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NewHunter

Pan Head vs Ball Head

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I am going to buy the Slik Srint Pro II tripod. You won't be able to talk me out of that tripod for the price. I have heard too many good things about it and I'm not willing to spend an extra few hundred to get something only a little bit better.

 

My questions is this. Should I get a pan head or a ball head? I have been leaning towards a pan head based on a short conversation I had with the guys at Sportsman's, but looking for other opinions. What do you use? Why? What type of binos do you have? What is the benefit of each? Have you used both and like one over the other? Basically any and all info you can give me is appreciated...

 

It is between these...

 

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-Tripod-Sprint-3...4737&sr=8-2

Pan Head

 

and

 

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-Sprint-Tripod-M...U/ref=pd_cp_e_0

Ball Head

 

The binos I will be putting on it are Fujinon 15x60s. The tripod will hold them, they are about the same weight as Swaro 15x56s.

 

Thanks!

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"Red Rabbit Posted Today, 03:06 PM

Pan head for ease of panning and adjustment.

But I would buy the legs separate and get the Manfrotto 700RC2 head as it moves smoothly and is relatively light.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfro...=80&child=1 "

 

+1

 

RR is right on as far as I'm concerned. I have a slik tripod with a Outdoorsmans Pan head and I use a Manfrotto 190 with the older version of the 700rc2 head. both options are great. The slik with the Outdoorsmans is lighter but the Manfrotto set up is rock steady, I can shoot a rifle off of it and the fluid pan head is great for video and digiscoping.

 

good luck on your purchase.

 

-sam

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I have the Slik Pro II with the Manfrotto 700RC head. A fantastic lightweight set up. I will never use the pistol grip again. The tripod fully extended is the perfect height for me 5'11". Main drawback is it cannot handle the weight of a spotting scope and be stable. Too much vibration. The fix is to use it in a seated position, with a spotting scope, and not rely on the skinny legs for stability. It is rock solid this way. Used it yesterday and glassed up numerous deer and 1 enormous lion.

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I have that tripod with the ball head. When I bought it I didn't realize they sold one with the pan head. I love the the tripod but hate the ball head. I definitely recommend getting the one with the pan head, if you don't you will regret it.

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700rc2 is definately the way to go. If i had deeper pockets i would have the outdoorsmans pan head. I have 2 700rc2s. They are easy to use, light weight, fairly inexpensive, and last a long time.

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So... you guys are saying I should go with the pan head... :)

 

I ordered it this morning and it came with the head. I'll probably use that this year and then upgrade to the Manfrotto 700rc2 next year.

 

Thanks for all the opinions!

 

Dale

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pan head hands down

ball will drive you crazzy

 

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I know you said you will order it later but Red Rabbit suggested that to me last year and I bought one. I love it!!!

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