Dynatran ATH-918 Pistol Grip Ball Head

[FergusonFotos]

Does anyone know if this ball head is universal and if it will fit on any tripod or do I have to buy a Dynatran tripod base to go with it? I found it on Ebay, I emailed the seller 2 days ago and asked the same question but the seller has not responded, the auction is up tomorrow and I'd like to be informed before the "last minute". And while I have your "attention", if any of you have used one of these and would like to give me a review, feel free!! :)

[René Damkot]

It looks the same as the old manfrotto "pistol grip" head.

Some people like it. I don't. I'd prefer a "normal" ballhead.

[jr_senator]

I have tried it and I don't care for the "pistol grip" head either.

[nicshow]

I have it (or one similar to it). It IS quicker than a ballhead but many complain of "creep" especially with heavier equipment/lenses. I do believe it will fit on any legs.

It extends the length of your setup which is good if you are tall and the legs aren't quite tall enough but bad because it puts more weight further away from the stable point of the setup.

If you are a fairly casual user, or on a limited budget, or without excessively heavy equipment try it!

Nic

[argyle]

It depends on the type of threaded connection in the base. The two most popular are 1/4-20 and 3/8-16. What's on your tripod, and what's on the pistol grip? If your tripod is 1/4-20 and the grip is 3/8-16, you'll need a reducing bushing.

TBH, skip the pistol grip and get a decent ballhead...you'll be better off.

[FergusonFotos]

Thanks for the info! The majority says to go with a regular ball head as well. I don't have the tripod yet, I'm hoping to find a complete tripod, head and base, but may end up having to buy them separately.

Linda



It depends on the type of threaded connection in the base. The two most popular are 1/4-20 and 3/8-16. What's on your tripod, and what's on the pistol grip? If your tripod is 1/4-20 and the grip is 3/8-16, you'll need a reducing bushing.

TBH, skip the pistol grip and get a decent ballhead...you'll be better off.

[FergusonFotos]

Well, I bought a tripod and ball head on Ebay tonight. I bought the best thing I could find for my budget, I can get something better later. I bought a Benro A-058 Tripod with the BH-00 Ball head that also fits the Gitzo. The tripod is aluminum (someday I really want a carbon fiber base), it has a spirit level and compass, it comes with a quick release plate, reversible center column, the twist action leg lock system, which I had already decided was a must have for me, I hate the lever locks, it comes with a carrying bag with strap as most do, a wrench and hex key (?) and a manual, it also has the foam leg protector on 1 leg. Maximum height is 56.1", minumum height is 12.2. Attached are pictures.

299847

299848

[FergusonFotos]

More pictures...

[jr_senator]

...the twist action leg lock system, which I had already decided was a must have for me, I hate the lever locks...

Just wondering, why?

[ed rader]

Just wondering, why?


i've found that with the new type locks the twisters really are quicker. you can lock and unlock all three connectors (retracted position) with one twist of the hand.

one thing i really liked about my aluminum manfrotto was the legs would drop into place by gravity which made for a very quick set-up.

the legs on my CF manfrotto tho had to be pulled down and there was more resistance than i cared for, and that's one reason i sold the tripod.

ed rader

[FergusonFotos]

They just seem to be more cumbersome for me, it's easier for me to just twist and let em go than to have to unlock them all one by one and have to pull them out, with the twist release all I have to to is just twist and they release pretty much on their own. And it seems like the lever ones get stiff sometimes or they get stuck sometimes! lol

Just wondering, why?