best head for twelve power

[Pinewood]

I currently have a twelve power glass mounted on a monopod, using a Manfrotto/bogen 3009 ball and socket head. It works well, but is there a better head currently available?
I would think that a monopod would work best with a ball and socket head rather than a pan head. For a fifteen power glass, I use a tripod, with a pan head, but that is mostly for astronomy.

Happy birding,
Arthur Pinewood

[Hermann]

I currently have a twelve power glass mounted on a monopod, using a Manfrotto/bogen 3009 ball and socket head. It works well, but is there a better head currently available?

I use monopods quite a lot on long hikes, usually with a scope. With the Monostat (the best monopod by far) I can use magnifications up to about 40x quite easily. I use a Manfrotto/Bogen head that's specifically designed for monopods. It's called "Manfrotto 234RC" over here. Cheap, light and very, very stable. A nice head.

Hermann

[Pinewood]

Hermann,

Thank you. I do not see that model on the Eagle Optics site, but I will check with photography supply shops, as well.

Best wishes,
Arthur Pinewood

[Pinewood]

Could not find the 3229 ir 234RC at B&H, either. It may only be derivative of my 3009.

Many thanks,
Arthur Pinewood

[pluvanut]

Might be worth checking out Gitzo Monotrek = light monopod/trekking pole with built in small b & s. fine with Fieldscope & 30x (1kg-ish). Not sure whether your bins? will be too heavy though. I think they say 2.5kg max.

[Hermann]

Could not find the 3229 ir 234RC at B&H, either. It may only be derivative of my 3009.

Check

http://www.manfrotto.de/product/itemlist.php3?manufid=1&sectionid=15

Don't worry, that site is in English ...:)

Hermann

[Pinewood]

Hermann, thanks again!

I found it at B&H. My trouble was that I thought it was a ball head. It is a tilt swivel.
I can buy it, this week.

Happy birding,
Arthur Pinewood

[Pinewood]

Might be worth checking out Gitzo Monotrek = light monopod/trekking pole with built in small b & s. fine with Fieldscope & 30x (1kg-ish). Not sure whether your bins? will be too heavy though. I think they say 2.5kg max.

Thank you,

My glass weighs about 1.25 kgs., but I already own a good monopod.

Happy birding,
Arthur Pinewood

[Pinewood]

tQUOTE=BrianB]Eagle Optics only seem to have it attached to a monopod. Don't know if they sell it separately - http://www.eagleoptics.com/search.asp?q=3229&pid=3924. The 3229 is the 234RC in Europe.[/QUOTE]

Brian,

Thank you. You were helpful in trackiing down this model tripod head.

Happy birding,
Arthur Pinewood

[Pinewood]

Gentlemen,

I purchased the 3229 tripod head and an additional mounting plate, US$28 for the former and US$12 for the latter at New York's B&H Photo.

Happy birding,
Arthur Pinewood