Tripod/tripod head for Swarovski scope (1 Viewer)

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Craig Thayer

Well-known member

• Jan 20, 2020

• #1

I am in the market for a new tripod/tripod head for my Swarovski STS 80 mm HD spotting scope.

I am overwhelmed by the possible choices but would prefer carbon fiber with pan/tilt head. Swarovski has new tripod/head combo which is appealing but I certainly would consider other options. Price is not important (I am willing to pay premium price for high quality)

I do not want a made in China product .

 

forent

Well-known member

• Jan 20, 2020

• #2

There are a lot of choices for sturdy legs (they *must* be sturdy - an equivalent to a series 2 Gitzo is at least IMHO the absolute minimum; the stronger the better), but for the head here is my recommendation:
https://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=3824774&postcount=7

 

KeriBirder

I love Snowy Owls!

• Jan 20, 2020

• #3

Craig Thayer said:

I am in the market for a new tripod/tripod head for my Swarovski STS 80 mm HD spotting scope.

I am overwhelmed by the possible choices but would prefer carbon fiber with pan/tilt head. Swarovski has new tripod/head combo which is appealing but I certainly would consider other options. Price is not important (I am willing to pay premium price for high quality)

I do not want a made in China product .

Click to expand...

Hi Craig... looks like we’re going through the same thing right now. I’m getting ready to get a Zeiss Harpia 95, and am facing similar dilemmas with regard to the tripod... currently thinking a Gitzo Mountaineer 3542 3 Series, or possibly the Swarovski PCT tripod combo...

 

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Craig Thayer

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2020

• #4

I ordered a Gitzo Mountaineer tripod but did not like the twist locks so now I am searching for a flip lock tripod(legs only). Suggestions are welcome

BTW the Gitzo also had a manufacturing defect. The finish on the carbon fiber legs was missing from all three legs as well as the center column

 

Alexis Powell

Natural history enthusiast

• Mar 11, 2020

• #5

Craig Thayer said:

...BTW the Gitzo also had a manufacturing defect. The finish on the carbon fiber legs was missing from all three legs as well as the center column

Click to expand...

Describe the defect. I suspect you are simply unfamiliar with the normal finish. Today's carbon fiber in the best tripods (e.g. from Gitzo, RRS) often appears more like bare fiber than did the highly resin-coated carbon fiber of the past or in other products.

--AP

 

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Craig Thayer

Well-known member

• Mar 12, 2020

• #6

Picture of apparent defect (present on all legs and center column)

 

Attachments

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  GitzoRetrun1.jpg

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Alexis Powell

Natural history enthusiast

• Mar 12, 2020

• #7

Appears normal to me.

--AP

 

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Craig Thayer

Well-known member

• Mar 12, 2020

• #8

I only showed small portion of one leg. All legs and center column had uneven color distribution but maybe that is normal . My old carbon fiber tripod did not have that "issue" so I assumed it was a defect.

 

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Alvin01

Registered User

Supporter

• Mar 14, 2020

• #9

"Price is not important (I am willing to pay premium price for high quality)"
Really Right Stuff (RRS) makes some fine carbon fiber tripods
Have two of them and am really pleased with them