• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Search results

thxpress_search_the_forum Search Opus
  1. N

    Swarovski ATC: which lightweight tripod?

    I heard about that brand, but they seem cater more to hunters/shooters - not to say their gear is bad; quite the opposite as either has to rely heavily in their gear, so it won't be a preferred brand if known to fail. I would stick with photographic gear companies, well reputed brands that will...
  2. N

    Swarovski ATC: which lightweight tripod?

    You gain nothing getting a branded Swarovski - they are made my Gitzo, and their fluid heads are nothing special. start here please: https://thecentercolumn.com/rankings/ I would recommend RRS, PMG, Gitzo, Feisol, Induro... and few more, but some of those brands might be accessible in your...
  3. N

    Alternative to Swarovski tripod head

    that's a nice case - I have the Marsupialgear case but does not fit well with the long plate attached. otoh, it's less voluminous - meaning fits like something between the SOC and that case/bag PMG makes nice plates too indeed btw, this plate seems to a good support and fit for the BTX combo -...
  4. N

    Alternative to Swarovski tripod head

    I have the 85mm on the swaro rail, and the 95mm with a Kirk long rail plate (6" or so I believe). Truth to be told, the Kirk is indeed a better plate, as it is more adjustable, lighter and cheaper. Has also a supplied stop/anti-twist bar and a QR hook-up Mounting it on a gimbal head makes...
  5. N

    Dancing blue Heron

    Caught this guy doing this...dance? around sunset
  6. N

    comfortable neck strap for Leica Ultravid 10x25 - need help finding replacement

    That Opticron should do it indeed - they are in NC, but not all online-able stores carry that specific strap...last resort they can still take orders. Thanks - going to do some searching
  7. N

    comfortable neck strap for Leica Ultravid 10x25 - need help finding replacement

    Thanks - the problem is that those quick connectors wires won't allow for the rear caps to stay connected in the same loop - see how they attach in pic
  8. N

    comfortable neck strap for Leica Ultravid 10x25 - need help finding replacement

    The flimsy 1/4" wide webbing strap they come with are uncomfortable - to me ofcourse - and I can't find any 1/4" wide webbing neck strap for them. Been searching everywhere, even local stores. I would prefer neoprene padding, and rear caps have to somehow stay in the same run, Thanks in advance...
  9. N

    Anyone got a atx or btx 115?

    I do have a 95mm (and 85) and both btx and stx - if you use and like the zoom feature often, well... there is no way around with the btx - only a 1.7x increase, but still fixed. However the viewing experience is quite more relaxed and pleasant. Not sure with the new 115, but I find that the 95...
  10. N

    Need help selecting tripod/head - Zeiss Harpia

    The second part of the equation is repairs and warranty. Promediagear, FLM, Berlebach, Ries, Induro, Feisol, Oben, Gitzo (not the best customer service for the US), all brands one can rely on (yes, there are a few more). Old saying: buy once and cry once
  11. N

    Swarovski Spotting Scope Backpack in USA..?

    https://www.swarovskioptik.com/us/en/birding/products/gear/bags-all/bags/backpack/5598805 there is literally not much of useful info in the website - this vendor actually shows more pictures: https://redstartbirding.com/products/swarovski-bp-backpack-30 do a web search and you will find more...
  12. N

    Need help selecting tripod/head - Zeiss Harpia

    Made in China it's not the same as made by China - yes, they can manufacture good products in special regards to QC supervised by international companies, but....there are a lot of knock-offs, aka copycats - read stolen design property, made with cheaper components and standards, that will not...
  13. N

    Need help selecting tripod/head - Zeiss Harpia

    Gitzo tripods are great, but parts and customer service/warranty service not so much.... At this price point might as well look at Really Right Stuff. Induro, FLM, ProMedia Gear, Feisol are well worthy to consider. I would stay away from any Chinese knock-offs.... Manfrotto, Peak Design, Benro...
  14. N

    Extender1.7x storage when not used

    I have a cloth pouch for it - reused from something else, but fits right and has a draw-string to keep it closed. Had it previously in a neoprene pouch, but was a bit too snug; the pouch is just easier ofcourse.
  15. N

    ATX/STX rumor

    Hi Berg, Indeed more reviews and if possible a hands-on viewing are a must - getting it to a suitable place will be more difficult, as the local retailers I know of, are in very urban areas, and even bringing a scope outside the store might not be feasible. Then we have the down-sampling image...
  16. N

    Changing from straight view to angled?

    with the BTX, it only could become a problem/issue if you are spotting something significantly lower than your standing location - not so much of an issue with a regular ATX as it can be rotated. I have both, an STX and the BTX - aside tripod height setup, the rest is intuitive. The aiming...
  17. N

    ATX/STX rumor

    Thanks wow - it seems to be showing quite a difference in clarity and overall brightness. now the question left is, do I sell the 85 or the 95mm scope....hmmmm?
  18. N

    Gimbal Head for both long lens and Scope

    have you considered the wimberley sidekick? still requires a good solid ballhead, but easy to swap in the field I do use a gimbal head on my scope and long lenses - you set them up the same way basically, but you might need to add a longer base plate ion the scope existing foot.
  19. N

    Tripod with tube, convert to non-tube?

    with your velbon, it will be a bit difficult. However, I have swapped the stock center column for a shorter one in a SILK tripod. If you can find a shorter tripod column replacement of same exact diameter, then it might be possible -assuming the velbon does not have anti-twist grooves or...
  20. N

    Tripod with tube, convert to non-tube?

    No - you did not, and actually it's combination of both. One can mount a arca-swiss compatible plate on the tripod, and then mount dovetail arca-swiss plates on the ball heads - easy to swap then without fuss. Then the ballhead itself might allow (most do) to have a lever QR or knob arca-swiss...
  21. N

    Tripod with tube, convert to non-tube?

    I was about to ask that - if you wanted to simply replace the ballhead, or convert to a column-less setup... yes, that's the way. Now if you like to switch ballheads often, consider investing in arca-swiss plates
  22. N

    Tripod with tube, convert to non-tube?

    What's the tripod brand/maker and model?
  23. N

    ATX/STX rumor

    going to wait for more reviews....and then decide if keeping the 85 or the 95 - no point for me of having three scopes this large. Hopefully it will perform better than the 95mm with extender at full magnification (70x)
  24. N

    ATX/STX rumor

    good one:) In Europe, Gitzo is a better choice for servicing; in the US, one is better off choosing RRS - best matching for a Gitzo:Zenelli carbon fiber ZC Compact Gimbal Head https://www.zenelli.it/en/product-category/products/ really very light, strong and works great either with dslr...
  25. N

    ATX ocular module design

    Have you emailed Swarosvki? likely will be denied as patents and such are involved, but if you word it right and provide a sustainable reasoning why you want/need it, they might find a compromise they feel comfortable with. worst they can say it's no...
Back
Top