Mog Report post Posted August 30, 2013 I am hoping someone has some input for me regarding fluid pan heads. I have a Slik 330 EZ tripod (that came with a pan head) that I really like (used for 15x binos). Unfortunately it seems the head is starting to get a little jerky or choppy as I pan from side to side (only been through 3 seasons or so). This is not a huge deal but it is starting to bug me a little. I have been doing as much research as I can but am even more confused now. It seems people really like the manfrotto heads and I am particularly interested in hearing about the 128RC and the 701HDV (probably not willing to go above these in price). They both seem to have great reviews. The 128RC is cheaper but would I be giving up something by not getting the 701HDV? Also, my research has shown that neither are "true fluid heads", does this really matter (will they not be jerky like the slik head)? Also, it seems that these heads can only operate in an x and y direction (seems strange as my slik head can go diagonally when panning, or maybe I'm understanding this wrong). Couple more questions: Am I able to put a manfrotto head on slik legs? Is there a fix for the slik head (thought I read I am never supposed to lubricate it)? What sub $200 legs would you recommend for one of these manfrotto heads for 15x glasses? Thanks for the help Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowfishAZ Report post Posted August 30, 2013 I had that same set-up and had that same problem! I put a jim white head on mine about 3 years ago and its still super smooth! It handles my swaro 15s without a problem and also handles my buddies 30's without a problem! I recommend it!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kwp Report post Posted August 30, 2013 I have the manfrotto 700rc2 so I can't speak to the exact models you are asking about but after 8 years it is as smooth as it was day 1. It does have separate tension screws for horizontal and vertical but with both loosened you can go in all directions although you really should be glassing in a grid pattern anyways. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted August 30, 2013 great, lightweight tripod, but it's over $200: http://store.coueswhitetail.com/promaster-xc325c-tripod/ 701hd is very smooth, but bulky compared to Jim White tripod head http://store.coueswhitetail.com/manfrotto-701hd-tripod-head/ I'd go with the Jim White head if you can afford it: http://store.coueswhitetail.com/jim-white-tripod-head/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CWpredator Report post Posted August 30, 2013 />I had that same set-up and had that same problem! I put a jim white head on mine about 3 years ago and its still super smooth! It handles my swaro 15s without a problem and also handles my buddies 30's without a problem! I recommend it!! +1 on the Jim white head. It's all solid machined to extremely tight tolerances so parts don't loosen up or get sloppy. Super tight and super smooth light weight and compact. Can't say enough good things about it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbryant11 Report post Posted August 30, 2013 I would save an extra 50 bucks and go with the promaster legs, i love mine!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shedhunteraz Report post Posted August 30, 2013 I am hoping someone has some input for me regarding fluid pan heads. I have a Slik 330 EZ tripod (that came with a pan head) that I really like (used for 15x binos). Unfortunately it seems the head is starting to get a little jerky or choppy as I pan from side to side (only been through 3 seasons or so). This is not a huge deal but it is starting to bug me a little. I have been doing as much research as I can but am even more confused now. It seems people really like the manfrotto heads and I am particularly interested in hearing about the 128RC and the 701HDV (probably not willing to go above these in price). They both seem to have great reviews. The 128RC is cheaper but would I be giving up something by not getting the 701HDV? Also, my research has shown that neither are "true fluid heads", does this really matter (will they not be jerky like the slik head)? Also, it seems that these heads can only operate in an x and y direction (seems strange as my slik head can go diagonally when panning, or maybe I'm understanding this wrong). Couple more questions: Am I able to put a manfrotto head on slik legs? Is there a fix for the slik head (thought I read I am never supposed to lubricate it)? What sub $200 legs would you recommend for one of these manfrotto heads for 15x glasses? Thanks for the help I have the 701hdv and love it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted August 30, 2013 I have a mid-level Slik head that was very smooth until last year. I took it apart, cleaned it good with WD40 on a rag, wiped it as dry as possible, put it back together...good as new. Don't leave risidual WD40/oil or it will attrack dirt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mog Report post Posted August 30, 2013 great, lightweight tripod, but it's over $200: http://store.coueswhitetail.com/promaster-xc325c-tripod/ 701hd is very smooth, but bulky compared to Jim White tripod head http://store.coueswhitetail.com/manfrotto-701hd-tripod-head/ I'd go with the Jim White head if you can afford it: http://store.coueswhitetail.com/jim-white-tripod-head/ Couple of questions: Can I glass standing with the promaster xc325c legs? (I'm 6 foot tall) Is there an adapter needed to attach the jim white head to these legs? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mog Report post Posted August 30, 2013 Also, What's everyone's take on latch vs twist lock systems to secure the legs in place? My slik has the latch/snap style and I really like those, I feel like I may not like the twist mechanism but maybe there's a good reason for them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowfishAZ Report post Posted August 30, 2013 Jim White head goes right on to the slik 330ez tripod legs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbryant11 Report post Posted September 2, 2013 My promaster is too tall for me to fully extend but iam only about 5-9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mog Report post Posted September 2, 2013 Another couple of questions. Is there anywhere to see the jim white head in the valley? I hate to purchase something like that before ever seeing it. Also, if I order it from the site's store, how fast am I able to get it? If I understand correctly Amanda lives in Globe, is driving there to get it an option? Still not sure if I'm ready to spend that much money on a tripod head but you guys are pretty convincing... Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SWDesertRat Report post Posted September 2, 2013 The Outdoorsman in the northeast valley http://outdoorsmans.com/ has all the Jim White components, plus The Oudoorsman tripods both twist lock legs and snap and lots more. give them a call to see if they have everything in stock. Great place to do business with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ajohunter Report post Posted September 3, 2013 It's money we'll spent and you will only have to spend it once. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
