Leica Televid 65 & Sirui VA-5 head? (1 Viewer)

Scope and tripod mavens, many of whom are familiar names from the binocular 'village' just a click away...

Thanks to the Leica kerfuffle with the retrovids, I was able to purchase a Televid 65 at a substantial discount, when one retailer sold off their Leica inventory at essentially cost in protest. I plan to use a Gitzo 1541 Mountaineer for starters, but need to buy a head for the scope. I currently use the Gitzo to mount a pochade box on for outdoor painting. I find it light, and plenty sturdy for that job.

The Manfrotto 500 AH, seems a bit more than necessary. Will the Sirui VA-5 do the job? Scope and eyepiece are 1.4 kilos. The spots I expect to use it are relatively flat, and I probably won't hike more than 2-3 miles at the most with this rig.

If I get scope, tripod, or mount 'fever', which could happen, I know I'll bulk up with the head and the mount, especially if I find myself looking at a larger optic. For now, its just making do with the tripod I have, and adding a mount.

I did read as many threads on this as I could find. Just wanted any affirmation, advice, or better options before I pull the trigger.

-Bill

wdc said:

...Will the Sirui VA-5 do the job? Scope and eyepiece are 1.4 kilos...

Click to expand...

Yes, I think it is a great choice. Very smooth, solid, and Arca-Swiss standard compatible.

--AP

Thanks Alexis. Much appreciated.

-Bill

Hi Bill,

agreed, it should work nicely for a mid-size scope!

Enjoy your new toy!

Joachim

Thanks Joachim, I will. The order is in.

-Bill

If it's any help, i'm using the Sirui with a Swaro ATS65HD; i went through quite a few of the smaller heads before settling on this as the best i'd tried; very smooth and reliable.
Only small thing - if you're looking skywards in an extreme tilt, you may find the pan control difficult to adjust, as you can't get your fingers to it. Not really a problem, as it can probably be assumed you'll have already slackened it off. I don't think this is an issue exclusive to the Sirui either.