Greetings,
I'm about to purchase the Zeiss Diascope 85 to replace an aged scope that never was able to resolve anything much above 30x. I've been using a tripod and head that I'm quite satisfied with -- the Bogen Manfrotto Wilderness series tripod (3221wn, I believe). I find it robust, if a bit heavy. The head Ive been using is a pistol grip ball joint, which suited me for a number of reasons. First, I'm quite tall, and the head adds a bit of height. Once one is used to it, getting on a bird is very fast, and once the handle is released, one is securely locked in. I cannot find the head I'd really like, one with one handle that can be twisted to free the head up to pan and swing up and down, then twisted back to lock things in. I've had the 3130 recommended, but what I want is something that can be loosened up in both dimensions with one hand, then quickly locked down. Any thoughts/suggestions on heads?
Also, what's the verdict on clear vs. UV filters? Or is there any consensus?
Thanks so much.
I'm about to purchase the Zeiss Diascope 85 to replace an aged scope that never was able to resolve anything much above 30x. I've been using a tripod and head that I'm quite satisfied with -- the Bogen Manfrotto Wilderness series tripod (3221wn, I believe). I find it robust, if a bit heavy. The head Ive been using is a pistol grip ball joint, which suited me for a number of reasons. First, I'm quite tall, and the head adds a bit of height. Once one is used to it, getting on a bird is very fast, and once the handle is released, one is securely locked in. I cannot find the head I'd really like, one with one handle that can be twisted to free the head up to pan and swing up and down, then twisted back to lock things in. I've had the 3130 recommended, but what I want is something that can be loosened up in both dimensions with one hand, then quickly locked down. Any thoughts/suggestions on heads?
Also, what's the verdict on clear vs. UV filters? Or is there any consensus?
Thanks so much.