Pan head for trekking pole

[Scoot]

I finally bought a set of 15x binocs. I'll use them on a tripod often, but I'd also like to set up my trekking pole with an insert that can accommodate a pan head too. My question is, what is the smallest, lightest panhead I can use for this purpose, but still be sufficiently geared for the 15x's? What would be the best panhead for this application?
Thanks!

 

[ckleeves]

I think that might be more trouble than it's worth honestly. I sometimes glass with 15's just sitting down with a trekking pole as a support and it works ok for just quick glassing something you want to check out but dont want to set up a tripod but I don't do it when I really want to thoroughly glass an area. With 15's you really have to have them on something really steady or your not using them to their full potential. Even a cheap tripod and 15's will have you cussing if your gonna be setting behind them for hours. I really think it would be kind of a battle with a pan head moving on a trekking pole that isn't really stable. Maybe I'm missing out on something though?

 

[Scoot]

Thanks for the reply, ckleeves. I'm sure some would agree with you. However, I know a lot of sheep guys have gone to a trekking pole and15x combo. Luke M has done some of this, I think. Anyone else have experience with this?

 

[colonel00]

Yeah, I am kind of wondering how well this will work too. A pan head is great for a tripod because the tripod is stable and "fixed" in position. A trekking pole, unless you somehow lash three together to form a tripod, will move plenty on its own even without the pan head. I guess I just don't see the benefit of a head on the pole when the pole itself can easily be rotated or tilted.

 

[Scoot]

Hmmm... all excellent points. I know guys are using trekking poles and 15x binocs more regularly these days. I'd like to fix my binocs to my trekking pole- what's the best way to do it? If a pan head isn't the answer, what is?

 

[colonel00]

What kind of binoculars did you get? Do they make a tripod adapter for them? If so, the adapter should just screw onto the standard thread that you can do an insert in your poles for.

Here is an example made by Vortex. I think they or someone makes a universal adapter too.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-binocular-tripod-adapter

Then just use a piece of all thread and mount the adapter to your trekking pole

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?10666-Trekking-pole-threaded-insert-mod

 

[luke moffat]

I have done it with a small 50mm spotter. It can work yes. But I can't speak for how it works with 15X binos. I have rested my binos on my trekking pole to ID some critters better when I didn't have a spotter on a stalk a few times, but never long term glassing off a trekking pole. I think you'd be better served with bringing a tripod along for this IMO.

 

[Scoot]

Thanks guys. Colonel00, I have Minox binocs and I do have the tripod adapter for them. I'd like to give it a try and see how it works. I'm told some guys love this for 15x binocs, so we'll see. For many setups, I can definitely see only using a tripod. However, for some trips I'd like the ability to leave the tripod at the truck and only bring my trekking poles. Then I'd only use the 15x's to better identify critters and not for glassing for hours on end. Thanks guys.

 

[fillthefreezer]

ive been thinking of doing this to a trekking pole mainly for a camera, occasionally binos, but i only run 10x.
im worried i might destroy a perfectly good head though as my poles have taken a beating..

 

[Scoot]

OK, I'm back with more questions-- Colonel00, I'm looking at your link where you put the threaded piece in your trekking pole (I've seen it before and I think it's awesome!). I'd like to put something on the pole that would allow for a quick 'tach so I can swap between my camera and binocs. What should I do?

 

[colonel00]

How quick is quick? All it takes for me to swap stuff is to just unscrew one and screw on the other. I actually plan to pick up something like this to make it a little easier.

 

[Scoot]

Colonel00, do you know the exact specs on both the insert you put in and the piece in the pic above?

Also, I'm a total greenhorn with this stuff, so I wonder if I used the wrong language on the specifics of my first post. Rather than a pan head, would a ball head work well for this? I'm a little concerned about attaching directly to the pole without anything that pivots or gives at all. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I'm wondering about putting it down and stepping on it and ripping out the insert. With a ball head or something that pivots a little it'd give. Maybe not necessary...

Regardless, thanks for your info and help!
Scott

 

[colonel00]

It's pretty a standard thread size of 1/4"-20 which is a course thread. I believe this is the standard thread for tripod/camera/scope mounts too.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...-Nuts-4-Pack-54454/202105592?N=5yc1vZc2elZ402

As far as a ball head, again I think it is overkill. Think of it this way, when using a tripod, the "platform" is essentially fixed. If you mounted a scope or binoculars straight to the tripod, the only way to change the view would be to actually move the tripod. This is where a pan or ball head is needed to allow you to easily change the view without having to pick up and move the tripod.

Now, with a trekking pole, you essentially have a monopod. Think about those photographers you see on the sidelines of a football game. They don't need any sort of head because they can just rotate the monopod to change the view. Need to look up, tilt it back. Need to look down, tilt it forward. You are always going to have at least one hand on it to steady and aim it. You can also adjust the height to further assist in looking up or down.

Lenses are mounted directly to the monopod

Leaning forward to look down

Now, here is a lady that is using some sort of head on a monopod.

Overall, I'm not saying that it won't work, I just think it might be more than you really need. I would suggest getting to a camera shop and seeing if you can try out a monopod with your binoculars to see if you would really need a head. Who knows, maybe you find a setup that really works slick so be sure to come back and give us a report.

 

[Scoot]

Super helpful- thanks Brad!