Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate
The Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate facilitates smooth, single-action camera positioning in any direction by simply pulling and releasing the trigger. One-handed operation of the head means your remaining hand is free to press the other trigger – the one on your DSLR camera.
The head's pistol grip facilitates an extremely quick and easy way to set your shooting angle: just squeeze the trigger, position with the rubberized handgrip, and release, and the camera's position is locked. This single-handed operation enables you to set forward/backward and side-to-side tilt as well as panning around a full 360°. The included quick-release plate enables fast camera mounting (via a standard 1/4"-20 camera screw) and allows you to switch to handheld shooting in seconds.
Featuring both 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mounts, the Compact Pistol Grip head mounts to virtually all tripods. With four built-in bubble levels around the head, you'll always have instantaneous feedback as to whether your shot hews to the horizon.
With a heavy load capacity and an integrated spring-loaded video pin on its quick-release plate, the Compact Pistol Grip head also supports compact camcorders. An ideal application might be a rapid-fire video production that involves a series of static shots.
- Smooth, single-action movement in any direction
- Rubberized hand grip
- Quick-release lever with locking mechanism
- Limited lifetime warranty
| Head Type | Pistol-grip ball head |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Load Capacity | 15.4 lb (7.0 kg) |
| Quick Release | Yes, with 1/4"-20 stud & video pin |
| Spirit Level | Yes, 4 |
| Tension Control | No |
| Separate Panning Lock | No |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4 x 2.5 x 4" (10.2 x 6.4 x 10.2 cm) |
| Weight | 0.75 lb (0.34 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
58%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attaches firmly (7)
- Stable (7)
- Strong clamp (6)
- Large range of motion (5)
Cons
- Unstable (3)
- Weak clamp (3)
Best Uses
- Night shots (5)
- Portraits (5)
- Landscape/scenery (4)
- Weddings (4)
- Wildlife (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (11)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great product, great price
I bought two of these, one for my tripod and one to put on my macro flash bracket. That was the only way I could make my quick releases match because this product does ...Read complete review
I bought two of these, one for my tripod and one to put on my macro flash bracket. That was the only way I could make my quick releases match because this product does not match any other quick release. Everything else about this product is fantastic.
The camera is aimed by simply pulling the trigger, pionting the camera then releasing the trigger. It is super fast and great for wildlife or any other subject that requires fast set up.
The quick release has a clever spring that pops out the qr plate when the double lock is released. The same spring then automatically locks the plate when the plate is inserted, amazingly easy.
The colar allows about 30% of movement in every direction with a 90%cut out. The cutout easily rotes 360% so that in the horizontal position a simple squeeze of the trigger allows rotation of a full 90% in any direction.
Now tilt the camera to the verticle position and the grip offsets the camera to clear the tripod. In this position the camera will now rotate an amazing 360% in every direction!
The tension is plenty strong enough for a light to medium wieght camera set up, but there is no tension adjustment and I would not trust it with a real heavy camera.The manufacturer claims that the tension should not loosen up as the product ages, but I have not had it long enough to know if this is true.
There are four convenient bubble levels.
The 2 pistal grips I purchased had an extra lever on the top right. This lever is not pictured in in the product photos or instructions. It turned out that loosening this lever will allow the head to pan without disturbing any of the other settings. I dont know if they all come like that but this was another pleasant surprise.
I use my pistal grips to photograph animals. The challenge I have is to get the shot quick an not scare the animal by fumbling around with a lot of controls. This head is as fast and simple as it gets.This product was actually one of the least expensive pistal grips I looked at. The quality and functionality make this product a must have if you need to work fast on a tripod.
This head also comes on a number of sunpack tripods if you dont already have one. Dont forget to get a few xtra plates so you can quickly mix and match equipment.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not worth the money
I this as a complete tripod assembly and I am currently shopping for a head to replace this one. It is perfectly functional as long as you dont need to use portrait format. The ...Read complete review
I this as a complete tripod assembly and I am currently shopping for a head to replace this one. It is perfectly functional as long as you dont need to use portrait format. The friction lock is not strong enough to hold the camera in position, and the lens droops quickly out of position. If you dont need to shoot portrait format it will suffice but I find it totally useless. also, the grip is fairly difficult to squeeze due to the short handle. After a while your hand starts to hurt
On the plus side it is very quick to adjust otherwise and work pretty well except for the issue noted
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
Cons
- Unstable
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
I got this head on a 423PX tripod. I like the tripod - lightweight, reasonably stable.
I use a Nikon D7000 with a 18-200 lens on it; for the first 100 or so shots, it seemed fine; then it started slipping at longer focal lengths; now it won't hold the camera up at all - I have maybe 300 shots with it. Ridiculous, given my rig weighs barely over 3 pounds. And the "nominal" charge to get the head fixed or replaced is 50% of the price of the head. I'll take it apart to see if I can fix it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Unstable
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
the plate twists on the rubber bottom of my camera and moving it off my camera. I do not belive that will hold the 13 lbs as advertised. good only for a point and shoot.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
i use this head with a mafrotto monopod.
this product is not good. you have to perfectly align it horizontaly with the camera in order to balance. it is very hard to lock in the same position if you have a heavier camera. it does not support the weight that is decribed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
Makes positioning the camera quick and easy. I also use one on top of a light stand to hold my Quantum flash. Priced right.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Fast an simple
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Price
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Animals
- Fast Settup
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
I bought two of these, one for my tripod and one to put on my macro flash bracket. That was the only way I could make my quick releases match because this product does not match any other quick release. Everything else about this product is fantastic.
The camera is aimed by simply pulling the trigger, pionting the camera then releasing the trigger. It is super fast and great for wildlife or any other subject that requires fast set up.
The quick release has a clever spring that pops out the qr plate when the double lock is released. The same spring then automatically locks the plate when the plate is inserted, amazingly easy.
The colar allows about 30% of movement in every direction with a 90%cut out. The cutout easily rotes 360% so that in the horizontal position a simple squeeze of the trigger allows rotation of a full 90% in any direction.
Now tilt the camera to the verticle position and the grip offsets the camera to clear the tripod. In this position the camera will now rotate an amazing 360% in every direction!
The tension is plenty strong enough for a light to medium wieght camera set up, but there is no tension adjustment and I would not trust it with a real heavy camera.The manufacturer claims that the tension should not loosen up as the product ages, but I have not had it long enough to know if this is true.
There are four convenient bubble levels.
The 2 pistal grips I purchased had an extra lever on the top right. This lever is not pictured in in the product photos or instructions. It turned out that loosening this lever will allow the head to pan without disturbing any of the other settings. I dont know if they all come like that but this was another pleasant surprise.
I use my pistal grips to photograph animals. The challenge I have is to get the shot quick an not scare the animal by fumbling around with a lot of controls. This head is as fast and simple as it gets.This product was actually one of the least expensive pistal grips I looked at. The quality and functionality make this product a must have if you need to work fast on a tripod.
This head also comes on a number of sunpack tripods if you dont already have one. Dont forget to get a few xtra plates so you can quickly mix and match equipment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Small Range
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
Yes, it works as described, just a little bit short when attached to tripod, i used an extra piece ( hand support light ) to keep it higher and move it with freedom.
Super strong support, nice for shooting
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
With tripod and monopod,Sony A350 with long lenses.
Solid construction,stays where one sets it when shooting.
3 bubble levels.
Not a big issue,but should come with 1/4 20 to 3/8 adapter.
Like most Sunpak products,priced fairly,for "Prosumer" type gear.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Convenient with small DSL
Cons
- Unstable
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
With less of the advertised load capacity my camera will stard sliding when tilt the monopod is mounted on, works oly when monopod and camera perfectly align in a vertical line. If you have a flash mounted on the camera , hold the camera with one hand at all times because I was afraid of seeing my camera crashing on the floor.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
Good for getting the camera pointed in a hurry when it's on a tripod. Holds camera very well, without sag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
I use this pistol grip ball head for macro photograpy; it permits quick and easy adjustments to where the camera is aimed. It seems well constructed and durable. A couple improvements would be to redesign the ball so the up down rotation motion would not be limited to less than 45 degrees. The levels are on the small side which makes it difficult to make accurate adjustments. Overall, very satisfied at this price point and consider it a bargain. I recommend it to others.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
I use this pistol grip ball head with a vanguard Alta+254 tripod. the ball head with the four levels & piston grip is quick and easy to position my camera where I want it. The levels come in handy when I am shooting landscapes and need a level horizon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Difficult to squeeze
- Weak friction lock
- Will not hold position in
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
I this as a complete tripod assembly and I am currently shopping for a head to replace this one. It is perfectly functional as long as you dont need to use portrait format. The friction lock is not strong enough to hold the camera in position, and the lens droops quickly out of position. If you dont need to shoot portrait format it will suffice but I find it totally useless. also, the grip is fairly difficult to squeeze due to the short handle. After a while your hand starts to hurt
On the plus side it is very quick to adjust otherwise and work pretty well except for the issue noted
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Sunpak Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head w/ Quick Release Plate:
This head replaced the elevation/pan head on my tripod, which was unsuitable for taking still pictures. I had to struggle to level the tripod with that head to get level shots. With the pistol grip ballhead I can level the camera instantly without regard to the tripod.
I haven't used the device long enough to develop any annoyances about it. So far, so good.
Displaying reviews 1-13
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $9.95
Vertical "L" Brackets
- Price: $59.57
Levelling Bases
- Price: $149.95
Base Plates
-
- Original: $119.95
- Save: $19.15
- Price: $100.80
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- Quick Release Platform for Compact Pistol Grip Ball Head
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
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