Decisions, decisions

[John P]

OK got the scope sorted, a Zeiss 65mm with the 15-45 zoom, realise I need a decent quality tripod to do it justice and had more or less decided to go for a Manfrotto, either the 055 or the 190 (with a 700RC) head depending on how I like them when I see them. (Approx £150)

This morning the postman has delivered two cheques from Ernie for a total of £150, and I've just counted up all the 20p coins from my bedside jar, another £60. So I suppose I now have available the original £150 plus £210.

Do I stick with my original choice or do I blow the lot on something superior, any suggestions as to what? Will it really be that much better than my original choice? :h?:

[Kevin Mac]

Well, the 055 is a good tripod, its the one I have. Of course I would like a carbon tripod but I spent all my money on the tripod head. But no regrets. I've got a top of the line head, a top of the line scope and maybe someday I'll get a top of the line tripod. Get the best stuff you can afford. You'll never regret having something too good.

[Swissboy]

Well, the 055 is a good tripod, its the one I have. Of course I would like a carbon tripod but I spent all my money on the tripod head. But no regrets. I've got a top of the line head, a top of the line scope and maybe someday I'll get a top of the line tripod. Get the best stuff you can afford. You'll never regret having something too good.

Agreed, the 055 is VERY good, but it is rather heavy. You definitely want some padding around the tripod legs. But, John, if you pick the 055, don't take the 700 model head, the proper one would be 128, or at least 701 (comes without that secondary security lever, a feature which greatly helps my peace of mind).

Robert

[John P]

Thanks guys. Well, I thought I'd bought an 055 (that's what the box and the price tag said) but it turns out to be a 144 according to the label on the legs. It seems to do the job. I opted for the 700RC2 head mainly because there seem to have been several recomendations for it on here. It does have a secondary safety catch Robert, maybe it's an updated version, (or maybe the RC2 bit makes a difference over a plain 700) It's certainly a very confusing business with almost too many options to choose from.

Well worth it however, the view of about 50 golden plover in bright sunshine yesterday was simply stunning, even with good bins these were just fluffy brown blobs. OK, slight exaggeration but long time scope users will perhaps remember some of their first views through a new scope.

The carbon fibre jobbies were nice, but I just can't bring myself to part with that amount of cash for a tripod, maybe next time or when I'm too old to carry a heavier one.

[Keith Reeder]

John,

I also use a 700rc2 head on my (Opticron) tripod, and it suits my Zeiss 65 + zoom perfectly.

I can't really see what advantage a more expensive head would provide, and the secondary safety locking screw for the quick-release plate does give that welcome peace of mind.