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Sirui VA-5 vs Manfrotto MVH500AH (visual comparison) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter yarrellii
- Start date
Hi Hermann,
Thanks for pointing that out. My girl friend had a small Sirui, and I felt it thrummed like a harp in strong winds. It also was prone to tipping over, as part of the reason it was so light was that its first clickstop - a selling point because it determines the nominal height - gave it a narrower stance than other brands' scopes. We thought that was unsafe (in our birding context).
However, she replaced it with a light-weight Gitzo, which while being an overall Improvement, still was a bit too vibration-prone for my liking.
My conclusion was that you have to have a certain amount of mass in a tripod to make it reasonably well-behaved with regard to vibrations, but I haven't really put that theory to the test.
(And I am a fan of removing the panning handles, too.)
Regards,
Henning
Hermann
Well-known member
If you want a light-weight tripod, Gitzo is the way to go. I've got the 1545T because I need the height, and it works reasonably well with medium-sized scopes like the Nikon EDIIIA.
But of course you're right - once it get windy (or you use a big scope), you really want a heavier tripod. Check my heavy tripod for seawatching in really rough conditions: Tripod and head for slight female birder
Hermann
Hi,
Seeing that you mentioned using the Sirui VA-5 previously, which I'm considering for my Kowa 883 too, I'd be curious to hear why you switched to the heavier and (if I understand it correctly) non-Arca-Swiss-compatible VH10.
From our discussion of anti-rotation measures I seem to remember that you're using an Arca Swiss system ... does that mean you're using an adapter plate in adition to the "anti-rotation plate"?
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Regards,
Henning
Seeing that you mentioned using the Sirui VA-5 previously, which I'm considering for my Kowa 883 too, I'd be curious to hear why you switched to the heavier and (if I understand it correctly) non-Arca-Swiss-compatible VH10.
From our discussion of anti-rotation measures I seem to remember that you're using an Arca Swiss system ... does that mean you're using an adapter plate in adition to the "anti-rotation plate"?
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Regards,
Henning
rpg51
Well-known member
Ahhh. Things have evolved. I have acquired some photography equipment which has impacted my needs. Here goes:
To answer your question directly - I do not use that VH-10 head anymore. See below for details. But, the short version is I use a Kirk arca swiss plate of one kind or another on my 883 scope, my camera bodies (L-brackets), and my telephoto lenses. The plates attach directly to the scope and camera equipment. The plates are all very solid, no loosening or rotation occurs. Each plate has some form of lip on one end and no rubber between the plate and scope and camera equipment. It is a very solid and reliable connection that I trust completely. The heads I am using now are described below.
I have two tripods, one "heavy" and one "light."
The heavy set up has no center column. The legs are Leofoto. It has a leveling base (for photography) with a modified Manfrotto 500AH fluid head. The modification is manufactured and sold by Kirk. It replaces the top part of the Manfroto head with an arca swiss clamp. The replacement clamp works with any arca swiss plate and it can load from the top. I have a Kirk arca swiss plate on my 883 and on my camera and lenses. The plates all have a lip on one end. The plates are very solid on the scope, etc. The plates do not loosen, or rotate, one iota. This set up is very solid - little or no shake. I use it with my camera equipment as well. I am very happy with this set up. I can carry the equipment on my shoulder and walk about without any worry that the scope or camera is going to loosen and fall to the ground.
The light set up I have now is evolving and I am not sure I am going to stay with it. It has a VA-5 head. The VA-5 head is nice and it does support the 883 scope just fine. But, the arca swiss clamp on that head does not permit top loading - you have to slide the scope into the clamp and you can't use safety stop screws on your plates which I do use with my heavy set up. I don't want to have to take the safety screws off the plate every time I switch from heavy to light. Its a hassle. I have added a kirk arca swiss clamp to the top of the VA-5 to solve that temporarilly. But, I'm considering going in a completely different direction for this light set up by switching the head to an Acratech panoramic head which people are telling me is an excellent, if not cheap, extremely light weight head for photography with an excellent arca swiss clamp nearly identical to the Kirk clamp I use on my heavy set up. I think this head will also work fine when using a scope. So, I'm holding off a bit and thinking it through. Again, my decisions are impacted by the fact that I use these tripods and heads for both my 883 scope and my photography equipment.
I think the VA-5 head is an excellent lightweight head for scope use and if I were not fooling around with cameras and leveling bases and multiple tripod set ups I would choose it in a heart beat for scope use. In fact, it is possible that I will stick with it. Not sure. If I decide to change my light weight set up, I will likely have an excellent condition Sirui lightweight center column tripod and VA-5 head for sale. I am sure someone will be able to make good use of it.
I recognize that I might be going a little overboard with all this stuff. Whatever.
Hi,
Thanks a lot, that's quite interesting for me!
Is the central safety pin compatible with all the Arca Swiss plates out there? I found a drawing of a "standard" Arca Swiss plate, but that shows the cross-section only, not the 3D shape. (That not all Arca Swiss plates work with every head is something I already read about
Regards,
Henning
Thanks a lot, that's quite interesting for me!
Is the central safety pin compatible with all the Arca Swiss plates out there? I found a drawing of a "standard" Arca Swiss plate, but that shows the cross-section only, not the 3D shape. (That not all Arca Swiss plates work with every head is something I already read about
Regards,
Henning
rpg51
Well-known member
I can't really answer that question. I think so. But, I believe in some cases that center pin will not work to prevent the plate from slipping out if the clamp is loosened. Some yes, some no. My Kirk plates, and the other plates I have tried, (except Siriui), work with that head. But, the VA-5 center pin does not prevent the Kirk plates I have from coming out. Personally, I prefer a clamp that permits you to attach your scope/plate from above and that allows use of pins attached to each end of the plate if you want a safety catch. If you get a good quality plate to clamp connection some would argue you really don't need a safety catch at all. The better clamps and plates really don't come loose. Me? I like having a safety catch of some kind. Also, I don't like the Sirui plates I have used because they do not attach to the scope or camera solidly - they tend to loosen. This is just my experience. Others may have different experience, I don't know.
If you have an 883 scope I encourage you to find a plate that works to establish a rock solid connection with the scope foot that does not loosen or twist. Kirk works. Others do. But there are many that do not. Then, once you have that sorted out - get a head and clamp that work with that plate.
Good luck!
If you have an 883 scope I encourage you to find a plate that works to establish a rock solid connection with the scope foot that does not loosen or twist. Kirk works. Others do. But there are many that do not. Then, once you have that sorted out - get a head and clamp that work with that plate.
Good luck!
Hi,
Thanks a lot, always good to know there's a tried and proven option that definitely works!
Regards,
Henning
Thanks a lot, always good to know there's a tried and proven option that definitely works!
Regards,
Henning
Felixtheelix
Well-known member
Thank you for the pictures - never would have thought that the siuri and manfrotto were so different in size!
I recently came across the Sirui AM-5V. Can anybody tell the difference to the VA-5? To it seems to be the same product but 40€ cheaper.
SIRUI AM-5V Fluid Video Head with Arca Swiss Compatible Quick Release Plate Tripod Head (even in the Link the name is va-5, the website sais am-5)
I am confused!
I recently came across the Sirui AM-5V. Can anybody tell the difference to the VA-5? To it seems to be the same product but 40€ cheaper.
SIRUI AM-5V Fluid Video Head with Arca Swiss Compatible Quick Release Plate Tripod Head (even in the Link the name is va-5, the website sais am-5)
I am confused!
William Lewis
Wishing birdwatching paid the bills.
Yarrellii. I know this is an old thread but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time. I've been gradually upgrading my tripod and head as funds have allowed and went for the oft recommended 500ah to go on top of a gitzo 1545 only to find as you did that although very fluid it was very heavy and ridiculously large - I now have the Siriu thanks to this thread and couldn't be happier with the set up.
Thanks again.
Will
Thanks again.
Will
Last edited:
@William Lewis Will, happy to have helped by sharing my impressions.
Over the last couple of years I've used the Sirui V5 quite intensively and it's still working well. However, after having the 500AH and the RC128 and selling both, I've gone an additional step further.
I have the V5 attached to a Sirui carbon fiber tripod that weights about 1,2 kg (or even less), I can't remember right now wether it's the 2204. It folds to a very compact size and I can carry it in a small daypack or my Ortlieb pannier, it's a great combo and I feel it just fits the ATS 65 and the V5 perfectly. However, for windy days by the coast I feel the tripod/head combo is a bit flimsy, so I took advantage of having an old and heavy Manfrotto Aluminium tripod (I think it's a 055 Pro or something similar, above 2 kg) that I use for food photography (part of what I do for a living) and never leaves the house. So I bought the 500AH again and I use it with the old and heavy Manfrotto (especially during the winter months) if I know it's going to be a windy day or I'm going to an observatory or somewhere I don't need to walk a lot. I never thought of having 2 tripod/head sets, but given that I already had the heavy tripod, it was only a matter of investing 100 € for the 500 AH and thus having a really versatile kit.
Over the last couple of years I've used the Sirui V5 quite intensively and it's still working well. However, after having the 500AH and the RC128 and selling both, I've gone an additional step further.
I have the V5 attached to a Sirui carbon fiber tripod that weights about 1,2 kg (or even less), I can't remember right now wether it's the 2204. It folds to a very compact size and I can carry it in a small daypack or my Ortlieb pannier, it's a great combo and I feel it just fits the ATS 65 and the V5 perfectly. However, for windy days by the coast I feel the tripod/head combo is a bit flimsy, so I took advantage of having an old and heavy Manfrotto Aluminium tripod (I think it's a 055 Pro or something similar, above 2 kg) that I use for food photography (part of what I do for a living) and never leaves the house. So I bought the 500AH again and I use it with the old and heavy Manfrotto (especially during the winter months) if I know it's going to be a windy day or I'm going to an observatory or somewhere I don't need to walk a lot. I never thought of having 2 tripod/head sets, but given that I already had the heavy tripod, it was only a matter of investing 100 € for the 500 AH and thus having a really versatile kit.
William Lewis
Wishing birdwatching paid the bills.
Sounds like you've got it nailed!
Yes I have an aluminium job as well for when it's really windy, useful if your not walking too far.
My va-5 has a monarch 82 on top with a gitzo 1545 underneath. It's borderline for stability in the wind as the scopes quite heavy but the weight saving from the va-5 and gitzo means I don't hesitate to carry it - 3.5kg all in which is worth the sacrifice for me at least.
Thanks again
Will
Yes I have an aluminium job as well for when it's really windy, useful if your not walking too far.
My va-5 has a monarch 82 on top with a gitzo 1545 underneath. It's borderline for stability in the wind as the scopes quite heavy but the weight saving from the va-5 and gitzo means I don't hesitate to carry it - 3.5kg all in which is worth the sacrifice for me at least.
Thanks again
Will
Some may have read my threads on buying a first scope and tripod last fall. Confessed I was a reluctant purchaser, as I was afraid of the change to my birding style having to tote the scope/tripod around. I was right about the portability issue, but underestimated the value of the scope. The views are kind of revolutionary. Nothing seems to more clearly illustrate the limits of binocular reach for identifying, studying, enjoying birds.
I did not write about the tripod purchased. Reading here, I was overwhelmed by the various brands, models, specs that get discussed. Initially I left the shop, with a Sirui VA-5 and a wrong Sirui tripod. Having focused on the scope, and/but ignored the tripod conversations, I soon recognized I'd made a mistake. John helped with advice. His formula for tripod height was invaluable and eventually landed me in what seems the right place for scope height.
I ended up with that VA-5 and a Sirui ST224 to go under the MM4 77. At 6'3," that combination lands the scope with center column all the way down, at just the right height on level ground. In strong winds, winds strong enough that threaten to blow the whole rig over, I adapted by moving it and my body so I was between the scope and the wind. No wind, the thing is very stable. Ive found a stance, left hand near junction of focuser and scope body, right on tripod's lever that effectively dampens any minimal unwanted movement.
Dont think Ive seen the ST224 mentioned here. Not sure of anyone's experience. So far it seems fine.
I did not write about the tripod purchased. Reading here, I was overwhelmed by the various brands, models, specs that get discussed. Initially I left the shop, with a Sirui VA-5 and a wrong Sirui tripod. Having focused on the scope, and/but ignored the tripod conversations, I soon recognized I'd made a mistake. John helped with advice. His formula for tripod height was invaluable and eventually landed me in what seems the right place for scope height.
I ended up with that VA-5 and a Sirui ST224 to go under the MM4 77. At 6'3," that combination lands the scope with center column all the way down, at just the right height on level ground. In strong winds, winds strong enough that threaten to blow the whole rig over, I adapted by moving it and my body so I was between the scope and the wind. No wind, the thing is very stable. Ive found a stance, left hand near junction of focuser and scope body, right on tripod's lever that effectively dampens any minimal unwanted movement.
Dont think Ive seen the ST224 mentioned here. Not sure of anyone's experience. So far it seems fine.
@GrampaTom When I finally (somewhat reluctantly) decided to buy a scope my main take was: why did I take so long???? Once used to a scope, when birding without one (on open terrain) I feel I miss so much.
My brother has also the same setup: ST224 + VA-5, but he's using "only" my old MM3ED 60, and he's also beyond satisfied. If I had not given my brother the MM3ED 60, I would have surely bought the MM4 77, to my eyes it hits a perfect spot between size, weight, price and performance (the performance I guess it has after using my MM3ED in awe for 4 years and comparing it with my Swaro ATS HD 65. Those MM3-4 ED are just such a terriific value package).
My brother has also the same setup: ST224 + VA-5, but he's using "only" my old MM3ED 60, and he's also beyond satisfied. If I had not given my brother the MM3ED 60, I would have surely bought the MM4 77, to my eyes it hits a perfect spot between size, weight, price and performance (the performance I guess it has after using my MM3ED in awe for 4 years and comparing it with my Swaro ATS HD 65. Those MM3-4 ED are just such a terriific value package).
@William Lewis I finally managed to take a couple of pictures. The excuse has been the current stormy weather, with really strong gusts of wind over here in Ibiza. So I've swapped my usual "summertime/hike/everday" setup for the "wintertime/windycoast/car" setup.
For the 1390 g of my Swarovski ATS HD 65, here's what I got.
The light/everyday/default setup is a Sirui T-2204X tripod and the VA-5 head, that weights in at 1770 g (3 pound and 14.4 oz).
The heavy/storm setup is a Manfrotto 05XPROB coupled with the MVH500AH head that weights 3410 g (7 pound and 8 oz), basically double as the light rig.
The light/everyday setup is what I ended up with after trying several tripods and heads of different configurations. I like the fact that it's really compact, because the legs can be folded upwards. Then the head is really light as well. Quality wise, no, this is obviously no Gitzo, but it does the job. One can feel that the materials are not the ultimate in terms of quality and resistance, but I think it's a reasonable compromise between performance and price.
Here's the two setups compared to my 24 liter Deuter daypack (where the small tripod head combo usually go, along with my binoculars and the rest of the stuff I carry). Some birding friends lugging big rigs are surprised when, after being walking/birding for a while, I take my rig out of the backpack, some ask how could I carry all that in such a small backpack).
The heavy/wintertime/car rig was born out of chance and necessity. I had this old and heavy tripod at home for photography (with IIRC a Sirui K20X ball head that has not given me the same level of performance, unfortunately), so after selling the Manfrotto MVH500AH because I found it too large, I gave it another tought, and discovered that with that little investment, I could have a really powerful setup for windy condition. Said and done.
The heavy rig, when fully extended, is actually too tall for me, while the light setup is about 5-10 cm too short if I want to be completely comfortable. So my perfect fit would be somewhere in between. However, I usually bird using the light rig with the column collapsed because of two reasons. First, I got used to it while birding with my parter, who is a tad shorter than me, so the tripod must be set to fit the shortest person. And second, because it's more stable in windy condition. If I know I'm going on my own and there's no wind, then I might raise the column about 5-10 cm. In fact, when I first got the tripod I used to leave the column home to scrap a few grams, but then I realised that the gain was not worth it, it was hardly noticeable and the column is a worthwhile addition just in case.
I hope this can help giving a reference for size and bulk to other forum members who might be interested. Personally, I'm pretty chuffed with this double rig. Had I not been using the large and heavy tripod for photography, I would have never opted for two tripod/heads (in fact, my first idea was to simply have one head and alternate it between both tripods, but I think the heavy head actually improves the stability of the heavy Manfrotto tripod, which is basically its goal. I was using it yesterday in pretty windy conditions by the coast -under red alert for winds- and I was really surprised by how sturdy the rig is).
For the 1390 g of my Swarovski ATS HD 65, here's what I got.
The light/everyday/default setup is a Sirui T-2204X tripod and the VA-5 head, that weights in at 1770 g (3 pound and 14.4 oz).
The heavy/storm setup is a Manfrotto 05XPROB coupled with the MVH500AH head that weights 3410 g (7 pound and 8 oz), basically double as the light rig.
The light/everyday setup is what I ended up with after trying several tripods and heads of different configurations. I like the fact that it's really compact, because the legs can be folded upwards. Then the head is really light as well. Quality wise, no, this is obviously no Gitzo, but it does the job. One can feel that the materials are not the ultimate in terms of quality and resistance, but I think it's a reasonable compromise between performance and price.
Here's the two setups compared to my 24 liter Deuter daypack (where the small tripod head combo usually go, along with my binoculars and the rest of the stuff I carry). Some birding friends lugging big rigs are surprised when, after being walking/birding for a while, I take my rig out of the backpack, some ask how could I carry all that in such a small backpack).
The heavy/wintertime/car rig was born out of chance and necessity. I had this old and heavy tripod at home for photography (with IIRC a Sirui K20X ball head that has not given me the same level of performance, unfortunately), so after selling the Manfrotto MVH500AH because I found it too large, I gave it another tought, and discovered that with that little investment, I could have a really powerful setup for windy condition. Said and done.
The heavy rig, when fully extended, is actually too tall for me, while the light setup is about 5-10 cm too short if I want to be completely comfortable. So my perfect fit would be somewhere in between. However, I usually bird using the light rig with the column collapsed because of two reasons. First, I got used to it while birding with my parter, who is a tad shorter than me, so the tripod must be set to fit the shortest person. And second, because it's more stable in windy condition. If I know I'm going on my own and there's no wind, then I might raise the column about 5-10 cm. In fact, when I first got the tripod I used to leave the column home to scrap a few grams, but then I realised that the gain was not worth it, it was hardly noticeable and the column is a worthwhile addition just in case.
I hope this can help giving a reference for size and bulk to other forum members who might be interested. Personally, I'm pretty chuffed with this double rig. Had I not been using the large and heavy tripod for photography, I would have never opted for two tripod/heads (in fact, my first idea was to simply have one head and alternate it between both tripods, but I think the heavy head actually improves the stability of the heavy Manfrotto tripod, which is basically its goal. I was using it yesterday in pretty windy conditions by the coast -under red alert for winds- and I was really surprised by how sturdy the rig is).
William Lewis
Wishing birdwatching paid the bills.
Hi Yarrellii.
I think a few of us in Europe have been having a bit of trouble with the storms recently. I'm up in Norfolk, a couple of miles from titchwell as usual for October half term, I was looking forward to a fair bit of birding today but didn't get much in- weather no good with rain and wind so I thought it might be best to get the wife to the shops for most of the day and build up the brownie points for later in the week!
Here's how I'm running the va-5 at present (apologies for the truncated phone pic).
Its working out nicely so far, the va-5 doesn't have much of a return spring to deal with the heavy scope, even though I've balanced it. Fortunately a slight turn of the vertical axis lock out works well to deliver a smooth motion without the scope drooping- still very pleased and think I'll keep this set up for a good while.
Will
I think a few of us in Europe have been having a bit of trouble with the storms recently. I'm up in Norfolk, a couple of miles from titchwell as usual for October half term, I was looking forward to a fair bit of birding today but didn't get much in- weather no good with rain and wind so I thought it might be best to get the wife to the shops for most of the day and build up the brownie points for later in the week!
Here's how I'm running the va-5 at present (apologies for the truncated phone pic).
Its working out nicely so far, the va-5 doesn't have much of a return spring to deal with the heavy scope, even though I've balanced it. Fortunately a slight turn of the vertical axis lock out works well to deliver a smooth motion without the scope drooping- still very pleased and think I'll keep this set up for a good while.Will
Birding here in California seems a bit different timing-wise. Its oncoming winter and the migration south here from Canada and Alaska that starts the show. I used the scope last winter and spring till the birds disappeared back north mid April. I reverted to the 1042s and no scope for the summer. Was reminded of the freedom of that older way. Also decided to spend more time in the denser Redwood forests of the 1200' hills above Oakland, and try to learn the smaller birds that inhabit that terrain this season. Merlin and its' sound ID abilities became a serious ally. The 825s made sense.
Now October, with the migration seemingly in a slower start from past years, the scope and 832s are back. What a lovely set of tools. At Las Galinas' first pond, there's a small, short, dock with just enough room for the scope's tripod. Looking into the near marsh grass, cattails, puddles, left/right, several yards out, for Soras, Green Herons, Least Bitterns, the binocular's wider FOV and lesser X are perfect. How could a thing be better? Then looking out into the larger first pond's near swell, the scope comes into its own. At 18-30X, out to a couple hundred yards its easy to discern what's in among the herd. Wigeons, Teal, (Green Winged and Cinnamon), Gallinules, Gadwalls, are co-mingled among the taken for granted Mallards, Canada Geese, White Pelicans, Great and Snowy Egrets.
Where are those yet to arrive favorites? Where's the Blue Winged Teal, Cackling Geese, Forsters Terns, Ruddys? Zooming the scope further out to view the several hundred yards more, of the second bulge, nope, not yet. I wonder how clear a thing can it be? No 8 or 10X bino can get this job done.
The scope's view with stuff in range? Whew!
Now October, with the migration seemingly in a slower start from past years, the scope and 832s are back. What a lovely set of tools. At Las Galinas' first pond, there's a small, short, dock with just enough room for the scope's tripod. Looking into the near marsh grass, cattails, puddles, left/right, several yards out, for Soras, Green Herons, Least Bitterns, the binocular's wider FOV and lesser X are perfect. How could a thing be better? Then looking out into the larger first pond's near swell, the scope comes into its own. At 18-30X, out to a couple hundred yards its easy to discern what's in among the herd. Wigeons, Teal, (Green Winged and Cinnamon), Gallinules, Gadwalls, are co-mingled among the taken for granted Mallards, Canada Geese, White Pelicans, Great and Snowy Egrets.
Where are those yet to arrive favorites? Where's the Blue Winged Teal, Cackling Geese, Forsters Terns, Ruddys? Zooming the scope further out to view the several hundred yards more, of the second bulge, nope, not yet. I wonder how clear a thing can it be? No 8 or 10X bino can get this job done.
The scope's view with stuff in range? Whew!
