bioteacher Loc: Brooklyn, NY

I bought the Opteka SW-1 Sidewinder Joystick Pistol Grip Ball Head with Quick Release Plate for Tripods & Monopods from Delta Marketing Corp. d/b/a 47th St Photo through Amazon.

The concept behind this grip is great but its execution is terrible. I bought this item and when it came I could not attach the quick release plate. I called 47th St. Photo and they said that I should return it to Amazon and order a second one. I proceeded to order a second one, and this time I could only attach the plate in 1 of the 2 locations. I called 47th St. Photo again and spoke to a Mr. Cohen., Mr. Cohen said I bought the grip from Amazon and not from Delta Marketing Corp. d/b/a 47th St. Photo. Then he said maybe this grip was not for me. I know how to use an Allen wrench as I have worked on a farm for over 6 years, worked in biology and soil science labs, built furniture, etc. Mr Cohen does not seem to care that I have to waste my time packing up the grip to return to Amazon and then waste more time dropping the package off at a UPS center. 47th St. Photo customer service is totally non-existent.
After a good night's rest I realized what Mr. Cohen was referring to when he said that this product might not be for me. I wanted a product that works and 2 out of 2 that I received did not work, I guess I expect too much to pay for a product and expect it to work.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Off topic a little...
I used a pistol grip and worked ok for me. I had a flash bracket and flash. Everything added up to a lot of weight. I had to use second hand for controling adjustment.
When I would "lean" the camera rig off to any side, it would not hold very good. Even after tightening the tension djustment.
After awhile, I quit using it.....
I think I had the Monfrotto brand?
Pat

tomfr Loc: Brevard N.C.

I, myself, would only deal with B&H Photo. These folks realize happy customer is a return customer. I have been in both B&H and 47th. St. Photo. B&H is a top shelf, professionally run operation. I really do not remember why I was in 47th. St.Photo,maybe just browsing. B&H has sales people, whereas, 47th. St. has people that want to sell you things. Adorama is a good outfit, and I see they now have a house brand, that gets consistently good reviews. Flashpoint is the name. A large number of the big NYC camera stores, are nothing more than addresses, they are usually a house or a storefront in Brooklyn.
These comments are based on fact, not hearsay, nor am I pimping for B&H, we all work hard for our money, and are entitled to honesty.


tomfr

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

I am always amazed at how people will spend so much money for their camera and lens but when it comes to tripods and heads there is a constant desire to save as much as possible. What is your equipment worth? I have seen many of these devices fail and expensive cameras fall to the ground and break. I dont understand how people will not spend more on camera support equipment. A good ball head is worth every penny. Pistol grip heads are not worth anything, just a gimmick. Do yourself a favor and get a good ball head and you will not be disappointed. Spend a little bit more and get a good head, your camera needs it to be safe.

roygee1944

I use a SunPak pistol grip and really like it. I got mine some time ago and it is a little lightly built, I understand they have a better one now. And they don't cost an "arm & a leg"! I shoot a Pentax K10D & K20D with a heavy older flash.
ROY

tomfr Loc: Brevard N.C.

Some of the best spent money, for me, was a Manfrotto ball head and tripod. A little heavy, but worth every penny.

tomfr

NikonJohn Loc: Indiana U.S.A.

Earlier this year I was in my local camera shop looking at a used Bogen pistol grip ball head. One of the guys that has worked there for 25+ years advised me against it. Said he had one years ago and said is sags under a heavy load and if you squeeze the grip many times while you are on a shoot your hand starts to get tired. So he showed me the collection of ball heads they have and I bought one that day. I took the 3D head of my Bogen 3001 tripod and replaced it with a Vanguard SBH 100 ball head. The ball head has worked great for me, it's silky smooth in operation well made and was $80 at my local camera shop. Don't know if that is a high price or reasonable for you, but I thought it was good compared to some of the others they had. Plus it fit like grew there on my old Bogen tripod. Don't know what the rest of you have but I will never sell that little Bogen/Manfrotto tripod, I just love it. My Wife or daughter can sell it when I'm dead, unless she wants to use it. ;) I have hiked many a mile with that tripod and have dropped it many times. I personally would not trust a carbon fiber tripod not to break if dropped on a rock. I know pros who have had problems with their pro carbon fiber tripods so I am sticking with aluminum with cast lugs. Not sure about the newer Manfrotto's I have 3 old ones that I think are great. I have seen the Bogen 3001 selling on eBay for more than I paid for it, that says something to me. Plus it's so strong if I get tired I can use it as a stool, though it's not very comfortable. ;) I think I have had this tripod 25 years and it has never failed me. Too bad they quit making it, so it's not available anymore for the rest of you, except used.

My tripod & ball head combo