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ATX 95 Tripod and Head (1 Viewer)

Mhmpthompson

New member
I recently purchased a ATX 95 and I'm looking for recommendations on a tripod and head that suits this scope. I'm trying to keep costs as low as practical. I have read previous threads and it seems like a head that keeps coming up is the Manfrotto MVH500AH. I'm leaning that direction but would like to hear any comments/recommendations you might have. I'm at a loss for tripods and not sure where to start, my only requirement (I think) is for it to collapse small enough to fit in a large suitcase. Any recommendations or advice will be very appreciated.
Also - if I do go with the MVH500AH are there any adapters/plates/etc. required to mount it to the scope?

Thanks for your help,
Matt
 
This fluid head comes with a quick release sliding rail that has a screw which attaches to your scope " foot", this system should allow you to get the best overall balance to your set up. Regarding the tripod legs, you shouldn't skimp on these. You can choose from again,Manfrotto, aluminium legs or a carbon fibre unit - the height of these legs depends on how tall you are, allowing for an angled scope. There are also some pricier tripod systems from Gitzo. But there are many, many brands out there so it can be a minefield. Regrettably, I personally would avoid the Swarovski fluid head. A four section tripod will fold down much smaller, whilst three sections are a bit sturdier, particularly for seawatching. Most importantly try to get to a specialist independent optics store to try these out and take your time......its also a personal preference. Perhaps someone over the pond can recommend an outlet.
I know you mentioned you're on a limited budget but your combined scope package and enjoyment will only be as good as the weakest component .......you have an alpha telescope, a good choice for a fluid head so go for a good set of tripod legs. You may even negotiate a good deal on the two!
Good luck.
 
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I use a Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber tripod and a Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W head. Works very well for me. I had used a Manfrotto 128RC head but the MHXPRO was a half pound lighter. That weight counts with the large 95. I love it. It is really great in the winter looking at the ocean and across the marshes. i believe you will love it.
 
Manfrotto has a great small tripod with a fluid head. The Befree series, MVKBFRT-Live
It folds down to 15.7", only weighs 3.6lbs with the fluid head. The head offers fluid movement that is aided by separate pan and tilt locking knobs for precise control over your composition. Included with it is a pan bar and a sliding quick release plate, both of which are removable to help enhance its portability.

This is normally $239.99, as a forum member we can do this for $219.99. We are a sponsoring vendor on Bird Forum. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call me at 516-217-1000

Thanks

Joel
Camera Land
 
Joel,
Is it sturdy enough though for the scope mentioned? With optics and accessories I still advocate that one should try out an item, if possible, before purchase.
 
Thank you John, that's exactly what I was trying to put across in my reply to the OP. I'm sure Joel's suggested package would suit a smaller compact travel scope or camera.
 
Renowned bird photographer Art Morris switched from Gitzo to Induro quite awhile ago. I have the Induro CLT103 and like it alot for a 60mm Opticron, but don't think I'd use it for the beast that is the ATX95.
 
Actually one of the product development folks I know at a major optics company always says that while its true you need a tripod sturdy enough to carry a big scope, the tripod you need for a 65mm scope needs to be really heavy to ensure steadiness because the scope is so much lighter.

Lee
 
Lots of dollars on the scope and pennies on the tripod is a false economy in both the short and long run!

Whilst my scope cost me little (I was lucky!) it sits on top of a 4 series Gitzo so that I can make the most of it, + I already had Gitzo's for my photography. I wouldn't necessarily recommend Gitzo as you live in the US and you don't seem to get good deals on Gitzo's over there. However, if you are patient an older model should come along that would do the job nicely. Keep an eye out for a used Gitzo GT3530LS. So long as you are not too tall then this would be a great choice as it will support anything (including you) yet is very rigid and nice and light.

The Induro/Benro tripods are well worth a look but go for a 3 or 4 series and, preferably, one without a center column. They both make nice tripods but are too expensive for me - you get better deals on them on your side of the pond.
 
I'm using the ATX 95 for more than 6 months now (a great scope) and I'm using the same tripod and head as for my DiaScope 85:

tripod: http://www.flm-gmbh.de/en/products/tripods/serie-30-tripod/cp30-l3s/
two-way-head: https://www.berlebach.de/?bereich=details&id=528&sprache=english

The FLM tripod is comparable to Gitzo-stuff in the quality (Made in Germany) but cheaper.
The head is the best, I can imagine. (To be honest: I use the predecessor 552 since a coupe of years)

If you use a cheap tripod + head, you can use also a cheap scope. But for a high-end scope you should use an adequate fundament.
 
I've seen it advertised that the current ATX scopes have an arca swiss compatible tripod foot?

Has anybody any more information on this, that might open up more tripod head options with less play in the mount?
 
I have the ATX 65 with the new Arca style foot. Unfortunately, Arca-styled dovetails are not really standardized but differ slightly in size: In general, plates from European brands like Arca-Swiss itself, Novoflex, Cullmann and FLM are slimmer than US and Asian plates e.g. from Really Right Stuff, Kirk, Wimberley, Hejnar, Sunwayfoto and the many no-name Chinese suppliers. The Swarovski foot is also on the narrow side and slips through most US/Asian clamps. Solution: Buy an European clamp or glue a thin plate/sheet (metal or sturdy plastic) of the foot's size under the foot. Or use an additional US/Asian quick release plate.
 
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