I got a new pan ball head

[Diamondbackaz]

I needed a new taller tripod than my slik mini for my taller seat. I went to buy the taller slik with a Jim White panner here from Amanda, but both were unavailable, especially the panner with Jim's death. I found this head and I like it better than the Jim White pannerl. This head includes the ball and is very compact. It also comes in three different sizes. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/888570-REG/oben_be_108t_ball_head.html . The panner has a liquid action and a separate adjustment fromthe ball. They also offer a compact tripod with the head. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/864566-REG/oben_ct_3531_be_108t_5_section_foldable_carbon.html or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/864566-REG/oben_ct_3531_be_108t_5_section_foldable_carbon.html .

[Swivelhead]

No doubt, ball heads that have a panning feature are superior to those that don't. Panning ball heads do fit nicely in a pack.

 

Does the panning feature "lock down" securely? When panning, is it fluid enough to "nose" right & left easily without much effort?

[Diamondbackaz]

Yes the panning can lock with the lower knob. And yes it is loose enough to move it side to side with your nose.

[KaibabHunter]

So did u get that oben tripod? Those are what I've been looking at except the taller version that has 16.8 lb load capacity. Haven't convinced myself to buy it yet.

[Diamondbackaz]

I bought the Slik Sprint pro 2. I took off the slik ball head and put on the oben head and the package weighs about 2 1/2 pounds. This is the tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10614702&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

[Swivelhead]

I've got Promaster ball head that's rated for 13 lbs. It pans fine but the panning feature will not "lock down" without serious effort. The ball head part is flawless. Head will easily lock down a heavy load even when seriously out of balance. Thx for the report.

[Swivelhead]

I bought the Slik Sprint pro 2. I took off the slik ball head and put on the oben head and the package weighs about 2 1/2 pounds. This is the tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10614702&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

Although I own a panning ball head I prefer two-way pan heads. I put a Vanguard PH-111 on a Slik Sprint Pro 2 (wish Slik would sell the Sprint Pro II legs w/out a head). Very nice lightweight set up. Handles most optics well, the exception would be a spotter in the wind. Tripod is not quite beefy enough for that task.

 

Your set up (sprint pro 2 and a panning ball head) is an excellent lightweight option.

[Maverick351]

Swivelhead how do you like the vanguard ph-111 head? I bought a vanguard carbon tripod setup earlier this year and haven't had much time to play with the setup. It seems promising though. Being new to the whole glassing part I was constantly messing with the head trying to figure out what the most comfortable way to position it would be. I see some people with the arm in front to steer and others with it behind the binos. Figure once I get that down maybe I'll be able to see what a deer looks like through the binos. Hahaha

[Swivelhead]

Swivelhead how do you like the vanguard ph-111 head? I bought a vanguard carbon tripod setup earlier this year and haven't had much time to play with the setup. It seems promising though. Being new to the whole glassing part I was constantly messing with the head trying to figure out what the most comfortable way to position it would be. I see some people with the arm in front to steer and others with it behind the binos. Figure once I get that down maybe I'll be able to see what a deer looks like through the binos. Hahaha

Actually, I never tried the ph-111 head in the field. Seemed like a decent lightweight two way pan head. I attached it to my trusty old Sprint Pro II and gave the set up to my brother for his birthday. He likes it a lot. Me, I've been using a Vanguard PH-113 on a promaster 525 carbon tripod. I'd own another aluminum tripod in a heartbeat, carbon is overrated IMO.

[KaibabHunter]

I just pulled the trigger on the Oben CT-3561 Carbon Fiber Tripod With BE-117T Ball Head. On sale at BHP for $199.00. Current tripod doesn't work well with my spotter.

 

Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

Maximum Height: 64.3"

Lightweight: 3.1 lb

Folds Down to 16.8"

5 Sections

Detachable Leg and Column Form Monopod

Rubber Feet & Metal Spikes

Arca-Type Quick-Release Plate

Separate Panning Lock

2 x Bubble Levels

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/864569-REG/oben_ct_3561_be_117t_5_section_foldable_carbon.html

[Diamondbackaz]

I just pulled the trigger on the Oben CT-3561 Carbon Fiber Tripod With BE-117T Ball Head. On sale at BHP for $199.00. Current tripod doesn't work well with my spotter.

 

Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

Maximum Height: 64.3"

Lightweight: 3.1 lb

Folds Down to 16.8"

5 Sections

Detachable Leg and Column Form Monopod

Rubber Feet & Metal Spikes

Arca-Type Quick-Release Plate

Separate Panning Lock

2 x Bubble Levels

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/864569-REG/oben_ct_3561_be_117t_5_section_foldable_carbon.html

Let us know your opinion, the head is the next size up from mine

[Coach]

I'm going to really look at this head. I love my Sprint Pro tripods - they handle most situation well, but the ball head on them tends to get a little gritty after a while making it hard to just push with your nose. Thanks for posting this.

[KaibabHunter]

Will do. First test will be glassing up Rams next week using Vortex Kaibabs 15x56 and Vortex Skyline ED 80 mm spotter.

[DesertBull]

I prefer the 2 way also

 

Just upgraded to this set up

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1071811&gclid=CLaV_qH8mMICFRWRfgodxpUAUA&Q=&is=REG&A=details

[Dave_D]

Hey KaibabHunter, would you kindly provide an update/review of your setup now that you have had a chance to use it?