Well, since I said I would, I took my scope out, focused it across our shallow valley, jacked it up to 60x, and hit the tripod with a hammer... Okay, a rubber mallet before anyone gets apoplectic
It damps, well, instantly. I couldn't get the "1" out, let alone "Mississippi". Now mind you, if I press my glasses against the eyepiece, it can wobble a bit.
I have to reiterate what others have said. Six seconds of "ringing" just isn't right. It would be very detrimental to any photographic use. You might want to have a friend take a look at the set up and see if anything is amiss.
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And while I was out, some neighbors talked to me and mentioned Mt. Auburn Cemetery is now closed to the public!-(
Be sure to check the details of the QC plate used.
Video generally uses a bigger 50 mm across the base plate, while the Arca style plate mostly used for scopes is about 38 mm.
I wound up with a kluge mounting one plate on the other to get things to fit.
Hi,
since it's a Manfrotto Head, it's going to have a Manfrotto plate - they don't use Arca and I don't think the Diascope has an Arca compatible integrated foot, or does it?
But I would rather get this version of the 502 - you don't need the half ball...
https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/502-fluid-video-head-with-flat-base-mvh502ah/
If you have to get the half ball attachment it can be removed by loosening some grub screws... see image 2B...
https://cdn.vitecimagingsolutions.c...25.1008029264.1585926288-937410677.1585926288
As for Sachtler Tripods - you got to be lucky to find a used one which is kinda affordable... like this one... that's what you need the half-ball for...
https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s...0kg-tragkraft-75mm-schale/1359364827-175-2417
Joachim
Well, I want to say thanks to you three, Ian, and all of the others that had input here. Thanks to the OP too. I piggy-backed, and appreciate the opportunity.
I purchased the Birder tripod, but after talking to the Audubon shop owner, and thinking about it, I bought the whole kit that they offered.
The tripod is, ESPECIALLY for the money, very nice. Simple construction, and oversized tubes for the legs and center post, seem to give it great stability. The twist-locks are very nice. Two-section legs are, again, a nice operation in simplicity. Overall, I think the tripod is a great deal. (my experience with a variety is pretty limited, though)
I wish I would have purchased ONLY the tripod. Not that the head is not decent, but I THINK it is the weak point. While the kit/combo is a HUGE improvement over my previous set, I still experience surprising effects from a breeze. There really is no comparison between the Birder kit, and my old stuff, but I do not think I would have the wind effects with a bit more robust head.
PFB, did you say that you have the Birder head too, or did you buy a different head?
There is vibration when I adjust focus, etc, but the damping is virtually 1 second or so. HUGE improvement, and much more enjoyable. But, any noticeable (feel it on your face) breeze will cause a perceptible wobble. I noticed this when I was trying to video record a momma Great Horned Owl feeding her fledgling baby. They were around 75 yards away, but I had a clear shot, and good light. The gentle breeze, and my simple one-finger adjustment of the focuser ruined the whole recording because of the movement. Granted, the focusing vibration dampens as soon as I remove my finger, but I still think a better head would reduce or eliminate that kind of movement, wouldn't it?
I understand that a stiff wind at 15 mph + would possibly slightly affect most any kit. But, should a gentle breeze? Should a one-finger adjustment cause annoyingly obvious movement during video recording?
I do NOT want to return this kit, but MAYBE would return the head. But, the owner of the store was incredibly helpful, and I personally respect that kind of customer service. I do not want to cause him to suffer any loss because I am too picky. I could continue using this kit for years, because it actually is a great deal for the money. It just is not quite what I personally intended.
So, am I expecting too much, or does it sound like I could/should spend a bit more on a more robust head?
Thanks!