Tripod opinions.

fatrooster · Jan 3, 2005

I'm looking into getting the outdoorsmans tripod and I was wondering which head most people like and why they like it. The Jim White fluid head or the outdoorsmans pistol grip head? fatrooster.

Chad · Jan 3, 2005

No question about it, get the Jim white head!

cpugsie · Jan 3, 2005

I bought the pistol grip from the outdoorsman and sold it the day I got home from my hunt. Didn't like it at all. It was noisy once it got some dust into it and hurts your hand after several hours of use. I've used the Bogen 3160 for a couple of years and absolutely love it. I was trying to lighten my load and tried the pistol grip. For the little extra weight I'll use the Bogen until it no longer works. Only problem is that they don't make the 3160 any more. You can still get a used one on ebay for about $40.00. For the money you will not be disappointed. As for the Jim White head, It seemed like it was either too hard to pan or increadibly loose. No in between. No damping at all. The Bogen head actually has an internal bushing that is attached to ball bearings with radial holes in it that is filled with a clear grease that dampens the motion. No fluid at all in the Jim White head despite its' name. As for a tripod... I've tried the outdoorsman which is a very nice tripod but for the money I went with a Slik 730 Pro carbon fiber. Around $240.00. It went up higher than the outdoorsman, was just as light and was about half the cost. I've used it all of 2004 and found it to be a great tripod and a good value. B&H photo carries them.

Carl