fatfootdoc Report post Posted June 24, 2007 So I need to upgrade from my trusty walmart plain jane tripod. I want something with a pistol grip and really am not sure what will be the best set up. I figure that there are plenty of opinions on the site about this and I would appreciate your feed back. I do like to pack in on hunts occasionally so weight is a factor. Thanks AG Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COOSEFAN Report post Posted June 24, 2007 There are gonna be a bunch of opinions on this.......but I will tell you what I think is the best For the legs you want the "Outdoorsmans" tripod in either the medium or long version. You can get an extension tube for the medium tripod at a later date should you need it, or just get the longer one now. I don't like "Pistol Grip" heads 'cause they make me all jumpy and frustrated! I like a smooth pan with nothing more than a little pressure from my nose for the side to side, and just a little nudge from my finger for the up and down adjustments, and that is why I only use either the "Jim White Pan Head" or the "Outdoorsmans new Pan Head". The only "Pistol Grip" head that I've liked is the one from the Outdoorsmans, cause' it was WAY lighter than the Bogen Pistol Grip! Jim White has a new "Panning Attachment" that fits below any Pistol Grip and makes it ALOT more fluid and uses less effort when doing a side to side movement. My thoughts are that you should buy the best lightweight tripod you can afford because you will use this one more, but I would definitely buy a cheaper Heavy Duty tripod also if you plan on using a heavy spotter or for when it's windy. The Bogen tripods are great for sturdiness and holding up to a hard wind, but they are heavy. Best if luck to ya, JIM> Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azcouesandelk Report post Posted June 24, 2007 Vortex makes a carbon tripod now that extneds up to 78 inches abd weighs about 2 pounds. It retails for about 300 buti know I am going to get this tripod before October. I have a pistol grip head I am looking to get rid of if you are interested send me a PM! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatfootdoc Report post Posted June 24, 2007 If you dont like the pistol grips, what do you guys use on your tripods? ag Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COOSEFAN Report post Posted June 24, 2007 If you dont like the pistol grips, what do you guys use on your tripods? ag The Pistol Grips ( to me ) are too touchy and jump around when you release the tension with heavy bino's or a spotter on top. Using a "Pan-Head" attachment you never have to deal with that.......just set the tension knobs perfectly and you won't have to do anything but push the binos' around where you want em'! Like I said before, I actually have grown accustom to using my nose to move the binos' around this way allowing me to keep my hands in my pockets on cold days! If money isn't a problem, then I would highly reccomend buying the "Jim White Tripod Head"! You can get it here on this site. Here is the link to it in the store........... http://www.coueswhitetail.com/bookstore/tripods_adaptor.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BRYCE CANYON Report post Posted June 24, 2007 I have both setups that Coosefan is talking about and I highly recommend them to you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatfootdoc Report post Posted June 24, 2007 I will have to check them out next time I am in Cruces, there is a sportsmens there. AG Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cpugsie Report post Posted June 24, 2007 For the Money you can not beat the Slik Carbon Fiber Tripods. They are a lot cheaper than the Outdoorsman, go up higher are lighter and are just as sturdy. If your just sitting when you glass the Carbon Pro 613 is the best choice. If you need to stand up while glasing get the Pro 713. They are both just a few bucks over $200.00. I have several Bogen tripods for glassing from the car or camp but alway take my Slik Carbon for packing in. I've tried the Outdoorsman in the field and they are a great tripod but for my money I'll buy the Slik Carbon everytime. The new Jim White Head is probably the nicest pan head on the market. The only setback is that they are expensive. The Velbon PH157Q Head is a great pan head for the money. Just my 2 cents worth. B&H photo carries both the Slik and Velbon products. Just google B&H photo. Good Luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamondbackaz Report post Posted June 24, 2007 I have two set ups, one is the outdoorsmans tripod with the jim white head. The other is the slik pro mini that comes with a ball head with the Jim White Panning attachment. The second set up is much smaller and ligter for backpacking; and is a lot cheaper and can be purchased from Amanda for $160.00 or so. The first one is $600 or so. If I have to pack a tripod, the slik is the way to go. No need to go to B&H when Amanda can sell you what you need on this site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lance Report post Posted June 24, 2007 Try the "MANFROTTO 785B" I have one and have used it HARD for a couple of years over a few dozen hunts. There is nothing I dont like about it. It is like a combo of the "pistol grip" and the "pan head". You can pan with the touch of your nose! It is very light wight at about 1 1/2 - 2 lbs and I have used 15's and spotting scopes on it just fine! It collapses to 16 1/2" and extends to 5'. I bought the whole thing at the "Ritz" camera store in the mall for 80$ You can't go wrong for that price When I say I have used it HARD I mean realy HARD! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted June 25, 2007 You are so fortunate to have the advise of so many experienced individuals. I personally own a Manfrotto 3130G with fluid pan head and have used the pistal grip as well. It's nice to own both but if I had to choice it would be the pan head. COOSEFAN uses his exactly the same way I do with the nose,chin, and shoulder. You can't beat it for long glassing sessions. I've not used the Outdoorsman but hear it is also a good way to go. Bought mine through Eagle Optics. Good luck and buy the best you can afford. TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peloncillo Report post Posted June 25, 2007 I have both the bogen tripod with pistol grip and last year I bought the outdoorsmans medium tripod with their pan head. I know its expensive but the outdoorsmans are the way to go IMO. Keven Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilimanjaro Report post Posted June 25, 2007 I own an Outdoorsman tripod as well.. I have a their pistol grip and love it.. It is super light and is pretty small.. but it works great with the swaro 15's on top.. I love the set up I have and would recomend it to ya if you are looking to get a good product.. pricey, but well worth it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
COOSEFAN Report post Posted June 25, 2007 I also own and use the Outdoorsmans Pan head that Peloncillo has and shows in his pic. I love it, but it hasn't held up as well as my Jim White did. I traded my Jim White setup for a 2nd tag in Mexico I bought the Outdoorsmans Pan head and love it, but the plastic knobs on it keep breaking.......really isn't a big problem 'cause Outdoorsman will replace them free of charge I'm sure. The Jim White head is very durable and has no plastic parts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
