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Message: <blockquote data-quote="4John" data-source="post: 1327337" data-attributes="member: 46277">1 I'm with Hermann - different situations require different set-ups. Try both - they both have advantages and disadvantages. With a very light scope I think it's good to maximise the weight saving and go with a very light tripod. I have an aluminium 1kg Slik Sprint Pro with a 3-way head :<a href="http://www.sliktripod.co.uk/pages/sprintpro3way.html" target="_blank">http://www.sliktripod.co.uk/pages/sprintpro3way.html</a>That's pretty much as light as they get. I am 6 foot and have a straight scope, and whilst the column is on the limit it's rigid enough most of the time. If you are shorter, and/or you use an angles scope it will be more than adequate. There is also an aluminium Velbon Ultra Max i L at 1kg, but it has twist locks on the legs which I detest - but again that is personal preference.If you can find a lighter carbon fibre leg and head combination I'd be interested to hear about it. Carbon fibre may however improve the rigidity.You don't have to put a monopod down before you use your binoculars. Rest the lower end on the ground, and rest the top against your shoulder and curve one arm around the top of the monopod and onto your binoculars. I do it regularly in the field with a tripod when I don't have time to open the tripod legs and put it down. 2 It's personal preference. I prefer a straight scope. As you already have an angled scope I guess your preference is for an angled scope. However, a straight ED50 might be easier to use with a monopod or a shoulder pod than an angled scope.3 I tried both and preferred the zoom because it has a noticeably wider FOV at x13 than the X27, which is better for scanning/picking up on birds. I also found there was not quite enough eye relief with the X27 - the cup could do with coming out a bit more - but that's my eyes, not yours ! There are many that prefer the fixed x27. Try both if you can. If you can't get to a shop or a field day other birders are nearly always happy to let you have a look through theirs.Mark</blockquote>

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