Hello everyone 
,
As a relative newcomer to the field of birding, I am seeking advice on equipment selection, particularly with regards to my ZEISS Harpia 95 spotting scope, which I purchased second-hand. Currently, I am using an older tripod of unknown brand which I already had at home, accompanied by a basic 2-way-pan head, if I remember correctly. However, I am looking to upgrade my setup and would appreciate guidance on the following inquiries:
Tripod:
1. I have come across several recommendations, both here and elsewhere, regarding the preference for flip locks. However, I am concerned about the potential noise they may generate, possibly disturbing the birds. Can anyone shed light on this matter?
2. Regarding tripod weight, I am curious about its significance. If I opt for a lightweight tripod, would it be feasible to counterbalance the lack of stability by hanging my bag from it? Despite the weight of the Harpia, I would prefer a tripod that is as lightweight as possible. Would attaching my bag to the central column provide the necessary stability, or should I initially seek a slightly heavier tripod to accommodate the Harpia's weight?
3. From the perspective of birders, what are the most critical attributes to consider when selecting a tripod?
Tripod Head:
1. It appears that the majority of birders utilize either 2-way-pan heads or fluid heads. However, I am curious if anyone has experience using a ball head or joystick head. I assume they may offer easier handling, yet I have not encountered anyone who employs them for birding purposes. If anyone has insights to share on this matter, I would greatly appreciate it.
2. Similarly, I am interested to know if anyone has utilized a geared three-way-pan head for birding and can provide feedback on its suitability.
3. My current 2-way-pan head exhibits a slight movement of one to two millimeters when released, which is quite bothersome. Could someone please advise me on how to rectify this issue and ensure a more stable setup?
Thank you in advance for any guidance or suggestions you can provide.
,As a relative newcomer to the field of birding, I am seeking advice on equipment selection, particularly with regards to my ZEISS Harpia 95 spotting scope, which I purchased second-hand. Currently, I am using an older tripod of unknown brand which I already had at home, accompanied by a basic 2-way-pan head, if I remember correctly. However, I am looking to upgrade my setup and would appreciate guidance on the following inquiries:
Tripod:
1. I have come across several recommendations, both here and elsewhere, regarding the preference for flip locks. However, I am concerned about the potential noise they may generate, possibly disturbing the birds. Can anyone shed light on this matter?
2. Regarding tripod weight, I am curious about its significance. If I opt for a lightweight tripod, would it be feasible to counterbalance the lack of stability by hanging my bag from it? Despite the weight of the Harpia, I would prefer a tripod that is as lightweight as possible. Would attaching my bag to the central column provide the necessary stability, or should I initially seek a slightly heavier tripod to accommodate the Harpia's weight?
3. From the perspective of birders, what are the most critical attributes to consider when selecting a tripod?
Tripod Head:
1. It appears that the majority of birders utilize either 2-way-pan heads or fluid heads. However, I am curious if anyone has experience using a ball head or joystick head. I assume they may offer easier handling, yet I have not encountered anyone who employs them for birding purposes. If anyone has insights to share on this matter, I would greatly appreciate it.
2. Similarly, I am interested to know if anyone has utilized a geared three-way-pan head for birding and can provide feedback on its suitability.
3. My current 2-way-pan head exhibits a slight movement of one to two millimeters when released, which is quite bothersome. Could someone please advise me on how to rectify this issue and ensure a more stable setup?
Thank you in advance for any guidance or suggestions you can provide.
