Hi All
I'm planning to get a small scope and compact tripod for travel (to fit easily in a reasonable size backpack). Emphasis is on light/compact whilst maintaining a reasonable degree of quality. I've settled on the scope which will be an Opticron MM4 50 ED/45 accompanied with the SDLv3 zoom lens, for example here:
https://www.birders-store.co.uk/opticron-mm4-50-ga-ed45-with-12-36x-sdlv3-zoom-and-black-stay-on-case.html
Settling on a tripod is less easy. I've decided to go with a ballhead tripod head style. I've read other posts here and while I realise that it may not be as easy to track birds with as some other types, there seems to be a concensus that it is OK with a small scope and reasonable for a compact set-up. I'm very tempted to push the boat out all the way with the Peak Design carbon fibre travel tripod:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peak-Design-Travel-Tripod-Carbon/dp/B085BQTQMN/ref=sr_1_39?dchild=1&keywords=peak+design&qid=1597254129&sr=8-39
It is obviously expensive but hope will function extremely well for a long time. It is designed for photography and I will sometimes put a super-zoom camera on it, although the primary purpose is for the scope. I'm aware the aluminium version is significantly cheaper but if I was spending this I'd go all the way! I've also seen the Benro Slim recommended on this forum:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Benro-TSL08CN00-Slim-Carbon-Fibre-Tripod/dp/B071JYLS7K/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=benro%2Btripod&qid=1572290567&sr=8-4&th=1
which has the advantage of being much cheaper. I would be very grateful for any advice or other options that would fit my requirements.
I'm planning to get a small scope and compact tripod for travel (to fit easily in a reasonable size backpack). Emphasis is on light/compact whilst maintaining a reasonable degree of quality. I've settled on the scope which will be an Opticron MM4 50 ED/45 accompanied with the SDLv3 zoom lens, for example here:
https://www.birders-store.co.uk/opticron-mm4-50-ga-ed45-with-12-36x-sdlv3-zoom-and-black-stay-on-case.html
Settling on a tripod is less easy. I've decided to go with a ballhead tripod head style. I've read other posts here and while I realise that it may not be as easy to track birds with as some other types, there seems to be a concensus that it is OK with a small scope and reasonable for a compact set-up. I'm very tempted to push the boat out all the way with the Peak Design carbon fibre travel tripod:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peak-Design-Travel-Tripod-Carbon/dp/B085BQTQMN/ref=sr_1_39?dchild=1&keywords=peak+design&qid=1597254129&sr=8-39
It is obviously expensive but hope will function extremely well for a long time. It is designed for photography and I will sometimes put a super-zoom camera on it, although the primary purpose is for the scope. I'm aware the aluminium version is significantly cheaper but if I was spending this I'd go all the way! I've also seen the Benro Slim recommended on this forum:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Benro-TSL08CN00-Slim-Carbon-Fibre-Tripod/dp/B071JYLS7K/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=benro%2Btripod&qid=1572290567&sr=8-4&th=1
which has the advantage of being much cheaper. I would be very grateful for any advice or other options that would fit my requirements.