Firstly, all of my long lenses and the bottom of my camera are fitted with an Arca-Swiss Quick Release Plate. This allows the camera or lens to be quickly added or removed from the tripod.
The plates are available in various lengths and are fixed using a supplied allen key.
There is friction control of the ball and the head can swivel a full 180 degrees.
The panoramic facility allows the camera to be panned through 360 degrees and locked in place at any point. (the lever and dot at the base of the head)
As stated previously, this ball-head is fitted with an Arca Swiss Quick Release Clamp for quick attachment or removal of the camera.
Again the Gimbal has an Arca Swiss Clamp fitted for convenience.
This, in combination with the ball-head panorama and swivel, allows full 3-way movement and control of the lens.
Other brands of tripods, heads and gimbals are available, but this set-up suits me and seems robust and secure.