Swarovski ATC: which lightweight tripod? (1 Viewer)

[gastonbe]

I was watching a review of a Gitzo tripod that described the head plate not being too great.
However, the guy replaced the plate with a Manfrotto one that has some rubber friction strips on it to stop the camera/scope from rotating off of it:

Do you think this could also help the ATC with locking more securely (i.e. the missing anti rotation pins)?

 

[bcskr]

The quick release plate I’m using has rubber strips. The problem is that the ATC does not have much surface area to contact the plate. I have never had a scope totally detach from the plate, but it’s just a nuisance and irritation to have it loosen, and then have to remove the scope from the head in order to retighten the screw.

 

[belfeuil]

The quick release plate I’m using has rubber strips. The problem is that the ATC does not have much surface area to contact the plate. I have never had a scope totally detach from the plate, but it’s just a nuisance and irritation to have it loosen, and then have to remove the scope from the head in order to retighten the screw.

A little bit of thread lock glue could be the solution?

 

[William Lewis]

I tend to think the STC and ATC have been designed with hand held/resting against something or monopod use in mind more than tripod use. Hence the lack of a locking pin recess. Monopods generally attach by twisting the whole monopod to do up the attachment thread. This obviously doesn't work with a locking pin.

I agree with previous posts though that it's an omission as providing a recess for a tripod plate locking pin does not rule out use with a monopod. Maybe it will appear in an update at some point.

 

[bcskr]

In years past with my ED 50 and MM 3 I’ve tried hand-held, shoulder pod, and a couple different monopods. For me, if a scope has a zoom EP I want a tripod.

 

[Hermann]

The quick release plate I’m using has rubber strips.

Peel off the rubber strips. Any rubber (or indeed cork) strips are a nuisance.

Hermann

 

[Hermann]

I am very interested in the Gitzo GT1545T. It's lightweight but very sturdy from what I've read. It should mostly be enough for the ATC.
Any thoughts?

Yes, it is. It will never be as sturdy as a heavier tripod in windy conditions, but it will hold any scope up to ~1500 gr. no problem. For heavier scopes you'll need a heavier tripod.

I'd just get it with the regular ball head to save weight and to get the expanding capabilities when packed. I could always get the fluid birding head later on as an extra.

That's not really a good idea. Ball heads don't work well with scopes. Get a lightweight video head instead.

However, I did read that there's no proper locking system:

Compact but stable travel scope tripod?

Hi Hermann, I have read somewhere that the Gitzo GT1545T does not have any real locking system/screw to prevent the head from turning/unscrewing from the tripod. That's right, there's no locking system. Do you notice any loosening of the head from the tripod, when carrying it around with the...

www.birdforum.net

That sounds scary to me. Does that mean the scope could just drop on the floor if not tightened properly? That would be insane at this price range.

Well, you've just got to watch it. That's what thousands of birders did for decades when there are no locking systems on tripods (and, indeed, no anti-rotation pins on scopes and tripod heads). Just make sure you tighten the head on the tripod properly and make it a habit of checking it from time to time.

Other interesting, similar tripods:

• Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon
• Peak Design Travel Carbon
• Velbon Ultra Luxi L

These are also cheaper than the Gitzo. Anyone try the Manfrotto one? It seems very similar to the Gitzo but it seems it doesn't have the locking issue.

But they're not in the same class. The Gitzo is better. Period. Better stability, less vibration in the wind, better reliability. Buy a cheap tripod, and you will buy twice.

Hermann

 

[gastonbe]

Peel off the rubber strips. Any rubber (or indeed cork) strips are a nuisance.

Hermann

I'd think it would make sense with a scope as the ATC bc it doesn't have anything to keep it from rotating. This would help with that.
You could also use gaffa tape, it seems, to lock it more firmly in place. As mentioned in the ATC thread here:

New ATC/ STC 17-40x56 Telescope

Hi Henry (post #78), Just to clarify about the 460 mm objective focal length . . . Prior to the introduction of the C series telescopes, all the fixed body and draw tube models had a focal length of 460 mm, as is shown in the page from the 2005 catalogue. But, I’ve not seen any indication...

www.birdforum.net

 

[gastonbe]

Yes, it is. It will never be as sturdy as a heavier tripod in windy conditions, but it will hold any scope up to ~1500 gr. no problem. For heavier scopes you'll need a heavier tripod.

That's not really a good idea. Ball heads don't work well with scopes. Get a lightweight video head instead.

Well, you've just got to watch it. That's what thousands of birders did for decades when there are no locking systems on tripods (and, indeed, no anti-rotation pins on scopes and tripod heads). Just make sure you tighten the head on the tripod properly and make it a habit of checking it from time to time.

But they're not in the same class. The Gitzo is better. Period. Better stability, less vibration in the wind, better reliability. Buy a cheap tripod, and you will buy twice.

Hermann

Thanks for the good info! This really helps. I think you're on point about just making a habit of checking the locking systems.

Any thoughts on a good lightweight video head? You do lose the compact folding up, I think. i might get both eventually, depending how compact I need it to be.

 

[Will K]

Thanks for the good info! This really helps. I think you're on point about just making a habit of checking the locking systems.

Any thoughts on a good lightweight video head? You do lose the compact folding up, I think. i might get both eventually, depending how compact I need it to be.

I've heard great things about the Gitzo GH1720QR. It has a single locking wheel mechanism for all points of movement, so it should be very intuitive and simple to use with a scope.

It's on my Christmas list, anyway!

 

[gastonbe]

I've heard great things about the Gitzo GH1720QR. It has a single locking wheel mechanism for all points of movement, so it should be very intuitive and simple to use with a scope.

It's on my Christmas list, anyway!

View attachment 1480497

Looks good but will the tripod sitll be able to collapse entirely onto itself with this one?

 

[Will K]

Looks good but will the tripod sitll be able to collapse entirely onto itself with this one?

Probably not, but I can't say for sure, of course.

Also, Gitzo tripods apparently come with low quality draw-string bags, but they do sell high quality padded cases separately. Series 1 carry bags have had some quite bad reviews, however, due to the overall tight squeeze needed to get the legs into the case. I would imagine that the head would need to be detached. Series 2 bags seem to have a better reputation.

 

[ANK]

Well, you've just got to watch it. That's what thousands of birders did for decades when there are no locking systems on tripods (and, indeed, no anti-rotation pins on scopes and tripod heads). Just make sure you tighten the head on the tripod properly and make it a habit of checking it from time to time.

Fully agree with Hermann.
Never had an issue with rotating scopes - with or without anti-rotation-pin.
If you are really one of the more cautious ones, the following life hack might be something for you:



With one look you can see if the screw has loosened.

Kind regards,

Toni

 

[gastonbe]

I've heard great things about the Gitzo GH1720QR. It has a single locking wheel mechanism for all points of movement, so it should be very intuitive and simple to use with a scope.

It's on my Christmas list, anyway!

View attachment 1480497

Can't find this one anywhere in Europe anymore. Strangely the Gitzo GHF2W 2 way fluid head (2 series) they sell everywhere. Not sure if they still produce it. The series 2 head is 0.59kg while the series 1 head is only 0.46kg.

I also noticed you can buy the kit gk1545t-82tqd kit (GT1545t + ball head) significantly cheaper (~80 euro) than buying components seperately.

 

[Will K]

Can't find this one anywhere in Europe anymore. Strangely the Gitzo GHF2W 2 way fluid head (2 series) they sell everywhere. Not sure if they still produce it.

I also noticed you can buy the kit gk1545t-82tqd kit (GT1545t + ball head) significantly cheaper (~80 euro) than buying components seperately.

Ah, that's the very same kit that I bought online recently - currently awaiting delivery! (GK1545T-82TQD).

Fluid heads would seem ideal, but Gitzo are famous for their high-quality ball heads, so I'll reserve final judgement until I've had a chance to actually try it out in the field. Depending upon how it goes, I might sell the ball head and get the 2 way fluid attachment.

 

[gastonbe]

Ah, that's the very same kit that I bought online recently - currently awaiting delivery! (GK1545T-82TQD).

Fluid heads would seem ideal, but Gitzo are famous for their high-quality ball heads, so I'll reserve final judgement until I've had a chance to actually try it out in the field. Depending upon how it goes, I might sell the ball head and get the 2 way fluid attachment.

Ah you did get the kit? Why didn't you get the fluid head from the get go - as you recommended?

I am also tempted to just get the kit since it's a bit cheaper - I see it online for 583 euros while the tripod seperately would cost 450 euro. The fluid head would be around 250 euros to add to that - if you can find it at least!

But everyone seems to recommend the fluid head here so that's why I haven't yet.

 

[Will K]

Ah you did get the kit? Why didn't you get the fluid head from the get go - as you recommended?

I am also tempted to just get the kit since it's a bit cheaper - I see it online for 583 euros while the tripod seperately would cost 450 euro. The fluid head would be around 250 euros to add to that - if you can find it at least!

But everyone seems to recommend the fluid head here so that's why I haven't yet.

The kit was for sale on a good deal, basically! Ball heads are generally smaller, too, which is also what I need for traveling on planes, etc. So, I'm happy to give it a go. If the kit came with the fluid head, however, I would have preferred that.

As noted, I'll give it a chance before spending any extra cash, though!

 

[gastonbe]

The kit was for sale on a good deal, basically! Ball heads are generally smaller, too, which is also what I need for traveling on places, etc. So, I'm happy to give it a go. If the kit came with the fluid head, however, I would have preferred that.

As noted, I'll give it a chance before spending any extra cash, though!

I might do the same 😉

 

[milvusmilvus]

Hi again,

For my STC I have just purchased a Sirui-AM225 with SL-100 extensible column. I also bought a quite light and small, all metal video head (https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0BFKY8H5L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

I need the column because the STC is straight and it has to go high enough, but I have been testing it with my angled Leica Apo Televid 62, without the column, and it works fine! I'll say that for an ATC is a hard to beat option, as I guess you bought the ATC because it is small and light, so a small and light tripod accompanying it should be a must. Tripod without column weights just 730 grams. Video head is 250, or even less if you don't use the handle, that can be easily installed and detached. I'm 1,75m tall and I have to bend a little to observe.

Is it as stable as my Gitzo Mountaineer GT3542? sure it is not, but, Does a quite small and light scope need something like that? I don't think so. Sirui is not extremely sturdy, but more than enough for the scope. Same for the head. And they are quite cheap compared to the Gitzo's counterparts.

 

[Dutchbirder64]

I've heard great things about the Gitzo GH1720QR. It has a single locking wheel mechanism for all points of movement, so it should be very intuitive and simple to use with a scope.

It's on my Christmas list, anyway!

View attachment 1480497

I have the 2720QR. Slightly bigger one with the bit larger baseplate. It is excellent with my ATX85.