Tattoo ian
Member
I would like to recommend the Manfrotto (bogen in US) 501 head as one of the best quality tripod heads for birdwatching,digiscoping and videoscoping.I have been using this head for about 1 year in conjuction with my equally wonderful 117 tripod the movement is lovely and smooth and the essential thing about this head for me is being able to change the friction of the head so when i have my camcorder on the end of my scope i can stiffen the tilt so the setup isn't back heavy.The 501 also has a nice large quick release plate with a nice secure safety catch.Having adjusted to accepting wonderful smooth and precise pan and tilt for normal i can't think of myself even looking at anything else (except perhaps the more expensive Gitzo fluide head).The head as far as i know will fit on most Manfrotto tripods and costs £125 cheap at half the price.... .So before you think of buying the latest optical gear take a look at the 501 head for improving your birdwatching experience.By the way just so you know the head weighs 1500 grams and 10.5 cm high,and is available in any colour you like as long as it's black!.