Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

I am looking for an arca-swiss compatible tilt/panhead for under $200.

Does anyone have experience with an Induro PHQ1 or PHQ3 5-way panhead? Pros, cons?

One obvious con: Priced at $225 and $275 the Induros are both over $200.

Thanks.

BillH Loc: Lancaster County PA

I have an induro pan tilt head phq? It is rated at 22 or 23 pounds. I have been very satisfied. I use it to hold camera and a 50-500 mm sigma. Also have induro legs.
Bill

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

I don't have any experience with the those two models but I do have an Induro PHT 1 on my travel tripod and a PHT 2 on my larger tripod. They have excellent load ratings at about 17 1/2 lb and 25 1/2 lb, respectively. They have both proved very satisfactory for my uses (landscape photography), allowing precise framing of the photo, and I'm very happy with them. I believe these have been replaced by the PHQ series and are no longer manufactured. If the newer models are as good or better I would highly recommend them.

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

Some of the reviews at B&H complain that the PHQ heads are not truly arca-swiss compatible, there is play in the handles and the levels are not accurate.

What has you experience with respect to those issues been?

Thanks.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

The PHT series has folding levers and if the nuts that keep them in the fixed, straight position are not kept snug (finger tight) there will be play. However, I don't have any play in either of mine if the nuts (not really nuts, I'm not sure what they're properly called but they bridge the gap in the folding section and tighten) are snug. The folding lever feature was one of the reasons I chose these heads as I need to get the smaller travel tripod in motorcycle luggage at times and it is helpful when the tripods are packed so for me it's worth it to have to snug up those "nuts" from time to time.

The levels seem accurate to me. I can't comment on the Arca-Swiss compatibility as I've never checked that.

I'm not familiar with the design of the newer heads you are considering so I don't know if any of this applies to them. Most important of all, I've found the heads to be rock solid and hold the camera in position with no sag.

When I was shopping for mine I found a large variation in prices from different online sellers so it may pay to shop around.

Hope this helps.

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

Thanks.

I understand that you have a different model; I was trying to get a sense of the build quality. You gave me that. Thanks.

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

Some of the reviews at B&H complain that the PHQ heads are not truly arca-swiss compatible, there is play in the handles, and the levels are not accurate.

What has your experience been with respect to those issues?

Thanks.