Posted by GeekBoy on 04/09/07 19:29

"David McCall" <news@junk.us> wrote in message
news:mavSh.4961$FC5.4770@trndny06...
>
> "Steve King" <steveSPAMBLOCK@stevekingSPAMBLOCK.net> wrote in message
> news:k9SdnSkkh6HA54fbnZ2dnUVZ_vGinZ2d@comcast.com...
>>
>> Whether a fluid head performs satisfactorily is truly a personal
>> preference. If you want smooth pan at telephoto extremes I haven't found
>> anything under a few thousand dollars that is satisfactory. That doesn't
>> mean that I don't use lesser expensive tri-pod head configurations from
>> time to time, but they don't make me happy generally. Of course, cost
>> and portability are sometimes even more important. As you are testing,
>> pay particular attention to the ability to smoothly start and stop pans
>> and tilts. Many cheaper fluid heads will pan just fine after you get
>> them going. Unfortunately, jerky starts and stops call attention to
>> themselves. Sometimes this deficiency can be overcome with operator
>> technique. Sometimes not.
>>
>> Steve King
> The built in image stabilization can sometime affect the starts and stops.
> It might be best to turn off stabilization when trying to do smooth moves.
>
> Too much "drag" can also be an issue with cheap tripods.
> Sometimes the top of the tripod will twist a little as you pan,
> then spring back when you end the pan.

This particular model does have a slight play in the head at the main shaft
(not the fluid pan area), but does not spring at all.

>
> Just a couple thoughts.
>
> David
>

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