> That head can't turn the camera sideways, which might be important to you. If
> there's no possibility of using it with a scope then I'll leave it to the
> photographers to advise you which head to get. It might be handy to at least
> have one that uses the same sort of quick release mounting plate though, so
> you can share tripods with other birders if necessary. (That said, I don't
> think I've ever done that.)
The reason good tripods have a quick release plate is so you can take the
camera on and off the tripod quickly - essential in my opinion.
The video head not being able to shoot vertically is a very important point as
Peter mentioned. If you ever intend to use it for other than a scope then i
would suggest a different head for sure.
Cheers
Dave
On 17/09/2011, at 12:59 AM, Peter Shute wrote:
> Is there a chance you'll ever use a scope on it? That might influence the
> type of head it should have, with most people seeming to prefer a video head.
> It ought at least be removable so you can put a different one on later. Not
> sure if cheap tripod heads can come off.
>
> Lots of birders seem to use a Manfrotto 190 or 055 tripod with a 128RC head
> with their scope. There are variations of those tripods, but I think the
> cheapest are just a little over $300 with that head, on the web anyway. The
> main difference between the two is the maximum height, so it depends how tall
> you are. I got the 190 and I have to raise the column for it to be
> comfortable.
>
> Those tripods let you splay the legs out wider if you need more stability,
> which the cheapies probably can't do.
>
> That head can't turn the camera sideways, which might be important to you. If
> there's no possibility of using it with a scope then I'll leave it to the
> photographers to advise you which head to get. It might be handy to at least
> have one that uses the same sort of quick release mounting plate though, so
> you can share tripods with other birders if necessary. (That said, I don't
> think I've ever done that.)
>
> Note that cheaper tripods might come with a mounting plate type that isn't
> replaceable if you lose it or need a spare.
>
> I'd avoid small tripods with legs in four telescopic sections. Three is much
> faster to fold up.
>
> Don't forget to check eBay. There are plenty of used ones out there.
>
> Peter Shute
>
>
> --------------------------
> Sent using BlackBerry
>
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