New tripod head.?

Question

It's time to replace the head on my primary tripod, does anyone have field experience with a grip action type head like the one in the link. I can see some advantages to it but how does it hold up in day to day use?

http://www.binoculars.com/tripods/tripod-accessories/quickactiongripballhead.cfm

It's the spring tension load I'm worried about - will it still grip in 10, 15 20 years time...then again it is a Bogen - will I have enough grip in 20 years?? :-)

Answer 1

I've used both the one you linked and the one I've linked. I much prefer the one I've linked. Albeit, both grips are more convenient - in most circumstances - than the tradition 3-way heads and ball heads. But the problem w/ the one I've linked is its load capacity is 5.5 lbs. It's not suitable for my Mamiya C series gear nor my Canon F1 gear when using the extra long lenses. [I'm still using a Manfrotto 3-way head that I purchased circa 1975.] The one you've linked has a load capacity of 11.0 lbs. As to their durability; I have a camera club acquittance who has been using the one I've linked for at least 8 yrs. w/ Olympus DSLR gear. It will still hold my Canon F1, sans motor drive, but w/ flash and a 100-300mm lens (The lens is one of the newer lightweight lenses) at any angle. Since the one you've linked is the same mechanism w/ a different orientation I'm certain it will give you a long service life. As others have mentioned it is, after all, a Bogen product.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/product_main_page/site/bius/lang/en_US/cache/bypass?curLevel=1CAT&curFamilyId=NONE&curMarketId=NONE&curBrandId=MAN&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT%3AAAA1%3A2CAT%3ABB24%3A3CAT%3ACC49%3A4CAT%3ADD27&productContainer_windowsize=10&ctnscroll_productContainer=10_10&productSort=productBrand&productSortOrder=asc&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&detailPid=8200&productCode=3265&productDescription=GRIP+ACTION+BALL+HEAD

Answer 2

Your camera uses a 1/4-20 thread. A tripod can either have a 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 thread. Low-end tripods use 1/4-20 threads and often couple directly to the camera. Heavy duty tripods use 3/8-16 threads which are meant to couple in to a head which attaches to your camera. The 701HDV head you want to get couples to the tripod via a 3/8-16 thread (or so say the specifications). The quick release plate which couples the camera to the head uses a 1/4-20 thread. A fluid head requires a stable tripod, so get something sturdy. If it's under $150, it isn't strong enough. Torque, when panning, will cause the tripod to twist up a few degrees. When you stop panning, you get backlash which doesn't look good if shooting video. If you get a Manfrotto tripod, the fluid head can be locked to the tripod so it won't unscrew.

Answer 3

Never actually used one but since its a Bogen it should be excellent quality.

Answer 4

i have touched one and played with it in the proshop, i would say some practice is required,

an awesome tool and top quality - now I want one -

EDIT:

dude it should last 10 years, as for 30 or more, will we last that long?

if thats the only concern go get it and make us proud,

a

Answer 5

It's a Bogen, so it should last probably longer thna you'll need it! Seriously...you'll either out grow it or die before it wears out. You should be fine.

Answer 6

its a screw on type head and that is all i use. As long as your kind to your equipment it should last a while.