Scarletmacawdad
Well-known member
Friends - I have a Manfrotto MVH500AH and 190!Go head / tripod combo in the shopping cart for this new little scope, but would love your thoughts on what has worked and what hasn't - and why.
The MVH500AH is overkill. I'd use the 128RC, the ATS foot fits directly into it. No plate needed.
No experience with 190!Go.
Since the 128RC and the 500AH weight the same, I'd always go for the 500AH with counterbalance and a long plate in order to properly balance your scope. I own both and the 128RC is less stable and less smooth. QUOTE]
I agree. I own both. The 500AH is far superior and if I recall rightly it is s tually a bit lighter weight. About 100g. And way smoother and better balanced.
Since the 128RC and the 500AH weight the same, I'd always go for the 500AH with counterbalance and a long plate in order to properly balance your scope. I own both and the 128RC is less stable and less smooth. QUOTE]
I agree. I own both. The 500AH is far superior and if I recall rightly it is s tually a bit lighter weight. About 100g. And way smoother and better balanced.
Thank you!
Do I need an adapter to use the 500AH? I think the 128RC has a 200PL which fits the foot on the ATS? If I am correct?
The ATS foot should fit directly into the 128RC head WITHOUT the plate.
By far the best design element of the ATS scopes.
Thank you again. What about mating the 500AH to the ATS foot? That requires an adapter right?
Thank you!
Do you have a tripod rec?
Thanks all.
I had the ATS 65 out today mated to a Sirui VA-5 and the vibration dampening was terrible. Ruined the experience. The eye relief on the 25-50 with my glasses was also intolerable.
I'm returning the lens and getting a 30x fixed.
But the head situation is depressing.
I've read attaching an ATS 65 to an 128RC - while eliminating the plate - is back heavy and requires one to crank down the altitude clamp.
Any further thoughts? Does the Swaro compact head solve this back heavy issue?
I'm using the Sirui VA5 with an ATS65, and it is the best of the lightweight heads i've used. The tripod is a Benro carbon fibre with three-part legs. Not sure of the model, but think it might have been superseded, as i bought it in a clearance.
For me, the whole advantage of the ATS65 is in the weight, providing a highly mobile and easy-to-travel-with setup (I have an altogether heavier rig for when it is necessary). Of course, if it is your only rig, you may prefer to go heavier than i have to cover all the eventualities. The 500 or the 128 heads would seem a little excessive for me.
I just got a Sirui VA-5, and my scope (Televid 65) is coming on Monday. I have yet to field test this setup with a 1541 Gitzo that I already own. I'm beginning to suspect that anything other than no breeze might be a problem, but we'll see.
Bill, I wonder if you could finally test your tripod setup with the 65 Televid.
I'm also interested in the subject tripod/head for smallish scopes. One of the biggest assets of the ATS 65 (or many other 60-65 for that matter) is its size and weight, so it seems logical to look for a combination of tripod and head that can take advantage of those characteristics (and make the ATS virtues "shine" on treks and walks).
At the moment I have an Opticron MM3ED-60 which is a little short of 1 kg, depending on the eyepiece. I'm using a Vanguard VEO 235 AP, with a Velbon head (a very light one, I can't remember the model), but I'm looking to upgrade to an ATS-65. However, if I need to "beef up" the tripod/head setup, then my question would be why not go for the ATS-80, which is reasonably light for a 80 mm scope.
Bill, thank you ever so much for the detailed review. So much appreciated, really!
When I first got the MM3ED-60 my main concern was weight and size. As it is, my scope-head-tripod combo is a around 2,5 kg/5,5 pounds, which I consider a pleasure to carry, so to speak.
I use a 32x eyepiece 99 % of the time. I think delivers a great (value) performance: size, weight, image quality and price. However, I find myself wanting for a bit more reach (well, who doesn't), and hence my idea to get something larger, and I really like the "package" the ATS HD offer, but I'm hesitating whether to go for the 65 or the 80. I don't think there is a lot in the scope itself (the 80 is surprisingly small for what it is), but I'm concerned about the tripod being the biggest factor in terms of weight (obviously, you don't want to haul around a 80x just not to be able to use it at 45-50 because of the shakes of a poor tripod).
I think for the 65 I can get something like the Mountaneer (1,15 kg/2,5 lb + head), but for the ATS 80 I think I'll need something way stiffer (and heavier) than that. So the search continues.
Thanks again for your lovely comments, do keep them coming!