Tripod Head

[Bonecollector]

I know there are a million tripod threads on this forum and the net. This one is different, I promise.

I broke a leg (froze and broke on WY hunt) on my vortex ss-p. I've really liked using it the past 5-6 years as it is one of the lightest and most compact (closed-14"; 55"-open) on the market. I'd still be using it, but snow/ice froze a leg and I pulled to hard in my hast and cold state- lol. My only issue (minor) was the pan head handle placement.
I'm thinking about getting another vortex, but this could be a time to try something new. Overall, I use the tripod to film/take pictures more than glass.

I need a unit that packs small and light, but has decent reach with stability. Simple right.

So... how many of you use a pistol grip head? I've picked up a cheap model to play with. I like the concept and seems it will be nice for filming, but this particular setup is very cheap. I'll return it soon to save some coin for a nicer unit. I'm not looking to spend $1,000 on a unit, but $150-250.

Currently looking at Vortex SS-P & the Slik Pro CF634. If I go with the vortex, I've got the same odd pan handle. If I go with the Slik, I'll also need to invest in a head.

Just looking for thoughts.

 

[mcseal2]

I spent the money and really like my set-up. I can't help you much on the cheaper ones. I won't go back after using mine a while.

I did not like the pistol grip head. I had the Outdoorsmans pistol grip and pan head. After using both I found I prefer the pan. It is just as easy to move around for me adjusted right, and much easier to grid glass with. For what it's worth the lever is easy to remove on my head and I just took it off. I don't need it for anything.

I run an Outdoorsmans pan head on a Promaster 525 tripod. Both have worked really well for me. I know there are many comparable tripods out there. The main reason I like this one so much is the removable leg. That lets me use it as a trekking pole or extra support for a tarp. Neither is something I do a lot but I do remove it for something on occasion. I like multi use items especially on hunts where weight is a factor. I had an Outdoorsmans compact medium but preferred the extra height and versatility of the Promaster for my use.

Versatility is what I like about the Outdoorsmans head system. I run a quick attach on my tripod to hold my pan head. That way I can remove the head to use it on a window mount easily. That lets me get the most use out of the expensive head, and use the same attachments be on all my optics. I use their rifle rest on my tripod to shoot from if the vegetation is to high for prone. It's the steadiest thing I've used that I can easily pack. It has been used by myself and others to take 3 whitetail this year at 300 to 370 yards sitting, and I took my moose off kneeling at 300yds. We had to take some longer shots this year deer hunting due to wind direction and property lines stalking or ambushing grassland deer.

Not trying to derail the thread, I just figured I'd throw that out. This time of year if you don't need it maybe you would want to save for a higher end unit I thought.

 

[mallardsx2]

Personally, I am a Slik, grid-spotter guy with the recent addition of the Swaro Attachment.

I like the freedom of the ball mount and then when I see something I lock it down and center using the grid spotter then scroll around the area quickly and effectively with the grid-spotter.

I would like to see slik come out with a better ball head. Something bigger with a bigger batwing for locking things down while wearing heavy gloves.

It works well for me.

Even with the gridspotter I probobly have less in my setup than most guys have in just their tripod.

 

[grizzly]

I run an Outdoorsmans pan head on a Promaster 525 tripod. Both have worked really well for me.

Exact same setup here!

 

[Tim McCoy]

I like my Mandrotto pistol grip for the range and looking at already spotted animals. I don’t like it for actual glassing to find animals. When glassing to find animals, I prefer the pan/ball style, so long as it has a fairly long handle. I just find it easier to use. So the pistol style goes to the range and sometimes in the truck. My preference anyway.

 

[Bonecollector]

Sidebar: Wouldn't a pistol grip head be better for video?

 

[Caseyu]

I really wanted to use the pistol head but just couldn't be consistent at glassing. The pan head is a much better choice if your main purpose is glassing. If your main use it pull it out to look at something closer a pistol would work great. As far as tripods I have went through the ringer finding the best set up for me. I spend a lot of time with my binoculars on my tripod and then slap the spotter on to check those hard to reach areas or evaluate an animal. For me, the tripod has to be tall enough to stand and glass. even long glassing sessions, I hate being limited to sitting. If your in the 5'10" and up category I would recommend the slik 634. and if your under that I would go with the pro master 525. Both are phenomenal and very similar. I have used the a manfrotto 700rc2 head for years and only complaint is I always get a little nervous of the set screw holding your quick attachment in place falling out, but it's never happened. Best of luck! You will not be disappointed in getting a nice tripod setup.

 

[Bonecollector]

Update:

Thanks for the feedback guys. There is a ton of info online, but I like to hear from folks I actually know and trust on this forum.

Well, after reviewing all the available options in my price range, I settled on the ProMaster XC525. The new Slik models are not as nice or rugged (IMHO) as previous year models so I had to look elsewhere. I doubt I'll use the monopod, but it's there.
It is the perfect height/weight and will hold a more weight than I will need, but am prepared should something change. It has a built in ball-head; I'll try this out, but I've heard it's not that great, but simply an extra.
There were a few other options that I reviewed, but the price was either to great or the units were too heavy. I'm a DIY backpack hunter so I need to be wary of my equipment weight.

As for a quality head, I looked at the Sirui VA-5 and Benro S2 head. After speaking with the great folks at S&S Archery, I ordered the Sirui. He said you can't been the Benro for the money, but based on my usage, it may only last a few years. The Sirui should last for a long time and is simply a higher quality head and I should not be disappointed. I also ordered (1) extra quick release plate. I'll keep one on my video camera (I video a lot so my equipment has to be rugged, quick & easy to handle) and one on my Vortex Razor 60mm spotter. I can always switch one to my camera when needed for "trophy shots".

The total was more than I wanted to spend, but I had a $150 gift card and S&S also gave me a 12% discount on my entire order (not just the tripod which was discounted 12% last Monday only). Sooooo, in essence, I kept my purchase under budget at only $209.
Merry Christmas to me!

 

[Caseyu]

nice work! you will be very happy! I have been running that tripod for years! I lost the keeper that holds the leg section in its place (rattling around in the side by side) and called them up and they shipped me one at no cost in a couple business days! I would HIGHLY!!! recommend to buy one more quick plate and an adapter for your binoculars. Once you try it you will never go back and amazing to see what you can turn up with a solid 8x or 10x on a hillside!

 

[Prerylyon]

What a great thread guys! [emoji6]

This has enlightened me on some aspects of a pretty mundane piece of gear that I hadn't considered. Will keep this thread in mind when I pull the trigger on a spotter and the tripod & mount set. [emoji106]

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