Sevenoak Electronic Ball Head Pro

£70/$100 www.kenro.co.uk

With Nikon D-SLRs from the D5000 upwards – and now the Key-Mission action cam line-up – featuring built-in intervalometers, it is easier than ever to capture a captivating timelapse sequence of images. But what if you could record a timelapse while simultaneously panning your Nikon, for even more visual impact? This motion timelapse effect can be ideal for shooting star trails or a nighttime cityscape in fast forward, and this electronic tripod head will automate the panning process for modest money.

The head can rotate your Nikon between 15 and 360 degrees, in 15-degree increments and in either direction. With the angle set, you just have to decide on pan duration, which can last for five, 15, 30 or 60 minutes. It’s a pity that this time range is relatively limited compared to some rival heads, but it’s good enough for most scenarios.

Programming couldn’t be simpler, and an array of LEDs confirms your chosen angle and duration. You don’t have to worry about carrying batteries either, as the head boasts its own rechargeable 1200mAh power pack. This is good for around six hours’ use when supporting a 1kg load, or approximately 50 hours of standby time, with a full recharge taking around eight hours via the USB input.

A maximum load capacity of 2kg means the head should support most DX set-ups, and it’ll attach to any tripod with a standard or ¼-inch head mount.

First impressions_ If you fancy getting creative with your time-lapses, this foolproof entry-level mount looks like a great place to start, even if it’s not bristling with features.