What kind of head do you use?

[Kevin Mac]

I recently asked if anyone had an opinion on ball heads for spotting scopes. I didn't get alot of responce so I assume most people don't use ball heads. So what do you use? I have a pretty good budget for my next setup so I look forward to some good advice. Any advice is much appreciated!
Thanks, Kevin.

[Bill Atwood]

In North America the Bogen/Manfrotto 3130 video head has been is the most widely used for over a decade. IMO the plate system leaves something to be desired, but I don't know of anything better that doesn't add a pound or more of weight.

Bogen has 2 new heads that look interesting: the 700RC2 and 701RC2. they are both lighter than the 3130, but I don't know if the plate system is any better. I believe the 701RC2 runs about $92, about $20 more than the 3130 and 700RC2

If you want something heavier duty, you should consider the Bogen 501 or Gitzo 2380. Both will be in the $100 to $200 range.

What kind of load are you going to support?

[Kevin Mac]

In North America the Bogen/Manfrotto 3130 video head has been is the most widely used for over a decade. IMO the plate system leaves something to be desired, but I don't know of anything better that doesn't add a pound or more of weight.

Bogen has 2 new heads that look interesting: the 700RC2 and 701RC2. they are both lighter than the 3130, but I don't know if the plate system is any better. I believe the 701RC2 runs about $92, about $20 more than the 3130 and 700RC2

If you want something heavier duty, you should consider the Bogen 501 or Gitzo 2380. Both will be in the $100 to $200 range.

What kind of load are you going to support?
I have a Swarovski ST80- very light!

[Photodavo]

I recently asked if anyone had an opinion on ball heads for spotting scopes. I didn't get alot of responce so I assume most people don't use ball heads. So what do you use? I have a pretty good budget for my next setup so I look forward to some good advice. Any advice is much appreciated!
Thanks, Kevin.

I'm new to this site and don't have any experience yet with spotting scopes but I do have a good bit of experience in photography using long lenses mounted on ball heads.

I use the Kirk Enterprises BH-1 that has an Arca style quick release platform. I then have Kirk plates on all of my camera bodies and tripod mount lenses. I've been very happy with it for both nature and motorsports photography up to 600mm.

I just can't talk to the use with a longer range spotting scope since I don't have any experience there (yet).

[Kevin Mac]

I'm new to this site and don't have any experience yet with spotting scopes but I do have a good bit of experience in photography using long lenses mounted on ball heads.

I use the Kirk Enterprises BH-1 that has an Arca style quick release platform. I then have Kirk plates on all of my camera bodies and tripod mount lenses. I've been very happy with it for both nature and motorsports photography up to 600mm.

I just can't talk to the use with a longer range spotting scope since I don't have any experience there (yet).
The thing with spotting scopes is you are constantly scanning- moving the scope to follow birds. I have a ball head now but the tension adjustment is poor. It gets loose too easily. I wonder if a good ball head in the Kirk range would be good or should I select a different system? I like the idea of ball heads- small, light weight, simple. If the good ball heads can be used with a spotting scope then I'll buy one. But if someone has a better idea I'd love to hear it.

[Photodavo]

The thing with spotting scopes is you are constantly scanning- moving the scope to follow birds. I have a ball head now but the tension adjustment is poor. It gets loose too easily. I wonder if a good ball head in the Kirk range would be good or should I select a different system? I like the idea of ball heads- small, light weight, simple. If the good ball heads can be used with a spotting scope then I'll buy one. But if someone has a better idea I'd love to hear it.

Again, remeber that I'm new here and that I have zero experience with spotting scopes. My Mother and her friend Lou went on a birding trip to Cosat Rica last year and their guide used a ballhead mounted scope.

After the trip Lou was looking for a good tripod/head setup for his new Swaro. From my photog experience I suggested he check out the Bogen/Gitzo line and he ended up with a Bogen tripod and their "pistol grip" ballhead. The head is designed to let you release the head for free movement with one hand and stop it down instantly by just releasing your grip. He seems to be happy with it.

Please keep in mind that I have not used this setup myself. Just thought I would share. I wouldn't even think of using anything but a good ballhead for my photography.

Davo

[Andy Bright]

I think you will find video/fluid heads dominate in the birding world, many are keenly priced such as the Manfrotto/Bogen heads. There are better heads out there but they are generally overkill (in price) for what is needed with a relatively lightweight scope. I've never heard too much good news about the pistol grip heads made by Manfrotto or Slik but I expect there are those who swear by them. Nothing more personal than heads imho. ;)

Traditional ball heads seem to drift in and out of fashion in wildlife photography, at the moment good fluids and gimbal types (some which do utilise ball heads) seem to be in vogue.
Regards,
Andy

[Bill Atwood]

The good ball heads like the Arca-Swiss B-1 or Kirk BH-1 provide unbeatable support. However thier aiming is awkward at best. You have to actually grab the scope to adjust it.

[Swissboy]

I use the Manfrotto 128 which is the same I think as the Bogen number mentioned in other replies. However this is a bit on the heavy side for longer travels. I therefore got a Novoflex DinO head which is only half the weight. It is relatively expensive, and not as sturdy as the 128, but it is still well usable even with the heavy Leica 77mm Apo Televid scope. The 700 type by Manfrotto/Bogen is about equal in weight and costs considerably less. Don't know how well it will hold up with age, though. The Novoflex has already proven its worth in this respect. In fact, I now use it virtually all the time because it is so handy. I also like its design.

Robert