What tripod for Opticron MM4 60 Travelscope (1 Viewer)

[AdiR]

I use a Benro TMA37c which is a 3 section carbon fibre tripod and that appears very similar to the "Wild"series save that it is black and doesn't come with a head. I am about the same height as the OP. I rarely need the centre column raised.

Good to see multiple recommendations for Benro. What head are you using with it?

 

[Singlereed]

I have the Benro Wild 4 carbon which is a solid platform for the scope. The head is adequate but I have recently upgraded to the Gitzo GHF2W head which cost nearly as much as the tripod. It’s a total revelation - no ‘stiction’ and just so smooth and easy. Given that I don’t need the extra height of the more expensive tripod (the 1 or 3 are not as high) - I can use my scope or camera stood up without using the centre column, I’d say go for the shorter model. The 1 which is aluminium is barely heavier than the carbon one but half the price. I used the MM4 60 angled scope for a while and recently switched to the 77. Incidentally, I tried a lighter tripod from Vanguard and Corey Punks from 3 Legged Thing but both were far too shaky for the scope.

 

[AdiR]

Thanks for your advice everyone. I’ve ordered a Benro Mach3 TMA27A from Wex. I just discovered they have 20% off Benro - ending today - which galvanised my decision making!

 

[dogbreath]

Sorry for the late reply - I have been away from home with no e-mail.

I use a Gitzo G2380 head which I got for a very good price used from Wex. The head is heavy and but for the very good price I probably wouldn't have bought it. But the head is very well made and in excellent condition and works very well. The whole set-up feels very solid and stable.

 

[AdiR]

Sorry for the late reply - I have been away from home with no e-mail.

I use a Gitzo G2380 head which I got for a very good price used from Wex. The head is heavy and but for the very good price I probably wouldn't have bought it. But the head is very well made and in excellent condition and works very well. The whole set-up feels very solid and stable.

No problem, thanks for your reply. I ordered the Benro 27A from Wex, but it‘s special order so won’t get it until next week. I decided to risk the lighter model (compared to the 37 you have), but fingers crossed it’s sturdy enough. I haven’t ordered the head yet, but I‘ve decided on the Sirui. Pleased to hear your happy with your set-up. So many decisions, so many choices!

 

[Sc0tty]

No problem, thanks for your reply. I ordered the Benro 27A from Wex, but it‘s special order so won’t get it until next week. I decided to risk the lighter model (compared to the 37 you have), but fingers crossed it’s sturdy enough. I haven’t ordered the head yet, but I‘ve decided on the Sirui. Pleased to hear your happy with your set-up. So many decisions, so many choices!

I think you made the right choice going for the Benro 27A. I've got the 37C (carbon fibre) for my Kowa 883 and it would be overkill for a 60mm scope.

 

[AdiR]

I think you made the right choice going for the Benro 27A. I've got the 37C (carbon fibre) for my Kowa 883 and it would be overkill for a 60mm scope.

That’s reassuring to hear, thanks for posting.