tripod for Nikon FS III 60

[Godana]

I'm looking to get a FS III ED 60mm, and can't decide which tripod to get. A popular combo seems to be a Bogen 3021 with the 3130 head. But I'm also considering the 3221 for extra stability, but don't know if it's really needed. I've read the FS III 60 is pretty light. Of course, there will always be a trade-off between stability and weight, so I'd like to hear from you other FS 60 folks out there. In your opinion, is the 3021 a good match or do I need the extra weight (6.2 vs 5.0 lbs) of the 3221 for stability?

Thank you for your feedback.

[henry link]

Something to consider is how high you will need to set the tripod, based on both your height and whether the scope is angled or straight. The case for the heavy tripod would be stronger for a tall person with a straight scope.

[Godana]

I'm 5' 11" and planning to purchase an angled scope.

[Andy1]

Everyone has their own opinion about tripods on the stability/weight issue. If you are looking for something that is lighter and more compact than most standard tripods, check out the Bogen 728b digi tripod. I have recently been using it with the Nikon ED82-A with no significant problems with shake, though admittedly, I have not been using it in windswept beach conditions. As I recall, Steve Ingram of Better View Desired fame felt this was the ideal tripod to use with the FSIII scope. It has a standard pan-tilt head which works great and is very smooth, though not removable from the tripod base.

My personal view is - Why lug the extra weight around every time you pick up the scope if you don't need it. If extra stability is needed, I can always lower the tripod and sit on a light stool, squat on the ground or move out of the wind. Whatever you choose, I would recommend seeing, trying and lifting the tripod before you buy it!

[Swissboy]

Everyone has their own opinion about tripods on the stability/weight issue. If you are looking for something that is lighter and more compact than most standard tripods, check out the Bogen 728b digi tripod. I have recently been using it with the Nikon ED82-A with no significant problems with shake, though admittedly, I have not been using it in windswept beach conditions. As I recall, Steve Ingram of Better View Desired fame felt this was the ideal tripod to use with the FSIII scope. It has a standard pan-tilt head which works great and is very smooth, though not removable from the tripod base.

My personal view is - Why lug the extra weight around every time you pick up the scope if you don't need it. If extra stability is needed, I can always lower the tripod and sit on a light stool, squat on the ground or move out of the wind. Whatever you choose, I would recommend seeing, trying and lifting the tripod before you buy it!

If money is not an issue, get a carbon tripod. They are light-weight yet sturdy. The carbon seems to absorb some of the shake which is why there is more to these tripods than just the reduction in weight.

[Andy1]

I forgot to mention: On the 728B Digi tripod - with the legs fully extended but with the center post down (for maximum stability), the center of the eyepiece on my ED82 angled scope is 58" above the ground. I'm 6' tall and that generally works for me. The center post extends 12" but as with any tripod - when you elevate the post much you lose stability in the view.

[Otto McDiesel]

My advice would be to try to go at some field days and exhibits or a bigger store and to look at the tripods first. After you have picked them and handled them a bit, get the biggest that is comfortable for you.
Many people waste a lot of the potential of their scopes because they are not willing to cope with a real tripod. I've seen full power (80mm HD) Leicas and Swaros mounted on cheesy 4 pound minitripods.
In my own experience, (i have two big scopes: Optolith 30wa x 80 mm and Swarovski 20-60 x 80mm HD), and i have tried to cheat on the tripod weight. So, i bought an expensive carbon fiber (Manfrotto 055MF3). Well, it's a dandy lil' tripod, but it does not even come close to the heavy, geared column, taller than myself, Manfrotto 074 when it comes to stability.
On an angled 60mm scope with a 20-25x eyepiece, a lighter tripod might do it, but if you want to take advantage of the ED lens and use some higher magnification eyepiece, and you end up birding in a windy (greater than 8 mph) place, believe me, the Texas rule holds: bigger is better.
And you often can't sit or squat, because the high vegetation will obstruct your view. And i have no clue how you get "out of the wind" other than going home.

[henry link]

In general I agree with Otto, but I have also been amazed by the stiffness and stability of Gitzo carbon fiber tripods, even one as light as the G1128. I also think telescopes are much easier to use with fluid heads, rather than pan/tilt types.

[Andy1]

My advice would be to try to go at some field days and exhibits or a bigger store and to look at the tripods first. After you have picked them and handled them a bit, get the biggest that is comfortable for you.
Many people waste a lot of the potential of their scopes because they are not willing to cope with a real tripod. I've seen full power (80mm HD) Leicas and Swaros mounted on cheesy 4 pound minitripods.
In my own experience, (i have two big scopes: Optolith 30wa x 80 mm and Swarovski 20-60 x 80mm HD), and i have tried to cheat on the tripod weight. So, i bought an expensive carbon fiber (Manfrotto 055MF3). Well, it's a dandy lil' tripod, but it does not even come close to the heavy, geared column, taller than myself, Manfrotto 074 when it comes to stability.
On an angled 60mm scope with a 20-25x eyepiece, a lighter tripod might do it, but if you want to take advantage of the ED lens and use some higher magnification eyepiece, and you end up birding in a windy (greater than 8 mph) place, believe me, the Texas rule holds: bigger is better.
And you often can't sit or squat, because the high vegetation will obstruct your view. And i have no clue how you get "out of the wind" other than going home.

I agree that if you plan on routinely using the scope in windy conditions, then bigger and heavier is definitely better. Personally, I would not recommend anything lighter than the Manfrotto 728b. It's also worth keeping in mind that alot of people have scopes and don't take them when they go afield, or they don't go farther than 200' from their car with them because they don't want to carry the weight.

Ultimately, it comes down to what compromises you want to live with - weight vs ease of carry & convience, lightness vs stability at high magnification, cost, typical birding locations & weather conditions, desire to hike with scope & tripod, etc.

[Timedrifter]

Hi there!
Just came across this thread and thought you might be interested in part of an email I sent to a friend today.
I have to say that I am very happy with my new tripod, a Velbon Sherpa Pro 635. I had never seen or handled one of these, going totally on reviews and common sense to choose it. One thing I was slightly worried about prior to ordering was the flip locks for the sections making a noise. I decided that on the very rare occasion that I would be in a hide where I would disturb someone, I would either put up with the consequences or preset it before entry. As it turned out my concerns were completely unwarranted; they are virtually silent. I had decided that I preferred this type of system to the twist-to-lock types, because of several reports I had read about jamming with dirt ingress etc.. The twist types look better and 'smoother' but I decided I'm past vanity! My other concern was that I was going too light. Again, this I decided could be overcome with the 'stone bag' provided if the occasion should arise. The particular concern here was for when I was digiscoping. However, the first time I came to do any was in appalling conditions with strong winds the other day, and my conclusion was that it was no worse than my much heavier Manfrotto. In fact the only con as far as I can see is the fact that unlike the Manfrotto, there is no physical means of locking the head to the tripod. And I initially found that the head was coming loose as I panned left (I tend to have a very firm pan set on the Manfrotto 128RC ). My solution to this was to buy some Loctite 248 which I still haven't got around to applying! And in answer to the final question "Is it sufficiently rigid?" Yes it is; surprisingly so. So, in conclusion, I'm very pleased with my new purchase.

An extra note or two for you Godana is that these legs have spike/rubber feet which from what I can see is an extra on the Manfrotto. I don't think a tripod can be called a birding tripod if it doesn't have spike feet. The only time I extend the rubbers on mine is if I view from a hide, which is virtually never. Also notice the Velbon has FULL foam on ALL legs.
I use mine with a Kowa 613 scope which admittedly is lighter than an EDIII (at least I think it is - I have an EDII and that's a lot heavier), but I can't frankly see it making any difference.
See the below link
Timedrifter

http://www.velbon-tripod.com/sherpa_pro01.htm


I'm looking to get a FS III ED 60mm, and can't decide which tripod to get. A popular combo seems to be a Bogen 3021 with the 3130 head. But I'm also considering the 3221 for extra stability, but don't know if it's really needed. I've read the FS III 60 is pretty light. Of course, there will always be a trade-off between stability and weight, so I'd like to hear from you other FS 60 folks out there. In your opinion, is the 3021 a good match or do I need the extra weight (6.2 vs 5.0 lbs) of the 3221 for stability?

Thank you for your feedback.

[art92101]

I'm looking to get a FS III ED 60mm, and can't decide which tripod to get. A popular combo seems to be a Bogen 3021 with the 3130 head. But I'm also considering the 3221 for extra stability, but don't know if it's really needed. I've read the FS III 60 is pretty light. Of course, there will always be a trade-off between stability and weight, so I'd like to hear from you other FS 60 folks out there. In your opinion, is the 3021 a good match or do I need the extra weight (6.2 vs 5.0 lbs) of the 3221 for stability?

Thank you for your feedback.

I am looking for a lightweight tripod for my 60m Scope. I have a 055MF3 that I love but with the 3130 Head and Zeiss 85FL it is too heavy to hike around more than a mile.
My local camera store has both the 728B and a 718B. However the 718 has a ball head. I liked it for two reasons; it was lighter than the 728 and it was SMOOTHER. The 728 is not a fluid head and their demo unit had some rough spots. The 718 ball head was super smooth. It also had a quick release with a lock on it. Has anyone ever use a ball head to scope with?
I did notice Betterviewdesired mentions a ball head. I'm just used to the smooth pan of the 3130. Your thoughts on birding with a ball head are appreciated.

[Timedrifter]

Hi Art!
The 3130 head that you use is the same as the 128RC that I use. Because it's such a good head I decided to keep mine and go with a lighter tripod. I went with the Velbon Sherpa Pro 635 which is half a kilogram lighter than your current Manfrotto. I know that this a more expensive way to go, but in my own opinion it's better than the ball-head route. See my above thread for more info. Bye the way, you don't say which 60mm scope you will be using.
Cheers Timedrifter


I am looking for a lightweight tripod for my 60m Scope. I have a 055MF3 that I love but with the 3130 Head and Zeiss 85FL it is too heavy to hike around more than a mile.
My local camera store has both the 728B and a 718B. However the 718 has a ball head. I liked it for two reasons; it was lighter than the 728 and it was SMOOTHER. The 728 is not a fluid head and their demo unit had some rough spots. The 718 ball head was super smooth. It also had a quick release with a lock on it. Has anyone ever use a ball head to scope with?
I did notice Betterviewdesired mentions a ball head. I'm just used to the smooth pan of the 3130. Your thoughts on birding with a ball head are appreciated.