Swarovski AT80HD and Balance Rail Help please (1 Viewer)

[Baron Birder]

I am using the grey Swarovski AT80HD with a Manfrotto head 128RC.

I attach the scope to the head using the Swarovski balance rail as this gives me the option to change the balance point when digiscoping.

However the scope frequently becomes loose and begins to move horizontally. I have tightened the screw on the Balance rail but often to no avail. I suspect the problem is the the scope foot is smooth metal as is the surface of the Balance rail thus making a good grip very difficult?

Has anyone else experienced this and if so any suggestion as to remedy would be very much appreciated:t:

Cheers

 

[Malcolm Stewart]

I don't know either of the items you've listed, but when I've had problems like this, I've often started by cutting a disc of thick card and tried sandwiching this between head and lens/camera etc. If that's successful I may try a piece of Pirelli webbing as likely to last longer. Thin cork sheet, cycle inner tube may also be suitable.

 

[oncebittern]

Manfrotto Universal Anti Twist Spotting Scope Plate 200USS

Would certainly work OK with the head, but I'm not sure if the plate would still be usable with it.

 

[blubird]

We all have had this problem, so you have lots of company! I had good luck with the Manfrotto 200USS Anti-twist plate, but it is a bit pricey. Don't know if this will work with the Swaro Balance Rail.
I still use the old gray Swarovski, but have upgraded my tripod head to the Manfrotto 501, which is a very stable platform for digi-scoping and can even be used for flight shots. The 501 uses a sliding plate, and there is an optional long plate that serves as a balance rail. But the best part is that you can mount the scope to the long plate using both the 3/8" and 1/4" tripod thread screws, as the scope foot has openings for both. Having 2 screws holding the foot of the scope is a very effective anti-twist strategy. My scope hasn't become loose on the plate now for 6 months! Unfortunately, few tripod heads utilize a long sliding plate.
Cheers, Len

 

[Baron Birder]

We all have had this problem, so you have lots of company! I had good luck with the Manfrotto 200USS Anti-twist plate, but it is a bit pricey. Don't know if this will work with the Swaro Balance Rail.
I still use the old gray Swarovski, but have upgraded my tripod head to the Manfrotto 501, which is a very stable platform for digi-scoping and can even be used for flight shots. The 501 uses a sliding plate, and there is an optional long plate that serves as a balance rail. But the best part is that you can mount the scope to the long plate using both the 3/8" and 1/4" tripod thread screws, as the scope foot has openings for both. Having 2 screws holding the foot of the scope is a very effective anti-twist strategy. My scope hasn't become loose on the plate now for 6 months! Unfortunately, few tripod heads utilize a long sliding plate.
Cheers, Len

Thanks

What about the 700hdv instead of the 501 which looks v heavy?