in the market for a tripod head

[maverick351]

Basically really debating on going cheap and getting a slik 707e or if I need to pony up and running the outdoorsman pistol grip (possibly with the panning attachment) or the outdoorsman pan head. I'll be running slik 634cf tripod and razor 12x50s. Anyone have any experience with these heads and can offer advice of one over the other?

 

[realunlucky]

Vanguard ph21 is a good budget pan head

 

[mtnclimber]

Vanguard ph21 is a good budget pan head

Yep i got it and like it. heres one for only $45.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001HBIWBU/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

 

[maverick351]

Currently running a vanguard ph111v and I don't like it

 

[cobrad]

I've always used cheap pan heads until I bought an Outdoorsmans tripod with their pan head last month. I never knew how good my spotter really was until I mounted it in a solid tripod with this head. A few buddies have used it and are replacing their tripods/heads now with Outdoorsmans.

 

[Hungarydog]

Manfrotto 700 rc2, I put this head on a vanguard pod I already had and got a pretty nice setup for right at 3 pounds, without breaking the bank

 

[_Nick_]

I've always used cheap pan heads until I bought an Outdoorsmans tripod with their pan head last month. I never knew how good my spotter really was until I mounted it in a solid tripod with this head. A few buddies have used it and are replacing their tripods/heads now with Outdoorsmans.

My experience was similar. Go for the 'buy once, cry once' on this piece. Having a silky smooth pan made a world of difference in how long I could glass before my eyes got tired.

 

[tipsntails7]

Gitzo g2180

 

[Stid2677]

I've always used cheap pan heads until I bought an Outdoorsmans tripod with their pan head last month. I never knew how good my spotter really was until I mounted it in a solid tripod with this head. A few buddies have used it and are replacing their tripods/heads now with Outdoorsmans.

Yep,, took me years to figure this out. I have the Outdoorsman pan head, I would rather have this head and a cheap spotter than the best spotter on a cheap head.

It does make that much of a difference.

 

[realunlucky]

Yep,, took me years to figure this out. I have the Outdoorsman pan head, I would rather have this head and a cheap spotter than the best spotter on a cheap head.

It does make that much of a difference.

Interesting that you put it way. I guess I'm going to have to find an outdoorsman to try

 

[cobrad]

Yep,, took me years to figure this out. I have the Outdoorsman pan head, I would rather have this head and a cheap spotter than the best spotter on a cheap head.

It does make that much of a difference.

Funny you put it that way. I was at our local long range shoot (200-800 yards), last weekend. My spotter is a Minox MD 50 compact I bought for a goat hunt. Several guys looked through it, mounted on the Outdoorsmans, and commented the scope had surprising optics for such a little scope. No one said that when I was using in on a cheap tripod. One guy kept using mine instead of his Nikon- mounted on a shaky, cheap tripod/head.

 

[Rob McConnell]

I have been using the vanguard ph113. its got a much bigger handle and more fluid than the ph111, and its only like 3 oz more. i have been happy with mine, but i might cut some of the length off of the handle...

 

[Outwest]

I upgraded to a manfrotto 700c2 this year. Solid head and very smooth. Might wait around a bit for outdoorsmans to release their new head before you decide though. I saw this on Wade Nelson's hardcore outdoor. I heard it should be around $280.

 

[mtnclimber]

I upgraded to a manfrotto 700c2 this year. Solid head and very smooth. Might wait around a bit for outdoorsmans to release their new head before you decide though. I saw this on Wade Nelson's hardcore outdoor. I heard it should be around $280.
View attachment 23879
View attachment 23880

They are available right now, but not on the website yet. Only 7oz that thing looks sweet!

 

[neverquit]

They are available right now, but not on the website yet. Only 7oz that thing looks sweet!

Ya. They are local for me. I've been dying to get over there and check it out

 

[maverick351]

Kinda local here too. I'm in Gilbert

 

[Solitude]

Please clarify, for 7OZ what components do you get for about $280

 

[mtnclimber]

Please clarify, for 7OZ what components do you get for about $280

Hmm not sure what you mean. But the picture posted above shows the older panhead on the left which is about 10 oz, then the middle head is the new smaller one which is 7oz. Obviously way smaller handle and body so I'm assuming that's where the weight savings comes from....

Not sure if the 7oz is including the plate or not. Either way it's lighter, cheaper, and utilizes a twist lock handle that I love. Personal preference.

 

[michaelc10]

just bought the 700rc2 its a little on the heavy side 1 lb 1 oz but great fluid head. Love it

 

[maverick351]

Just called to order my Slik 634cf only to be told it is no longer made and replaced with the 634cfl. A flip lock style instead of the twist lock.