Pistol grip heads

[Myrtle]

A few of you warned me off getting the pistol grip head when I mentioned it in my "Vanbar" post - would like more info please as I used one the other day and found it really good and it appeared to be steady etc.
Have just ordered the Manfrotto 190XProB and 804 head combo - there's so many heads out there - what do you suggest, is there a better head??? Uses will include: Macro, landscape, people.

TIA

Linda

[gstark]

Linda,

The issue is that when you release the grip - in order to set the head - your hand, in doing the actual release, will move the head from your desired position, and thus you have to start again. Do this three or four times, and the frustration does start to set in.

[Matt. K]

At the risk of offending some folk....I know very few pros who use the pistol grips because they tend to eventually slip and creep with heavy loads over time. However....that was some time ago and they may have improved considerably since then. Most pros use a good quality ballhead for reliability and ease of use. The Benro tripods and heads are good value for the money. Gitzo and Markin much better but very expensive. There are a lot of discussions on this forum in relation to this subject so search and read. PS....Buy quality the first time and never have to buy again.

[Oneputt]

I actually use one on my monopod where I find it really comes in to it's own. Did not like it on a tripod though for the very reasons already mentioned.

[Myrtle]

There are a lot of discussions on this forum in relation to this subject so search and read.

Ooops - forgot about the search function - gone for a cruise around - thanks


Also thanks for the input everyone

Linda

[adam]

Linda,

The issue is that when you release the grip - in order to set the head - your hand, in doing the actual release, will move the head from your desired position, and thus you have to start again. Do this three or four times, and the frustration does start to set in.

This is my exact annoyance with the 322RC2 I've got

[gstark]

I actually use one on my monopod where I find it really comes in to it's own. Did not like it on a tripod though for the very reasons already mentioned.

Using one on a monopod is not something that I've actually considered. Certainly, the issues that I've seen with this style of head would be less of an issue when used in this manner, and this may well be a valid use.

I have a rubber head - much like an engine mount - that came with my Manfrotto monopod, and that is certainly very flexible to use, in every sense of the word.

[Reschsmooth]

I know very few pros who use the pistol grips because they tend to eventually slip and creep with heavy loads over time.

This is one amateur that uses a pistol grip out of default - it is the only head we have. Whilst it can be tightened, I find it is a frustrating head to use.For example, if I wanted to take an image of the moon, particularly using a long lens, I would need to aim the lens slightly above the moon, let go of the grip, and hope I have allowed enough for the "droop" in the grip to settle the lens to point where I want it to.

Of course, this grip is betwix 15-20 years old.

[Oz_Beachside]

i think its important to first understand what you are shooting, and with what gear?

for me, if I am shooting people, and need to quickly move the head to reframe, then the quick release heads are great. however, the limitation is the grip strength.

I have one of these;
http://www.pictureline.com/products/257/Manfrotto_322RC2_Grip_Action_Ball_Head/
they have changed the design with this model, to lower the weight of the camera closer to the ball, thus reducing the "flex" action that gary refers to (which is certainly a problem with a medium/heavy glass on the older pistol grips).

if I put heavier/longer glass on (say 70-210) I will need to wind up the tension inside the grip, so it holds, but this also requires more user grip strength too.

so I use this for people (90% of my work) and the old/simple 141 head for landscape (easier to adjust more accurately).

having said all that, I wish I had some kind of L bracket that would hold a D200+grip with a 28-70 beast in portrait mode...

[Oneputt]

My CR322 actually works quite well on the monopod as I use it as a handle to control the setup.

[Myrtle]

Thanks everyone - there's definitely some food for thought here - muchly appreciated.


Linda

[jdear_89]

I have the 804 RC2 on the pro 190b legs and its great. I mainly use it for landscapes and it does the treat. It is a bit of weight but its extremely stable and the head is easy to use. I find that its a good weapon too, if i never needed to use it in that way ...
Cheers James