Newb bino on tripod glassing question...

[6.5x284]

Dumb question here. I see some guys running the pan head handle in front of the bino's, and some run it in back. Is there a time for one vs the other, is it personal preference, does one help with jerk free motion panning, etc... In my mind, I would always have it closest to me, but lots run it in front of the binos. Was curious if there was something I was missing. I googled, but could not find much. Perhaps I'm not using the correct verbiage...

Does the same go with a spotter?

If it matters, I run a Vortex Summit SS tripod with Outdoorsman pan head.

 

[cornfedkiller]

I'm pretty new to it too, so my answer may not be right so someone please correct me if I am wrong, but I always assumed that the guys that were running it out front was because the handle was in the way of being able to look through your binos/scope.

On my old tripod (and my window mount), it had a straight handle on it and the only way I can look through my binos is if I put them on there "backwards" and run the handle out in front. I dont find it nearly as convenient as running it in the back. On my new panhead, the handle was angled down (and doesnt get used for anything other than moving the head - unlike my old one that twisted to lock the head) ALMOST enough to run it in the back, so I stuck it in a vice, bent it a little more, and then rotated it a little bit so its out of the way of my chin, and it works perfectly now, and I much prefer it.

 

[jeffpg]

Yep, for me it's just to get it out of my way so I can better see through the binocular.

 

[mcseal2]

I have the same head. It is in my way if I run it in the back, to easy to bump unintentionally. That's why most run it out front. I really prefer the Outdoorsman pistol grip head when running binos, but that's just me. You will find lots of people that prefer either of their heads and nobody is wrong it's just personal preference.

 

[Hatchet Jack]

just for comfort, use it however feels best for you. I prefer in front, i can rest my elbow on my knee if i'm glassing for long periods. any way to get comfortable will make you that much more effective.

 

[boom]

My lefty friend runs it in front. I don't. I can nudge it around w my chin. If needed.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

 

[dotman]

My lefty friend runs it in front. I don't. I can nudge it around w my chin. If needed.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

X2...

 

[rileybassman]

I usually use my left hand to run the handle so I have my right hand free to focus my binos. I have tried it both ways, and like in front a little more.

 

[6.5x284]

Thanks for all the replies. It all makes sense. Appreciate the info.