[Upland Birder]

I am looking at purchasing a Manfroto tripod/head for my Swarovski scope and would like some ideas. This is for birding only. Would be happy to spend between £150 & £200.

Other tripod makes would be considered.

Dean

[Kevin Purcell]

From Manfrotto

128RC (heavier; smoother fluid head; lever + safety catch on the QR mount)

700RC2 (0.5kg lighter; PTFE pads some say less some over time but the one I used was fine; RC2 screw system for QR)

EDIT: I failed to mention a tripod

I have the 190XDB with the twist leg extension locks (works fine) with the 128RC on top. Not a bad tripod. Could be stiffer but the trade off for lightness is worth it.

I also have a Vortex tripod that is a near copy of the Manfrotto 055 that did have the 128RC on it. More solid and taller than the 190 but also 1kg to 1.5kg heavier. It all depends on how far you carry it. I carry my 190 on a backpack without any problems.

Not sure how these fit into your budget. The heads are about the same price in the US. The 190 is cheaper than the 055.

The other option would be a set of CF legs with one of the heads. Lighter, stiffer, and more expensive. Manfrotto makes version of the 190 and 055 in carbon fiber. Fiesol is another less expensive option. So is Benro and Velbon. And there may be other UK brands (Opticron?). These are out of your current budget but worth thinking about as you do have a good scope. And I suspect tripods last longer than scopes!

You makes your tradeoff ...

[hampers]

I use 128rc head on 055 legs (metal), can't remember the model number. Really like the combination, only slight drawback is I have angled scope with cover on and the 128RC doesn't allow tipping to ease side viewing in a hide. That is a minor problem in an otherwise solid set up. Will look at legs for model number if you want it, outside in car boot.

Phil

[stbear]

I use a 128RC head on aa Feisol 3342 tripod. The foot of my Swaro scope fits the 128 qithout the need for an adapter plate. It's not the lightest head but one that has been proven to be reliable over time. I see more of these heads on tripods with scopes than any other.

[kristoffer]

I use the 128RC with the Swarovski balance rail, really nice combo.

[Upland Birder]

Thanks for your feedback.

Dean