Regarding tripods:I've read through all the comments and been going over the options in my head the last couple of days.
I've narrowed it down and feel I go two routes right now;
Swarovski ATS65HD + 25-50xW
Expensive, solid, superb optics.
Body and ocular 1400 grams.
Knowing that I probably won't need to upgrade ever again.
Opticron MM4 60ED + SDLv2 (15-45x)
Alot cheaper alternative.
Uncertain about optical quality.
Mag starting at 15 compared to 25.
Body and ocular 1000 grams, 400 grams lighter than the Swaro.
Could maybe be used with an ever lighter head and tripod.
Question is how much one actually loses in optical quality.
Build and optical quality will obviously be better in the Swaro. But enough to justify the much higher price?
I read a review on the MM4 60 and one comment about how its optical quality wasn't too far off from the ATS65 etc.
If only there were serious optics shops nearby so one could compare them side by side.
Unrelated: Was out on a walk in the nearby wetlands and saw 3 western marsh harriers soar right next to eachother in the warm winds. Only problem they were just a bit too far away for 8x42. Really wished I already got a scope right there and then
Even with a small 50mm ED50 I find that a sturdy tripod is quite useful. I tried lighter tripods but the slightest breeze quickly degraded the view. I now use Manfrotto 3021 (or equivalent) and 128 heads for 50mm, 82mm and 88mm scopes. We also hang our day packs on the column adjustment, something that really dampens tremors in a hurry. Calm weather is never a problem but we experience a lot of wind and wind can destroy a scope image if its affects aren't mitigated. A relatively heavy tripod along with a dampener does the job for us.
Yes, I tried tripods costing four times my current setup only to find they, too, vibrated in the wind. I don't pack the tripod for miles at a time so the inconveniences of weight and size are not much of an issue. We're going to Nova Scotia in a few weeks and I'll pack two tripods, an ED50 and an 88mm Kowa. Since we have two long-term stays with great ocean views I may also pack a binocular mount (monopod with tripod and bin attachments).
Good luck!