Gitzo "birdwatching" heads : a good choice or not ? (1 Viewer)

Hello !

I'm looking for a tripod and a head : I'll use them with a Swarovski ATX 92, for birding, and later for digiscoping.

I like especially the single control for vertical and horizontal lock
I was convinced by the Gitzo "birdwatching" heads, but since I read some threads I have "questionings" :
Some heads gitzo have problem in vertical movements after a few years, and I read that they have been discontinued ... ??

Can you confirm that these heads are the only which has the single control for vertical and horizontal lock ?
Are problems in vertical movements frequent ? is there a weakness in this sense

Could the GITZO GHF2W be another solution, a good compromise ?
the hand can controle the vertical and horizontal lock without mooving

about the tripod : I'm looking for a good one, stable, and that I can block and unblock quicly. I think about the MANFROTTO MT055CXPRO3
Is it a good choice ?

Thanx

the choice is made (or done ?) : GITZO GHF2W + MANFROTTO MT055CXPRO3
I'll write here what do I think of it

It's done, I receive the pieces.
They replace material that I have for at least 20 years.
Now it is very comfortable, the head is really soft, the tripod opens "finally" easily and quickly, and it's only happiness.
It's gone for a while....

When you twist the handle, does it lock the scope into a position?

No, it's not like your Velbon. There is a large circular knob / wheel that locks the whole thing in place. The handle just stays in situ.

P

Claude_ said:

the choice is made (or done ?) : GITZO GHF2W + MANFROTTO MT055CXPRO3
I'll write here what do I think of it

Click to expand...

Hi,
good choice IMHO: I recently shifted from a Gitzo GH1720QR to the newer GHF2W with a satisfactory improvement in my gear and use https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=374205

Apologies for what is probably a dumb question, but what are the key differences between the GHF2W and the GH1720QR? On paper, the GH1720QR seems better to me (has a set screw, is a touch lighter). Thanks.

HeadWest said:

Apologies for what is probably a dumb question, but what are the key differences between the GHF2W and the GH1720QR? On paper, the GH1720QR seems better to me (has a set screw, is a touch lighter). Thanks.

Click to expand...

Hello
at the link I quote in the post #6 you can find an extensive discussion about that topic. In my experience (having both heads) the newer GHF2W lacks the (unpleasant) tendency to lean backwards and forwards when fully unlocked. I have much felt this shortcoming because I have been using large binoculars with the GH1720QR which otherwise is certainly lighter.