I have been contemplating the once in a lifetime purchase of a Zeiss 65 diascope. It is at the upper limit of my budget, so I have been considering purchasing it from a retailer that offers a free tripod with the scope & 15-45 zoom for $1,375.
Previously, I believed that the tripod Zeiss offered was a Manfrotto 055 with a 3130 fluid head. This would be a good usable base to mount the scope. The combination of this free good quality tripod with the scope is (was) a significant part of the cost equation in why I have been considering purchasing the Zeiss 65.
I am now disappointed to learn that Zeiss has taken the cheap route and is offering a ball-head tripod manufactured by Savage. I have never previously heard of Savage tripods. As far as I can tell from limited web searching, this is the only tripod manufactured by Savage. My first thought is that it is probably a piece of crap they obtain at a cheap price from a Chinese manufacturer.
I have previously considered a fluid head tripod a requirement for enjoyable, hassel-free use of the scope. Is this the general consensus, or are ball-heads not as much of a hassel as I am imagining them to be?
If ball-heads are a hassel to use for birding, then the price of the Zeiss package goes up another $200 for a decent tripod with fluid head. That means I'll be looking at the Nikon FS III 60ed with either the 30x or 20-60 zoom.
Anyone have any experience with this Savage tripod or using other ball-head tripods for birding?
Previously, I believed that the tripod Zeiss offered was a Manfrotto 055 with a 3130 fluid head. This would be a good usable base to mount the scope. The combination of this free good quality tripod with the scope is (was) a significant part of the cost equation in why I have been considering purchasing the Zeiss 65.
I am now disappointed to learn that Zeiss has taken the cheap route and is offering a ball-head tripod manufactured by Savage. I have never previously heard of Savage tripods. As far as I can tell from limited web searching, this is the only tripod manufactured by Savage. My first thought is that it is probably a piece of crap they obtain at a cheap price from a Chinese manufacturer.
I have previously considered a fluid head tripod a requirement for enjoyable, hassel-free use of the scope. Is this the general consensus, or are ball-heads not as much of a hassel as I am imagining them to be?
If ball-heads are a hassel to use for birding, then the price of the Zeiss package goes up another $200 for a decent tripod with fluid head. That means I'll be looking at the Nikon FS III 60ed with either the 30x or 20-60 zoom.
Anyone have any experience with this Savage tripod or using other ball-head tripods for birding?