Ardea CF+500AH vs Benro TMA27C+S4 Pro (1 Viewer)

[Adalberti]

Hello all,

So after some time thinking about investing in a good scope I finally came to a decision and chose the Swaro ATS 80 HD. But now, it comes the second part, to choose a proper tripod-head combo for it.

After some fun search I narrowed it down to two options, so now I'm torn between these combos:

a) Kite Ardea CF + Manfrotto MVH500AH (440€)
b) Benro Mach3 TMA27C + S4 Pro ( 390€)

Also, I considered but finally discarded the Benro Wild Kit TWD28CL+BWH4 (300€).

Your advice is very welcome. Hopefully you can give me the latest push to complete the purchase.

Thank you in advance.

 

[KaterinBortle9]

This BF thread may be of interest: Gitzo-gt2545t-or-gt4553s-with-95-mm-scope-travel-tripod

I have the GT2545T tripod for my heavy 60mm nikon scope and I also recommend it because it is really surprisingly stable at~1.3kg. Comparing with my Sirui CF tripod, its a no contest in terms of stability.

 

[Adalberti]

Thank you for your feedback Katerin, but I'm afraid a Gitzo is out of my reach due to price.

I'm also thinking about a Benro Mach 3 TMA37C with the MVH500AH head.

 

[KaterinBortle9]

Adalberti, I bought mine used ~US$500 as it was in mint condition, a difficult purchase but made me regret not buying it in the first place. I did take my scope down to the local camera shop to test out their tall travel tripods since I tend to use my scope looking up into trees. The tallest available was the Fotopro Sherpa Max kit (~US$300-400) and it was a huge disappointment in terms of stability. Not worth the $$ IMO. Only the GT2545T impressed me despite being not tall enough for my liking. Stability is its selling point. Do note that it lacks a hook at the bottom of center column and no tightening screws for the head. Similar to your situation, the ~US630 price was deemed out of reach. Went home moody that day.

I have no experience with the Benro Mach 3 TMA37C ~US$385 but 1.9kg is heavy if you intend to use it as a travel tripod and I have doubts regarding its stability and build quality. Since its ~$630 vs $385, it actually is a no brainer (a very stable tripod vs a MIC knockoff tripod advertising to be stable like the former). If possible, test them all out at local camera shops while keeping a lookout for a used gitzo tripod. The ATS 80 HD is a very good scope and deserves a good mount to bring out all its positive qualities. I learnt the "buy once cry once" lesson the hard way.