Kowa 80mm tripod (1 Viewer)

Ghostly Vision · Jan 13, 2015

Hi all

I need a new tripod for my straight-through Kowa 883(4?), which is quite front-heavy of course.

Anything is considered, doesn't necessarily have to be super-light, just sturdy and hard-wearing.

What is everyone using these days please?

I've had bad experiences with Manfrotto's in the past as the metal perishes on the leg clamps, but they may have sorted that now.

Thanks in advance

Sean

Vespobuteo · Jan 13, 2015

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=291967#3

Ghostly Vision · Jan 17, 2015

Thanks Vespobuteo.

Your recommendation wouldn't work for my 884, as it is a straight-through scope and would need to be taller.

I also gather that a three-section tripod with a centre column would be more stable at full extension.

How easy and quickly do the twist-lock mechanisms work on the Gitzo's? I'm a little wary of this system, as surely a snap-lock system would be quicker?

St. Elmo · Jan 17, 2015

Call the Audubon Shop in Madison, Connecticut [(203) 245-9056] about their Birder tripod. It's has two section legs (for quick setup) and a Manfrotto head. I have one under my Pentax 80mm. It's rock solid. A lot of pictures of local outings (e.g., Connecticut Ornithological Association), will show a lot of people using that set-up. I believe they ship worldwide. Ask for Jerry.

johnf3f · Jan 17, 2015

Ghostly Vision said:
Thanks Vespobuteo.

Your recommendation wouldn't work for my 884, as it is a straight-through scope and would need to be taller.

I also gather that a three-section tripod with a centre column would be more stable at full extension.

How easy and quickly do the twist-lock mechanisms work on the Gitzo's? I'm a little wary of this system, as surely a snap-lock system would be quicker?

There is little difference in speed, but flip locks can be harder on your thumbs - especially in cold weather. The two top tripod brands (RRS and Gitzo) do not use flip locks. The twist lock system is far more secure, for example I have 3 Gitzo 3 series tripods that are rated between 12 and 18 kilos. All of them will support over 100 kilos with their legs extended to max height - flip locks just don't do that sort of thing. RRS and Gitzo weight ratings are VERY conservative to say the least!
More importantly their vibration damping makes them much more suitable for long lenses/scopes. Pity they are so expensive!

johnf3f · Jan 17, 2015

Sent you a PM regarding a tripod but couldn't see how to attach images. Happy to E Mail them to you - please see PM.

Vespobuteo · Jan 18, 2015

Ghostly Vision said:
Thanks Vespobuteo.

Your recommendation wouldn't work for my 884, as it is a straight-through scope and would need to be taller.

I also gather that a three-section tripod with a centre column would be more stable at full extension.

How easy and quickly do the twist-lock mechanisms work on the Gitzo's? I'm a little wary of this system, as surely a snap-lock system would be quicker?

There is an XLS-version, should be tall enough for most people:

http://www.gitzo.com/systematic-series-3-carbon-tripod-x-long-4-section-overhead-gt3542xls

Gitzo tripods have the twist G-lock (ultra) system, it's very fast and reliable.

Both these tripods have a max payload of 25 kg (conservative) so you don't have to worry about the legs flexing for the minor weight of a spotting scope and fluid head.

Kowa 80mm tripod (1 Viewer)

More options

Ghostly Vision

Well-known member

Vespobuteo

Well-known member

Ghostly Vision

Well-known member

St. Elmo

Well-known member

johnf3f

johnf3f

johnf3f

johnf3f

Vespobuteo

Well-known member

Similar threads

Users who are viewing this thread