confused about tripod head types for birding scope (1 Viewer)

[Elkhornsun]

The confusion is from having many types for use by photographers and their needs are more extensive than for someone with a scope. Fluid dampening helps when shooting video with a camera but is of little use with a spotting scope.

A tilting head that allows for panning or horizontal movement is all that is needed. For non video uses the panning does not need to be smooth but only allow for moving the scope horizontally with the tripod stationary.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=tilt%20head&filters=fct_category%3Atripod_heads_140

I like to use heads that clamp onto a Arca-Swiss rail and buy a cheap 3 inch long rail and mount it to the bottom of the scope. This makes is fast to mount the scope on the tripod and to remove it quickly later.

 

[Ignatius]

From personal experience I recommend the Gitzo GHF2W, which I am sure is available down under. Alternatively one of several Berlebach 2-way models, such as the 510, 520/130 or the 553.

 

[kylie-bird]

Thanks!!! Got it sorted

 

[Peregrine Took]

Thanks!!! Got it sorted

What did you go for?

 

[Jonathan G]

Im one of these —- the sirui VA-5 would be my choice since it appears less bulky than the Manfreddo 500’s —— do not buy the ‘ i footage k5 ‘ which i currently use , its a spring loaded fluid head thats doesnt have very good construction and absolutly no customer support . ……. Hermann - that was discussed in a different thread . We would all love to start with an alpha including me .

I found the VA-5 was not stable enough for my Vortex Razor HD 65mm scope . I went with a Gitzo 2 way fluid head (GF2W) and it performed noticeably better: more stable, easier to control. It doesn't fully lock, which can be annoying, but I leave it loose for carrying on my shoulder and haven't had any problem. The balancing spring function is nice, especially if you digiscope. I've not had a problem with it holding position with the digiscope in place. It is also light enough (for me) to travel with. The one aspect that does cause me issues is very fine movements, such as panning to keep a bird drifting on the water centered - it has enough resistance that when it does move, it jerks, so I find myself lightly tapping the pan rod instead of trying to gently reposition it. I've since switched to a Wimberly WH-200 for local birding, and it has been absolutely fantastic at pan, tilt, and rapid centering of birds. Highly recommend if you are willing to take the weight.

 

[4John]

Jonathan,

Every fluid head I have ever used, including the two I own, can be fully locked. I was therefore surprised to read that your Gitzo head can't. I therefore checked the Gitzo site and the page for the GHF2W says it has an independent pan lock and an independent tilt lock :

Gitzo 2 Way Fluid Head and then click on the technical Specifications Full Summary Button. Am I missing something ?

I am also surprised that "it has enough resistance that when it does move, it jerks, so I find myself lightly tapping the pan rod instead of trying to gently reposition it." Every fluid head head I have used has friction/damping that can be adjusted to be anywhere from zero to full lock. Is there something wrong with your Gitzo head ? If this was a cheap chinese head it might be excusable but not for a head that retails in the UK for c. £270 !

 

[Peregrine Took]

I had a GHF2W and had no problem with it fully locking.
.

 

[tx2ad]

I like my Slik SVH-520 for $99

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1764594-REG/slik_618_001_svh_520_oil_fluid_video.html

Made in Thailand, weighs 500 grams, has excellent fluidity and great tilt control - stays where you point it.
Panning is maybe a little slower than some might like/prefer.

Got the new shorter handle. Can put the handle in-line with the tripod for storage and it doesn't add much.

I've also looked at the 3 Legged Thing Airhed Trinity. It seems nice - but it doesn't have counterbalance like the Slik.
Though - if you set the tension, you get much the same effect. Its about the same price, but weighs under 300 grams and is smaller overall.

 

[paddyluke]

I found the VA-5 was not stable enough for my Vortex Razor HD 65mm scope . I went with a Gitzo 2 way fluid head (GF2W) and it performed noticeably better: more stable, easier to control. It doesn't fully lock, which can be annoying, but I leave it loose for carrying on my shoulder and haven't had any problem. The balancing spring function is nice, especially if you digiscope. I've not had a problem with it holding position with the digiscope in place. It is also light enough (for me) to travel with. The one aspect that does cause me issues is very fine movements, such as panning to keep a bird drifting on the water centered - it has enough resistance that when it does move, it jerks, so I find myself lightly tapping the pan rod instead of trying to gently reposition it. I've since switched to a Wimberly WH-200 for local birding, and it has been absolutely fantastic at pan, tilt, and rapid centering of birds. Highly recommend if you are willing to take the weight.

in what way was it unstable???

 

[Montereyman]

Fluid heads are meant for video use where smooth movement is important. For a spotting scope a standard tilt head is all the is needed.

I like to go to BH Photo Video and search on tripod heads and use their filters for load capacity and price to get a subset and then to see the customers reviews.

 

[tx2ad]

Fluid heads are meant for video use where smooth movement is important. For a spotting scope a standard tilt head is all the is needed.

I like to go to BH Photo Video and search on tripod heads and use their filters for load capacity and price to get a subset and then to see the customers reviews.

But fluid heads (often) have counter balance whereas I am unaware of tilt heads with this feature.
So comparing the two heads I like the most: slik svh-520 vs 3lt trinity - with zero tension on the slik - your scope will never crash into your tripod or the ground; with the trinity, if you go to no tension and you let go the scope - it will succumb to gravity very quickly and that may not be a good experience. There are benefits to fluid and counterbalance having nothing to do with shooting video.

I also like my slik sgh-300 gimbal head. But its larger and heavier. So not as compact when traveling. It is just about the lighest gimbal around at just over 800 grams. The optic is easily balanced and there is no chance of gravity winning. But I think it works better in the yard or near the vehicle than it does being carried a long ways.