Help with tripod for spotting scope please

canny · #1 (**permalink**) 18-08-2008, 02:38 PM

After visiting the Birdfair this weekend, I think I have finally decided on a Ziess 85 T fl. I preferred the focusing over the Swaro.
I didn't get time to sus out the tripods and on searching Manfretto and the like on the net I am totally non plussed. I am told carbon fibre is best but I don't know which is best for scopes, the descriptions don't say if they are for scope or camera use. Can anyone give me some sound advice. If I am buying a good scope I don't want to spoil the setup with a poor pod. Would be grateful if any one could reccommend one.
Does anyone know if the Zeiss pod is any good?

My other problem is that now Ziess are doing a deal with a free pair of bins worth £300 odd. I don't want any bins,

much rather have a pod.

Goatboy · #2 (**permalink**) 19-08-2008, 07:09 PM

I really don't think you'll go wrong with Manfrotto. They do special 'kits' aimed specifically at birdwatchers, Google 'Manfrotto bird kits' and you'll see what I mean.

I bought a pretty basic Manfrotto pod for my Nikon scope a while ago and the thing seems pretty indestructible. Most of their range come in aluminium or carbon fibre versions (carbon fibre being lighter).

Perry Grin · #3 (**permalink**) 20-08-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canny

My other problem is that now Ziess are doing a deal with a free pair of bins worth £300 odd. I don't want any bins,

much rather have a pod.

Sell the bins, buy a pod...... or find a sympathetic optics retailer that will allow you a swap!

birding dave · #4 (**permalink**) 20-08-2008, 03:21 PM

There are basically two options on the Manfrottos: the 190 XV with 700RC2 (or 701 if you want a more robust head) which is suitable for the more vertically challenged birder, or the 055 XV, plus same head if you are taller. Both are available in carbon fibre, the weight saved is not that great, but saying that, after a day's birding, the weight saved is definitely felt!

What did you reckon to the "Bird fair"? I went on Sunday and was a bit disappointed. It seems to be turning into a "Birding Holiday fair". I noticed a few retailers not there this year, such as Cotwold Outdoor and Birdnet Optics and there weren't many 2nd hand booksellers.

canny · #5 (**permalink**) 21-08-2008, 10:26 AM

Thanks for the help guys. Dave that is what I have more or less settled on, and the Carbon fibre option. Thanks very much it helps to know I have made a good decision.
I went on Friday & Saturday to Birdfair. It was a first time for me and I enjoyed it. I tried to get to as many talks as pos and particularly enjoyed Roy Dennis, I bought his Osprey book and he signed it for me also of course Simon King, Johnathan Scott etc. I do agree about the birding holiday fair. I got a little fed up of having brochures for exotic destinations thrust on me I knew I would never visit but I did enjoy talking to guys on the Scottish holiday stands.
We rounded of the event with the osprey cruise on Saturday evening. So all in all it was good and I would go again. Of course the weather was fine for both our days which helped

canny · #6 (**permalink**) 21-08-2008, 11:53 AM

I now have another question. Can anyone recommend a car window clamp that would support the weight of a Zeiss 85?

Kev-B · #7 (**permalink**) 30-08-2008, 11:31 AM

Hi Canny,

I note that you live in Lincs .. in which case you'll know, like I do how cold, windy & exposed this coast can be ...

Which is why I use the "Ergorest" for supporting my Swaro AT 80 HD Scope when birding from the car .. and a Manfrotto 441 Carbon Fibre Tripod for ordinary use ..

Before splashing any money out on Tripods or Car window mounts .. Google "Warehouse Express" & check out their deals on both items ..

Bye for now ..

Kev ..

Kev-B · #8 (**permalink**) 30-08-2008, 12:47 PM

Further to my last post .. I now see that Warehouse Express no longer appear to be selling the "Ergorest" ... however, if you "Google" .. 7dayshop and then type "Ergorest" in the search box .. they have them in stock at just under £37.00 ..

I wouldn't be without mine .. it can also be used as a Table-top stand/support .. or as a Shoulder-mounted Pod ..

Just to make things crystal clear, I have no connection whatsoever with any of the Companies or products mentioned in these posts .. other than being a customer & user ..

Bye for now ..

Kev ..

canny · #9 (**permalink**) 31-08-2008, 12:22 PM

Thanks very much for the info Kev. The Ergorest looks good and useful for more than one thing, I can't quite tell from the picture how it fits to the car window but I am sure hubby will sus it out.
I also notice it suggests various ball heads to use with it. Do you use any of these?

Kev-B · #10 (**permalink**) 31-08-2008, 12:49 PM

Hi Canny ..

The front part of the Ergorest has a horizontal groove, which fits over a partially open car window .. the rear part then drops down & can be adjusted to brace against the interior of the door .. all parts are made of some kind of composite material which are not likely to damage your car's upholstery .. The whole thing is adjusted by means of a locking lever, making it secure ..

If you look at the Warehouse Express homepage & then click on "Reviews" .. then click on "Andy Rouse" .. there is a review by him .. along with some pics of the Ergorest in use ..

I simply took the pan/tilt head off my old metal Manfrotto Tripod & attached it to the Ergorest .. but then I really only use it for Birding from the car, with a Scope attached .. you may need a more "responsive" Ball-head for photograpy though ..

Bye for now ..

Kev ..