Reasonably priced Arca/no-QR head for scope? (1 Viewer)

Hi there, I bought a new scope (Nikon ED82A) and need to get a new head as I've previously been using a ball head with my ED50 and camera. I definitely want Arca-Swiss compatibility. I would love to spend under 200 Euros. Most recommendations are for Berlebach etc which cost 350-400. I have previously used Sirui gear and loved it, however their VH-10 (which otherwise looks perfect) is Manfrotto style, and I fear the VA-5 might be a bit too light?

Another option would be to get a head with no QR-plate and attach a clamp, if there are some recommended? I'd like to avoid screwing a clamp on top of QR-plate.

Another option would be to use a plate/clamp adapter. I use Arca-Swiss type plates from RRS and Kirk with heads from the same companies, but I like Gitzo heads too. Fortunately, my Gitzo heads can be made Arca-Swiss compatible with this cheap adapter (and similar products may be available for other conversions):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Desmond-DG...R-Plate-Adapter-for-Tripod-Head-/332462227122

--AP

Sirui Europe is located here in Cologne, so I gave them a call today and they confirmed that the VH-10 is Arca-Swiss compatible. I believe Kimmo Absetz has experience with the VH-10 so I have PMed him for 100% confirmation.
Although I think all Arca-Swiss plates are compatible with all Arca-Swiss heads, the safety retention is IMO an important factor. If the clamping knob loosens you don't want your scope falling out of the head. Berlebach for instance has an ingenious safety retention system, which will also work with Sirui and some Novoflex plates but I don't think their plates can be securely retained on other heads.
By the look of the ED82A it might be a bit tail heavy, so this is a factor to consider if you need a longer plate to balance it out.

John

Well Kimmo informed me that the plates for the VH-10 are 49 mm wide, so definitely not Arca-Swiss and it looks as though I got some "alternative facts" from Sirui Europe.
If you don't want to run to a Berlebach 510 or 553 just yet and have a substantial ball head with friction and panorama function you could drop the spindle into the slot and rotate the collar of the scope by 90°. Ball heads used this way make quite good 2-way heads.
The only real reservation is that the centre of gravity is displaced from the centre column and there is a greater risk of the scope and tripod getting knocked over.

John