I have always used a pan/tilt head. But I'm thinking about getting a ball head. Can a ball head cover all the angles that a pan/tilt can? Would it be less useful, or more useful than a pan/tilt head? Thanks a lot!

Jake

ball heads can be quicker to operate but for absolute stability pan/tilts are what i use, preferably one with spirit levels fitted

Ball heads are generally more compact and therefore easier from the weight point of view, however it is very difficult to reposition accurately for a panoramic series with a ball head. Some do have a pan lock feature but ultimately I prefer a 3 way head. If I need "quick" I'd use a mono pod and ball head.

Ball heads are mostly useful when shooting in the field and the land is not level, so leveling the camera using a ball head can be easier.

I have them hard to "lock down" ball head tripod heads, so I stick with my pan/tilt head which I have used form many years with both my 4x5 view camera, 35mm and DSLR cameras

Ball head are great but it come with a price tag...