Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release)
Slik's AF-2100 has a unique patented single action pistol grip. Simply squeeze the trigger, set your camera to the desired position and release the trigger; your camera is immediately locked right where you want it. The AF-2100 can be used with all makes and models of tripods that have either a 1/4"-20 or a 3/8"-16 threaded center column post.
- Ingenious Panning Axis Quick Release Mechanism
- Where your thumb rests upon the AF-2100 there is a lever; push the lever up and the quick release plate can rotate upon the panning axis, and pull the lever down to make the plate lock into place. In this way you're able to follow action which solely needs left/right panning adjustments without the need to constantly squeeze the pistol mechanism, which would quickly tire your hand.
- Bull's Eye Style Bubble Level
- At the top of the AF-2100 there is a bull's eye style single bubble level, which helps to quickly achieve a perfectly level shot with just a glance at your hand.
- Base diameter of 2.0" (5.1 cm)
| Maximum Camera Supported | 35mm SLR |
| Load Capacity | 10 lbs (4.53 kg) |
| Height | 5.3" (13.5 cm) |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | Yes |
| Tension Control | No |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 (with removable 1/4"-20 adapter bushing) |
| Weight | 1.88 lb (0.85 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 22 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Large range of motion (17)
- Attaches firmly (16)
- Stable (16)
- Strong clamp (13)
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits (11)
- Landscape/scenery (8)
- Night shots (7)
- Photography (7)
- Sports/action (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Semi-pro photographer (6), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Very solid. Stays where you put it!
I recently returned to photography after a five year hiatus. I wanted to get another quick release plate for this head and was happy to see they still make it. I've used this head ...Read complete review
I recently returned to photography after a five year hiatus. I wanted to get another quick release plate for this head and was happy to see they still make it. I've used this head for -- jeez...probably twenty years. While I've never put the large telephotos on it, it handily holds a large zoom lens on a pro body without a problem. It locks exactly where you put it and the pistol grip lets you get just the right position. I couldn't think of a better head for a tripod.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not for me
These ball heads seem like a great idea, but really aren't in practice (that's why I eventually sold mine). For one thing, it's tall, and I found that the extra height subtracts ...Read complete review
These ball heads seem like a great idea, but really aren't in practice (that's why I eventually sold mine). For one thing, it's tall, and I found that the extra height subtracts vertical stability and can add high-frequency vibration. If you want to shoot vertically, the whole thing tips WAY over. And finally, I intensely dislike the quick-release plate: it has to be oriented just-so on the camera, and then just-so on the top of the head or you can't get it in. I always found I was never oriented correctly. Otherwise, very well-made, and you don't need a coin to affix the plate to the camera with the built-in tab.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 22 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
This grip makes it easier to adjust the camera angle
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
This is my first ballhead. With so many choices it was difficult to pick one. Since I purchased a Slik carbon fiber tripod, I decided to get a Slik ballhead too. The AF-2100 seemed very simple to use, so I ordered it. I have not been disappointed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
Works perfectly! You can point the camera in any direction including straight up and down. The trigger feels very sturdy and it fits comfortably on my tripod or monopod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
I found this more convenient comparing to the ball-head style.
Faster adjustment can be done with one hand.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
This product is a must for the avid birdwatcher with a spotting scope.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
No more adjusting two or three levers to get the right shot. Just squeeze and adjust with one hand. Flips easily for portrait or landscape shots.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
The panning feature and quick release are a little cumbersome and there isn't a level for flipping to portrait. Other than that, it's all good. Easy to use, quick to adjust and adds height to the tripod.
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
Using with monopod.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
The easy movement makes it very easy to get my camera in the position I need for a good shot.
It does just what I was looking for in a Pistol Grip Head.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
Quick, solid convenience after years of the 3 "Twisty-Stix"... Why didn't I do this years ago?
Used mostly in macro & landscapes, It has also been handy in any tripod situation...for vertical shots just be aware of the spot it tips and with a little practice, you'll be smooth.
Pros
Cons
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
These ball heads seem like a great idea, but really aren't in practice (that's why I eventually sold mine). For one thing, it's tall, and I found that the extra height subtracts vertical stability and can add high-frequency vibration. If you want to shoot vertically, the whole thing tips WAY over. And finally, I intensely dislike the quick-release plate: it has to be oriented just-so on the camera, and then just-so on the top of the head or you can't get it in. I always found I was never oriented correctly. Otherwise, very well-made, and you don't need a coin to affix the plate to the camera with the built-in tab.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
Just one squeeze and your camera is pointed
right where you want it. No more turning two,
three or more knobs to make adjustments. I
use it for nature, macro, and fine art
reperduction shots.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Macrophotography
- Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
Little heavy but large range of motion helps quickly adjust the angle of the camera,
very useful for macrophotography or when quick angle adjustment needed
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
I have been using this grip and a Slik tripod sence mid 70 or early 80 started with 35 SLR and a 400mm Canon Lens mounted to the Pistol grip.In the lase 7 years I switched to Video and use it for Football and Basketball on the Slik tripod just squeez it and follow the ball or player and the range of motion is smoothfrom Left to Right and up and down. I know that most people use long handle type Heads for panning and Video taping. And use the Quick Release for Studio or 35mm shooting but not me.And I get great smooth steady shots with a Sony Pro HDV FX-7 Video camera purchased from B&H this past AUG.2009.Sunpack Pistol grip is to Small for normal hand sizes and hard to squeeze its in the closet collecting dust.Slik Handle longer and better for engageing and releasing and panning.
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Stabilization
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
I use it for landscape and shooting vintage architecture. Recently it has begun to slip on the ball head and won't lock down as it has in the past which makes it a challenge when doing vertical shots. With a 5.5 lb support rating, my D90 and 18-200mm lens weigh approx. 1.5 lbs. Have had the 2100 about ~2 years and other than this new development, I love it. Can it be adjusted without having to buy a whole new unit?
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Spotting Scope
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
I bought the pistol grip to use as an easy way to control a spotting scope. I like the way it is very easy, and quick, to use in selecting where you want to point the scope.
I liked it well enough that I bought a second one to give to a good friend for his spotting scope.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Stabilization
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
I recently returned to photography after a five year hiatus. I wanted to get another quick release plate for this head and was happy to see they still make it. I've used this head for -- jeez...probably twenty years. While I've never put the large telephotos on it, it handily holds a large zoom lens on a pro body without a problem. It locks exactly where you put it and the pistol grip lets you get just the right position. I couldn't think of a better head for a tripod.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Quickly mounts to monopod
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Portraits
- Reducing Noise (ISO Reduction)
- Stabilization
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
The AF-2100 is a MUST HAVE for any photographer who uses a monopod and/or a tripod. Having a simple pistol-grip type release that locks the ball head into the exact position/angle you want is a real asset when you are working in scenic, sports, or general photography. Some people have noted the weight of the AF-2100, but when compared to other ball heads, the weight factor is about the same, and minus the cumbersome arms for horizontal/vertical adjustments. I'm using a Nikon D200 with a 70mm~300mm AFS Nikor,it works like a real champ on a Giottos 9180 monopod, significantly cuts down on ISO noise.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Portraits
- Reducing Noise (ISO Reduction)
- Stabilization
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
This tripod head is so versatile and easy to use, it virtually has no limitations - I absolutely love it!!
Pros
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Slik AF-2100 Pistol Grip Head (Quick Release):
Excellent pistol grip head. Easy to use, sturdy. QR plate is easy to use too.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- Quick Release Plate for the AF2100 Pistol Grip Head
- 3-Year Warranty
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