Closed, this unit is only a little over 17 inches long and can be extended to 50 inches (not using the center shaft which will get you another 9 inches)  It also only weighs in at a bit over two pounds.

Now, if you only use this unit with small cameras as it was intended, it is perfectly fine.  But I want to continue to use it for travel when I don’t want to lug around my full size tripod and with my dSLR camera which at times may have a 70-200 2.8 attached. (not recommended)

The one thing holding us back here is the fact that this unit only comes with the pistol grip head and it is permanently attached to the center column.  And the pistol grip, no matter how you try, will only grip so much and not enough to hold a heavier camera (for which is was not intended mind you) without slipping.

What we really need is a ball-head.  Enter modification time.

This is much easier than you would think.  Here is all you need. (perform at your own risk)

1 – Manfrotto 118 Universal Short Spigot with Double Male Thread, like this one.
1 – Manfrotto 3007K Table Top Kit, like this one.  OR, just get the 492 Micro Ball head…I figured for a few extra dollars why not add the table-top tripod too.
1 – 5/16″ Clevis pen and hitch pin clip – you can pick this up at any good hardware store.

First, remove the pistol grip section from the center column.  Just unscrew the two column pieces.

You will need to drill a 5/16″ hole through the bottom of the column.  NOTE:  Drill the bottom of the column leaving the threaded section alone so you can always just screw the pistol grip back to the center column if you want to use it again later.

If you don’t have access to a drill press, I recommend getting access to one either by renting or borrowing.  Drilling a hole in a round pipe with just a hand-held drill is just asking for a trip to the ER.  Don’t do it.  If you try, don’t say you haven’t been warned.

Now with our hole drilled…

We can insert the spigot with the proper size thread facing out and secure with the clevis pin.

I used a Dremel tool to trim off the excess part of the clevis pin that was not needed.

Now all that is left is to unscrew the 492 ball head that came in the kit and attach it to the column.  And ta-da..

We’ve gone from pistol-grip to ball head.

Leaving the pistol grip fully functional should we every want to use it later.

And we can easily remove the 492 ball head whenever we like to use with the table top kit.

Here are a couple examples showing the new modification.

Of course please note, if you’re going to do as I have and put such a heavy combo on this rig, be mindful of your tripod leg placement for maximum stability.

Final disclaimer…perform this mod at your own risk.  I performed this mod to meet my needs and share it here simply to show what can be done.  If you attempt this task, do so at your own risk of harm to yourself and/or your equipment.

Here are a few of my shots from that day which I’d like to share.

Please click on the above image to open the gallery slideshow

(click on the image for a larger view)

This being the first Saturday of the month, the Zoo has what they call “Member’s First Saturday” where members are allowed entry into the zoo one hour earlier than the general admission folks on the first Saturday of each month.

So I decided to take advantage and visit the zoo and surrounding Herman Park area.

Given the high heat, there were quite a few animals out.  I’m sure it helped to get there early too before the heat really sets in later in the afternoon.

(click on any image for a larger view)

My first visit was to the birds.

Then the cats.

Then I just kind of wandered around

Then it was time to head out, but not before snapping a few around the park of people going about their daily activities

And lastly, the obligatory squirrel photo…looking for a hand out.

If anyone else thinks of trying a visit to a nearby cemetery to see what kind of images you might capture, I say go for it, but please…remember where you are and remain respectful.

Here are some of my picks from a recent visit.

(click on any image for a larger view)