Below is a copy of one of my previous posts.
I really like the "Ball Head" type tripods because the afford you maximum adjust-ability IMHO. With this "pistol grip" you just squeeze the handle and the top is loosened to rotate in all directions and up and down at the same time.
I had a great "Pan Head" type of tripod but there were separate controls for moving the camera in each of the 3 directions and it became laborious and at times unworkable if you had to do last minute multiple axis adjustments.
This pistol grip ball head is a great beginner tripod at a great price, especially for some one who may use it casually. It's got plastic parts so it won't hold up under full time use but that's not what you're looking for anyway.
Make sure you get this model 6600PG and not the other ones as they are shorter in their maximum height (61 inches) and the extra 4 inches of the
6600PG model will frequently come in handy, especially for shooting over people's heads at events and such.
You may be able to find this model on line ( ? at
best buy), but be sure to go to the store and check it out in person to see the difference between a pan head and a ball head type tripod.
I hope that helps!
Good luck,
Marlton Mom........Post is below
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I just purchased a Sunpak Platinum plus 6600PG tripod at Best Buy
for around $59.99
It has a pistol grip type ball head
Max Height 65.5"
min height 24.5
Load capacity 11 lbs
Product Width 4"
Product Weight 3.55 lbs.
Product Depth 4.5"
Leg Diameter 1"
Leg material Aluminum 'D' shape
Leg locks Flip lever
Feet Rubber tip/retractable spikes
Chassis: geared, folding crank, 3 axis bubble level plus a center bubble level on the leg platform
Quick release plate 620-749
This is a great price for a Pistol grip ball head with all of these features. This would definitely not be suitable for video as it couldn't really pan smoothly and the Chassis gears are plastic on plastic but I think it's a steal at this price for a PG type ball head.
The Ball head seems really solid and adjustments are easy. It locks into place with a death grip so ya gotta love that!
I have a pan head Slik U9000 that has served me well over the years but I was really craving a ball head and I feared that I would have to pay in the $200 range for one. I had a $15 dollar off best buy rewards zone coupon so I got the price down even further.
This is a good entry level, pistol grip ball head tripod, perfect for someone who will not use $$$ worth of tripod in their lifetime. It's only .5 pounds heavier than my Slik U 9000 and around 4 inches taller. Plus the center pole where the 3 legs attach has a locking screw so it won't flop open in transit.
I figure I now have a $150 in my imaginary lens purchasing bank account towards my next lens!
Woo Hoo!
~ Marlton Mom
