[markstenton]

Hi All

Would be grateful for your thoughts. I want to buy a new CF tripod to use with my swaro ATS80 and ideally I don't want to use a base plate - I think this means using either the swaro head FH 101 or the Manfrotto 128RC. I will be digiscoping with my setup so want it to be stable and rugged. I have found the swaro legs and head "on offer" at £300, but would be grateful for any thoughts you may have on legs/heads combinations

Regards

[markstenton]

anybody? please !?

[dogfish]

I have a similar Swaro and use the Velbon Sherpa Pro CF 635, which is excellent. Cost c £180 (including one of the cheaper Velbon heads) from South West Optics about 18 months to two years ago. Note that this is a tall tripod suitable for people of 5ft 10in or over but there are similar, shorter models.
Manf 128rc fits fine.
I don't think Swaro heads and tripods are good value for money.
Sean

[postcardcv]

The Velbon 635CF is very similar to the Swaro CF legs but a chunk cheaper so may be worth a look. Personally I'd go for a Manfrotto 128 everytime, it's a great bit of gear, coupled with the Velbon legs it should come in at ~£250-260.

[markstenton]

Thanks Sean and PostcardCV

I am 6ft 1 so height of tripod not a problem. I have seen the Swaro tripod and head for £300. What makes the Manfrotto head better in your opinion? I am planning to try both at some point but would be interested in what potential problems with either head I might encounter

[postcardcv]

I've used 128 heads for many years and have never had a problem with one. Most of the birds I know use this head - it is rock solid and has nice smooth movement, you can leave the pan loose and just lock off the tilt with a slight twist of the knob when needed. To me the Swaro head seems a bit over designed, too many bits to fiddle with in my opinion.

[a.dancy]

I use the Velbon 635. It is very light weight but very rigid. When I lost my first one I had no hesitation in replacing it with the same or similar. You might question if it is too light for scoing but that problem is easily solved with stacking it with weight, it should come with a bag which you can attach to add more weight if you wish. I haggled with price and got mine for £150 but I consider it a bargain at full price.