Which head? Berlebach 520 or Manfrotto 701RC2 (1 Viewer)

I am new to the forum so before I get to my question I want to thank everyone for all of the information here that has helped me decide on my new scope.

I just ordered a Swarovski ATS80HD which I plan to use with my Olympus C5050Z. The supplier informed me that I get a free Berlebach tripod with my purchase. I had never heard of one but have since read that they are heavy units that are well made.

I now have to decide whether to match the tripod with the Berlebach 520 head or go with the 701RC2 fluid head from Manfrotto that I have read so much about on this forum.

Any advice would be appreciated. Here is a link to the berlebach unit.
Berlebach heads

I haven't seen the Berlebach head. As far as Bogen is concerned, you may want to consider the old standby 3130. The new Swaro scopes fit right onto the head without needing a plate.

Thanks for the tip. It looks like the 3130 has more of a tilt angle too.

I have not ever seen or tried the Berlebach head, only their tripods which are excellent. Kikkertspesialisten in Norway highly recommend the Berlebach heads, considering them very solid and vibration-free. However, they are not fluid-damped, so action-wise, the Manfrotto might be a better bet, although lack of proper friction adjustment is a major drawback. The 701 is very sturdy and if you get a unit which happens to have the right amount of damping grease and pre-tension, the action is very good. Kikkertspesialisten has plenty of info about video heads (in Norwegian) on their webpages if you care to read it. Since I don't have their address memorized, I'll suggest you Google it if you wish to check.

Kimmo

You said that lack of friction adjustment is a major drawback. Are you referring to this as a weekness of the 701? Could you explain a bit more what you mean. I am new to all of this.

Thanks

King Fisher said:

You said that lack of friction adjustment is a major drawback. Are you referring to this as a weekness of the 701? Could you explain a bit more what you mean. I am new to all of this.

Thanks

Click to expand...

Check this thread:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=283535#post283535

Ilkka

Go for a Wimberley gimbal type head. Expensive but will handle anything you can place on it.