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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Pileatus" data-source="post: 3585928" data-attributes="member: 9609">Regarding tripods:Even with a small 50mm ED50 I find that a sturdy tripod is quite useful. I tried lighter tripods but the slightest breeze quickly degraded the view. I now use Manfrotto 3021 (or equivalent) and 128 heads for 50mm, 82mm and 88mm scopes. We also hang our day packs on the column adjustment, something that really dampens tremors in a hurry. Calm weather is never a problem but we experience a lot of wind and wind can destroy a scope image if its affects aren't mitigated. A relatively heavy tripod along with a dampener does the job for us.Yes, I tried tripods costing four times my current setup only to find they, too, vibrated in the wind. I don't pack the tripod for miles at a time so the inconveniences of weight and size are not much of an issue. We're going to Nova Scotia in a few weeks and I'll pack two tripods, an ED50 and an 88mm Kowa. Since we have two long-term stays with great ocean views I may also pack a binocular mount (monopod with tripod and bin attachments).Good luck!</blockquote>