Well, some months after my first post, and once I've tried both models in the field extensively I think it's about time I follow up on this thread. As a bonus track, in order to make things more interesting, I've also included a very popular head, the Manfrotto RC128 as a guest.
Here's a line-up of the contenders.
Please bear in mind that this short comparison will be made with the aim of complementing my current scope, a Swarovski ATS HD 65, so size and weight will be important considerations.
As a recap, these are the weights:
MVH500AH: 985 g
RC128: 770 g (730 g without plate)
VA-5: 524 g
The RC128 (and this is probably its biggest selling point for my scope) takes the base of the ATS without the need of a plate, which not only saves weight, but also makes for less fuss and probably increases rigidity. This is the tallest head, and feels pretty bulky. I think (I might be mistaken) this is the oldest design, it's pretty basic compared to the other two, since both the VA-5 and the MVH500AH have a pre-set spring-loaded counterbalance which makes operation much easier. Besides, the 128RC is the only one of the 3 that doesn't allow any longitudinal adjustment, since the plate is fixed and does not slide, so it's limited in this area compared to the other two (even the tiny VA-5 allows for some adjustment, you can slide the plate forwards which makes a back-heavy scope like the ATS be more balanced). Not only that, but the plate itself is fixed, while both the plates of the VA-5 and MVH500AH allow for some adjustment, which helps balancing the scope and eventually help in the field). With the 128RC you have to take extra care when operating the two dials (pan and tilt) because you don't have the extra support of the counterbalance. To make things worse, the controls feel dated in comparison to the other two, not as fine to operate and also can move the scope more when tightening them if you want to secure a position. As a personal note, for the compact ATS HD 65 the handle of the RC 128 felt completely out of proportion. Here's a comparison.
As for the movements, the RC128 also seemed the less refined, it did not glide effortlessly.
The controls are not only quite simple, but in particular the one controlling the panning is located in a hard to reach place, especially if you are operating a scope at the same time, really poor ergonomics, IMHO.
All in all, I must say I was quite disappointed by the RC128. It's probably the most popular head I've seen on the field, and this can only speak of its ruggedness and quality, but compared to the other two left me really very cold. Its only advantage was the fact of being able to use it without the plate, but that was outweighed by far by its flaws.
Manfrotto MHV500AH
Although a hair shorter than the RC128, see pic, this is some serious piece of equipment. It's wide, long and has some heft to it.
The tilt works beautifully, and being spring-loaded it's just a breeze to point the scope wherever you aim. You simply move the (very long and thick) handle and it glides softly until it reaches the desired position and stays there. Really impressive. The fact that the plate is so long and can be moved forward-backwards gives you the best possible balance of the scope, be it front or back heavy. Panning was not its forte, at least in my unit. It was good, but not exceptional like the tilt movement.
Controls are really good, and can be operated with an amazing degree of precision to the point that you can adjust it with minute amounts of force so it offers more or less resistance, you can achieve really subtle levels of drag.
However, for my intended purpose I find it's simply overkill, and could be better suited for a really large and heavy scope in the 85/95 mm class. For me, it's just too large and terribly heavy. I guess if you buy a 65 mm scope is because weight and size are deciding factors, and what's the point of getting a lighter scope if your head is very heavy? Size is also a quite important issue here: compared to the VA-5 this is humongous! Have a look at the first pictures in this post, comparing it to the VA-5, or simply today's pictures as well. Before having it in my hands, I just couldn't image how large it is. I hope my pictures can help someone in the same position I was.
So, in my case, for my needs and after trying them all, the clear winner is the VA-5. It's also spring-loaded, although not as powerfully as the MVH500AH, and tilting is also fluid and effortless, really impressive for its size and weight. Again, panning is not as good as tilting, and I'd say it's worse than the MVH, but the controls are easy to reach an operate in a simple and effective way. The plate is arca-compatible and, while not as long as the one on the MVH, allows for some forwards/backwards sliding, and the plate itself can also be moved some mm within the head, this really helps finding the right balance point. Only one minor flaw (I remember reading about it here on BF). If you leave the panning control handle unlocked, sometimes when you point upwards (like when watching stars or maybe a bird high on the top of a tree), there is a point where the handle is on the way of the moving part of the head and it can be a little issue: you have to undo your movement and place the handle in a correct position that enables tilting towards the zenith. However, all-in-all, the VA-5 feels really well balanced, the handle just fits a 65 mm scope better IMHO and its size and weight are just a perfect match for the ATS HD 65. Although smaller than the MVH500AH, the Sirui VA-5 oozes quality, and while operating it you get a very satisfying feeling of reassurance, like a well built tool. As a side note, I've been lucky enough to enjoy Sirui customer service: I dropped my tripod and it landed on the head, a small piece got broken but Sirui sent me a replacement completely free of charge without receipt or proof of purchase of any kind. I wrote about it
here.
I hope this was of interest and can help others (BTW, both my RC128 and MVH500AH are for sale at very friendly prices
)
