What sort of tripod/tripod head are you running?

[mp_moody]

I have a pair of Vortex 10x50 binoculars, a Slik Pro tripod (as sold in the CWT store), and Slik tripod head for my glassing setup. I have used this on two coues hunts and a javelina hunt. The obvious weak part of the system is the tripod head.

 

I'm not sure if these particular binoculars are too heavy for the head, but it seems that if I don't tighten the handle enough, I have to fight the binocular/tripod head setup from flopping over. Too tight and it holds the binocs steady but it is impossible to pan. It seems I spend more time messing with the tripod head than glassing.

 

What is everyone else using? I don't mind spending a decent amount of money on a new tripod, as long as it is quality.

 

Picture is the binocular/tripod/tripod head setup on a beautiful August morning in the Mazatals, trying to locate a bear.

[JIM WHITE]

I have a pair of Vortex 10x50 binoculars, a Slik Pro tripod (as sold in the CWT store), and Slik tripod head for my glassing setup. I have used this on two coues hunts and a javelina hunt. The obvious weak part of the system is the tripod head.

 

I'm not sure if these particular binoculars are too heavy for the head, but it seems that if I don't tighten the handle enough, I have to fight the binocular/tripod head setup from flopping over. Too tight and it holds the binocs steady but it is impossible to pan. It seems I spend more time messing with the tripod head than glassing.

 

What is everyone else using? I don't mind spending a decent amount of money on a new tripod, as long as it is quality.

 

Picture is the binocular/tripod/tripod head setup on a beautiful August morning in the Mazatals, trying to locate a bear.

[JIM WHITE]

I have a pair of Vortex 10x50 binoculars, a Slik Pro tripod (as sold in the CWT store), and Slik tripod head for my glassing setup. I have used this on two coues hunts and a javelina hunt. The obvious weak part of the system is the tripod head.

 

I'm not sure if these particular binoculars are too heavy for the head, but it seems that if I don't tighten the handle enough, I have to fight the binocular/tripod head setup from flopping over. Too tight and it holds the binocs steady but it is impossible to pan. It seems I spend more time messing with the tripod head than glassing.

 

What is everyone else using? I don't mind spending a decent amount of money on a new tripod, as long as it is quality.

 

Picture is the binocular/tripod/tripod head setup on a beautiful August morning in the Mazatals, trying to locate a bear.

I THINK THE PROBLEM YOU ARE HAVING IS BECAUSE THE HEAD YOU DESCRIBE IS A "SINGLE CONTROL" TYPE PAN HEAD, WHEN YOU TIGHTEN THE PANING HANDLE YOU LOCK BOTH THE TILT AND THE PAN FEATURE, YOU SHOULD PROBABLY LOOK INTO A "DUAL CONTROL" PAN HEAD, WHERE THE TWO CONTROL KNOBS ARE SEPERATE. AMANDA HAS SOME OF THOSE TYPE HEADS HERE ON HERE SITE.

TAKE CARE

 

JIM WHITE

[Coach]

I've been using the Slik Sprint Pro for years as my primary binocular tripod. The ball system isn't the greatest, but it definately works. You do have to find the "sweet spot" where it is tight enough not to flop over, but loose enough to still pan.

 

My "other" tripod is a Bogen 3205GN with a 3130G head. It's a great tripod, but not something I'm willing to lug around at 5-6 pounds.

 

If you find a good, fluid pan head for he Slik Sprint that is worth the money, let me know. I've been considering trying one of these...not sure if it fits the Sprint Pro.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-Compact-All-Metal-3-Way-Release/dp/B0007YPGDK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1321063117&sr=1-1

 

If you can get used to the ball head that comes on the Sprint Pro, it's actually not that bad, considering how light weight it is.

[cohofishing]

Just my 2 cents, but you can't go wrong with a Jim White head. I have had one for years and love it.

 

Brent

[coues7]

I use Feisol carbon legs (CT-3441S)and a Manfrotto 701HDV. Very light setup. I love mine.

[Chef]

I also use a SLIK pro tripod.

I have and love the Jim White tripod head.

It's compact, well built to tight tolerances and strong.

[pwrguy]

I use the ball head from Outdoorsmans. I have put some heavy optics on it and it holds up just fine. I know a lot of people like the 2 axis heads, but I have grown used to the ball type. The one I had before this was also a ball head made by Bogen, It was decent, but it was like a boat anchor in my pack. I have heard very good things about the Jim White head. Good luck!!

[arizonaelitefreak]

Just my 2 cents, but you can't go wrong with a Jim White head. I have had one for years and love it.

 

Brent

 

+1 ONE THE JIM WHITE HEAD! IT IS AWESOME AND SUPER SMOOTH!

[AzHunt]

I bought a Jim White tripod head, I love it! Went out and bought another!

[rcdinaz]

Bogen tripod with pistol grip stays in the truck it is HEAVY.

 

Benro Carbon Fiber with a Jim White head - tripod is discontinued but it is only 2lbs so I pack this for the spotter.

 

Slik compact with slik head - I pack this one as well for my 15x56's, I don't think the slik's can be beat for value & function.

 

I have a bogen ball head that is pretty light as a back-up head.

 

Couple of things: Carbon fiber seems to transmit vibration more than aluminum. Pistol head IMO is not as smooth as a standar head. The Jim White head is very slick, I am glad I bought it. Other tripods I like:

Vortex - ultralight model (high country?)

Slik - carbon fiber looks like a very good value on Amazon

Outdoorsman's - dont have the funds this year after buying the Swaro HD 80

[AxisWorks LLC]

Im running Manfrotto 190CX3 carbon legs with the Manfrotto 700 RC2 mini head for my Swaro 15's. just a hair over 4 lbs. with a maximun combined height of 61.3"

 

LEGS: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548529-REG/Manfrotto_190CX3_190CX3_Carbon_Fiber_Tripod.html

 

Head: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272630-REG/Manfrotto_700RC2_700RC2_Mini_Video_Fluid.html

 

Speedy.