt knob controls the up and down movement of the camera, while the pan knob controls the left and right movement. By adjusting the knobs, you can easily and precisely position your camera for the perfect shot.
Pan-tilt heads are popular among photographers who require precise and controlled movements, such as landscape, architecture, and wildlife photographers. They offer greater control and precision than ball heads, making them ideal for situations where you need to make fine adjustments to your camera's position. However, they are generally heavier and more complex than ball heads, making them less suitable for travel or outdoor photography.