[lelmer]

I'm a photographer so I know a little something about tripods and heads. The thing is, my husband is a birder and needs a set of legs and a head for his spotting scope (Bushnell Elite for now but may upgrade). He has been threatening to replace an old set of aluminum legs and a horrendous head for eons but never seems to get around to it. I want to surprise him with a new support system.

I know approximately what is needed but am not 100% sure about the scope needs vs. camera needs. I'm using a Gitzo CF set of legs and an arca suisse ball head for photography. I'm pretty sure I should probably get a fluid head for the scope but am not sure which one. I'll probably stick with Gitzo for the legs but am open to suggestions. My husband can probably handle an extra pound so if the only significant difference between a Gitzo and Manfrotto is the weight, I might go that direction.

I'd like to keep the purchase for both at about $1000 but would rather spend more if needed for stability and ease of use.

I'd appreciate any and all suggestions.

[dannat]

you may want to look at the swarovski tripod/head - may be a little cheaper than the gitzo..the bushnell elite isn't too heavy the 80mm version is 1.5kg or 3.5lbs
here is a link for you http://www.opticsplanet.com/s/swarovski+tripod/

[henry link]

Check out the new Gitzo "birdwatching" heads, GH1720QR and GH2720QR. I'm quite happy with the 2720 which would be coasting with a 3.5 lbs load. I imagine the 1720 would be enough, but I haven't tried that one. I much prefer Gitzo CF legs to the Swarovski CF tripod (rebadged Velbon) and the 2720 head is much more vibration resistant than the FH101 Swarovski head (I haven't tried the DH101).

[lelmer]

Thanks for the recommendations! No one has yet commented on the CF Gitzo vs. CF Manfrotto comparison. The weight difference aside, and no concerns about the lever lock, are there other reasons to choose the Gitzo over the considerably less expensive Manfrotto? Are the Manfrottos just not as stable? I had an aluminum Manfrotto (actually still use it at the beach when shooting in the surf). It's still a very sturdy (and very heavy) tripod. However, it's old and aluminum so it tells me nothing about the current CF models.

[Dave B Smith]

I recently replaced my Manfrotto (3021 BN) with a C.F. from Feisol (CT-3342). For the money it is a very good tripod (check links on Reallybigcameras.com for info). I kept my Manfrotto fluid head - model 3130 (which has been replaced by the 128 RC). Total cost for both would be around $500. I use this set up with a Nikon 82 mm scope and small digiscope camera and it works well.

[henry link]

I wondered why you were considering $1000 for a tripod/head to support an $800 scope. Most birders are quite happy with Manfrotto, which seems to dominate the birding market for tripods. If your husband has birding friends some of them are certain to have Manfrotto tripods and heads that perhaps he could try.

You can find one of the only objective tests of tripods and heads here:

http://www.tvwg.nl/

Scroll down the menu on the left and click on "testrapporten". Then click on the photo of tripods. All in Dutch, but the photos of ringing speak for themselves. One of the best performing heads in this test is the classic Manfrotto 128 LP, which only costs about $75-80. I have a few friends who use expensive Gitzo legs combined with a cheap 128 head.

[RJM]

Originally Posted by henry link

You can find one of the only objective tests of tripods and heads here:

http://www.tvwg.nl/

Scroll down the menu on the left and click on "testrapporten". Then click on the photo of tripods. All in Dutch, but the photos of ringing speak for themselves.

I have always felt this head testing methodology was quite over the top with no real world counterpart. I mean how often does our environment rap our scope with a metal bar? Kinda like crash testing a car by pushing it out the back of a cargo jet from 10,000ft. if you ask me!

FWIW, I use the Gitzo G2180 with Benro Travel Angel CF tripod and am totally pleased with its digiscoping performance, which given the supertelephoto magnifications is far more demanding than visual observations.

Rick

[John Russell]

Originally Posted by RJM

I have always felt this head testing methodology was quite over the top with no real world counterpart. I mean how often does our environment rap our scope with a metal bar? Kinda like crash testing a car by pushing it out the back of a cargo jet from 10,000ft. if you ask me!

FWIW, I use the Gitzo G2180 with Benro Travel Angel CF tripod and am totally pleased with its digiscoping performance, which given the supertelephoto magnifications is far more demanding than visual observations.

Rick

It is the only test I am aware of, which attempts to provide an objective comparison of the stiffness and vibration damping of various tripods and heads.
Or would you like to suggest a more scientific method?

John

[lmans66]

Try a Benro....depending on your needs and what his future scope might be....get a solidly built one but I did research in the Benro prior to purchasing and while no-one can take away the quality of a Gitzmo...the Benzo isn't anything to laugh at either....jim

[lelmer]

Thanks again for all the recommendations. I can see I have some more research ahead of me. I hadn't even looked at the Benro tripods...had never heard of them before.

Henry Link-as a photographer, I know how important a sturdy tripod can be. The most expensive scope will be a disappointment on a shaky support. Whether the scope cost $100, $800, or $5000, they all need sturdy support. From a practical standpoint, I need to buy a combination that's sturdy, relatively lightweight, and is easy/quick to set up and use (otherwise it won't get used). That means carbon fiber. Carbon fiber ain't cheap. Hence the $1000 budget. If it ends up costing less, I'll certainly be happy.

Now off to Google some of the recommendations above!

[Chris B.]

Having been a photographer for about 40 yrs, I too know a bit about tripods and heads. But I also have recently become somewhat of a birds of prey enthusiast, and will invest in a scope and related gear sometime in the fall. Until I could afford a big Gitzo, I had superb results with Induro CF tripods. They are built very well, and come significantly cheaper than Gitzo. You might also look at Adorama Camera's Flashpoint series, which I believe are just re-badged Benros. In terms of a head, I've been looking at the Manfrotto 501 video head which is very well damped for use and fluidity of movement. And Manfrotto also makes excellent CF legs as well... Good luck in your search!

Chris

[stbear]

The Manfrotto 128RC head seems to be the most popular head for birders at least the ones I run across. I have one and it works well. If you have a Swarovski scope the foot will fit in the head without a plate. I have a Feisol 3342 carbon fiber tripod and together they make a nice set up.