Tripod & head for NL Pure 8x32 Binos (1 Viewer)

[AllanG]

I’m considering to purchase a tripod & head for my NL Pure 8x32 binos, which would be used purely for viewing shipping and birds from my apartment, which overlooks a busy navigation channel.

As I won’t be carrying the tripod, I’m not too concerned about weight, however, as would be positioned inside, I would prefer one that is well built, and that could pass off as a nice piece of furniture, so a wood one would be my preference, over aluminium or carbon.

Looking at options, I’ve found the following two Berlebach Report tripods which, even though expensive, look very good:

Tripod Report 823/J (Anniversary 120 years version)
Tripod Report 122

Regarding a suitable head, I also like the Berlebach 2-way tilt head model 510 and the 2-way head model 553.

As don't have experience of tripods and heads, I’d appreciate advice, comments, suggestions from experienced users.

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers, Allan

​

 

[Ignatius]

You might find the answer here

 

[AllanG]

Haha….yeah, also I posted my thread in the Tripods/Heads section….just to be sure I covered all bases! 🤣

 

[4 The Birds1]

re the tripod
1 you need to make sure the height of the tripod is sufficient for your intended use
2 The anniversary edition is a matter of taste, and you are paying a premium for the golden ironware. If you think you ever might want to use it outdoors, I would advise against this model...
3 you can order Berlebach tripods in a variety of colours

re the head:
the 510 is sufficiently strong for use with a small binocular.
the 553s main advantage is that it has a spring which will stop it from flopping forward or back when you let go of the handle. This will stop your scope or bins from being damaged from hitting against the tripod

edit:
you will find plenty of information about Berlebach tripods and heads if you do a search in the subforum Tripods and Heads

 

[Scott98]

I just bought something for the same purpose and went with a Manfrotto 028B tripod and Manfrotto 128 head. I didn't know Berlebach made pan heads, that looks really nice. I'm sure their stuff is nicer than Manfrotto. I was able to pick up a used open-box 128 head for under $100.

I also have a wonderful Report 212 tripod for astronomy. It doesn't have an elevating central column so not so good for daytime birding. I would go with the Berlebach setup, the wood is much better than the flimsy metal of photo tripods. I also leave the 212 on display in my living room. I've already got the 212 plus a larger Berlebach so I went with the budget option for this terrestrial bino rig.

If you did want to get the Manfrotto 028 instead, you can get the same great deal I did - this is totally legit and the tripod I received was brand new:

NEW - Manfrotto 028B Camera Tripod 3-Section TRIMAN CAMERA TRPD BLK W/O HD | eBay

All our inventory is in Israel. we can work things out!

www.ebay.com

 

[AllanG]

Many thanks 4 The Birds1 & Scott98 for your comments/advice 👍

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

I’m considering to purchase a tripod & head for my NL Pure 8x32 binos, which would be used purely for viewing shipping and birds from my apartment, which overlooks a busy navigation channel.

As I won’t be carrying the tripod, I’m not too concerned about weight, however, as would be positioned inside, I would prefer one that is well built, and that could pass off as a nice piece of furniture, so a wood one would be my preference, over aluminium or carbon.

Looking at options, I’ve found the following two Berlebach Report tripods which, even though expensive, look very good:

Tripod Report 823/J (Anniversary 120 years version)
Tripod Report 122

Regarding a suitable head, I also like the Berlebach 2-way tilt head model 510 and the 2-way head model 553.

As don't have experience of tripods and heads, I’d appreciate advice, comments, suggestions from experienced users.

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers, Allan

​

I don't have experience with those Berlebach, but I would get the same setup too for inside the house 🤤

 

[Scott98]

Also FWIW I find I am liking the wooden Berlebach tripod adapter too. I have multiple pairs of binoculars, it's easy to switch out different pairs with the rubber strap. I'd rather do that than install a metal tripod adapter on every binocular I have, I like to carry them around too and don't want the extra weight.

 

[pm42]

Also FWIW I find I am liking the wooden Berlebach tripod adapter too. I have multiple pairs of binoculars, it's easy to switch out different pairs with the rubber strap. I'd rather do that than install a metal tripod adapter on every binocular I have, I like to carry them around too and don't want the extra weight.

I went this way first. And found it inconvenient: the wooden Berlebach tripod adapter is big, fixing with the strap is not really fast, managing the IPD is a pain...
I tried other solutions too but settled on the Swaro TAs-SLC adapter for my NL Pure and Zeiss SFL.
For the NL Pure, I used this: https://store.epicoutdoors.com/products/nl-pure-stud and it means almost no extra weight.

Of course nowadays, there is the TAs-Tripod Adapter for NL Pure too.

 

[P a z]

I use 8x42 NL Pures with a Berlebach 553 head with a 150 coupling mod and it is great. Very well built, smooth in action, and easy to lock in position when you want. I use an Arca Swiss plate with a little length to it so I can slide the bins slightly forward on the mount so they are naturally balanced and there is no need for altitude axis tension, which means it is effortless to move.

 

[Scott98]

I went this way first. And found it inconvenient: the wooden Berlebach tripod adapter is big, fixing with the strap is not really fast, managing the IPD is a pain...
I tried other solutions too but settled on the Swaro TAs-SLC adapter for my NL Pure and Zeiss SFL.
For the NL Pure, I used this: https://store.epicoutdoors.com/products/nl-pure-stud and it means almost no extra weight.

Of course nowadays, there is the TAs-Tripod Adapter for NL Pure too.

The strap doesn't pop right on & off, but it's not too bad. It would be cool if they replaced it with a faster clasp. I haven't had the IPD move on me, but maybe it will with more use