Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 17931
Loc: Oort Cloud 9
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Greetings great binocular gurus...
I have been obsessively scouring the web looking for a good deal on a sturdy tripod for my 25x100 Celestron Binocs. After checking out many different brands and setups, I have narrowed it down to this possible candidate.
"Tiffen Davis & Sanford Magnum XT3 Tripod with FGX-10 3-way Head"
http://www.adorama.com/TFTM3S.html
Why? Because it's "heavy duty" and can support my binocs and it's under $100.00 : my limit.
Does anyone out there have an opinion on this tripod? I couldn't find any reviews from actual owners. Any thoughts or considerations I am missing?
Thanks in advance.
Mike
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
☄ ⒼⒶⓁⒶⒸⓉⒾⒸ ⓈⓉⓄⓃⒺ ☞ www.galactic-stone.com
Edited by Bebs (04/14/05 08:22 PM)
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I wonder about two things Mike. One, how much does your bins weigh? I know that Oberwerk's 25x100 bins weigh 10 lbs. The head is rated for 9 lbs. Two, can the head handle the weight distribution? Bins of this size are heavy towards the objective end. I would be afraid that the head friction would allow the bins to slip.
Other than that, it seems ok to me. Can you return the tripod/head if it doesn't work out?
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Fordracer1
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 12/05/04
Posts: 949
Loc: Springfield, MO
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Mike,
I am not familiar with the tripod/head in question, but looking at the link you gave I agree with NightWatch that it may be rated for a little less weight than you will want for the SkyMasters. I have 25X100 SkyMasters and not just the weight, but the weight distribution can be a problem. I use a Bogen 3036 with a 3047 head. The tripod is rated for 26lbs and the head 13 (if I remember correctly). If you have a $100 budget, you might be better off to wait a little bit and keep an eye out on Astromart and Ebay for a used Bogen. I got both a 3036 and a 3236 (same thing only black instead of silver and a slightly newer version) used and paid less than $150 shipped in each case. It does take a while to find one at that price, but when I was looking there were quite a few 3036's available at various times. The 3047 head is just a 3 way, not a fluid head, but is much cheaper if you don't mind the 3 way pan. It appears the head on the D&S is just a 3 way also. I had to spend several weeks bidding, watching, etc. but the Bogens aren't remotely in the same class as the (not that much) less expensive tripod I had previously. Considering the wt of the 25X100's I am really glad I spent a little extra on the tripod. As a benefit I even use my Orion 120mm ST on it as a "grab and go" scope to take to club events. IMHO it would be worth a little wait to find a used Bogen.
John
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John Moody
Losmandy G-11
Orion 8" Newt w/Moonlite CR1 motofocus
Baader MPCC
NS11 GPS Starbright Carbon Fiber
Orion 120ST
Meade 5000 80/480 Triplet APO
WO .8 Reducer
15X70 & 25X100 SkyMasters
Modded Canon 40D
Stiletto IV Pro
WO Binoviewer
http://panthercreekastro.mysite.com
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Rich V.
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 3143
Loc: Lake Tahoe area, Nevada, USA
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Hi, Mike,
I understand your desire to get a mount under your 25x100s. I also understand that price can be a really big issue, but I don't think you will be happy with the rig you've linked to. The height range looks good, but........
First, a 3- way pan head isn't really the hot setup for binoculars; it's really for a camera. You would do much better with a 2- way video or "fluid" head. This will give smooth altitude and azimuth movements.
Second, this particular tripod looks very light for the size bins your are going to put on it. When the specs say 9# they aren't talking about a heavy binocular tilted way up towards the zenith. I would recommend something about twice the capacity.
Third, a geared center column is much easier to adjust height; you will be making constant changes in height as you scan the sky.
The best "inexpensive" tripod and head setup I see at Adorama is this Smith- Victor Pro 3:
http://www.adorama.com/SVPP3.html?sid=11135275507659775
Something along this line would be the minimum, IMO. It has all the features mentioned above. Yes, it is $65. above your budget but it is still less than half the price of the Bogen tripod/head combo I would really like to recommend. It would also lend itself to future mount choices you might make, like a Unistar Light.
Another solution would be a used Bogen tripod from Ebay or one of the astro classifieds. The 3046 and 3036 are outstanding. The 3063 fluid head would be a good choice in a used fluid head. If you are patient, good values can be found.
I would hate to see you set yourself up for disappointment. Your choice of tripod/head is every bit as important as the binocular itself. See the tripod /head section in the "Best of" header at the top of the list.
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/71/150x100 Saturn III, 22x70ED, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 EII, 7x35 E, 8x30 EII,
7x26 Custom, 8x23CF AS Diplomat, 6.5x21 Papilio
Scopes:
C9.25, TMB130SS, SV80S-LOMO 80/480
IDA member
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
Your choice of tripod/head is every bit as important as the binocular itself.
Hear! Hear! That is bottom line. It seems to me that when you have binoculars > 80mm, then the requirements for a decent tripod/head will force the cost to be as much as the binoculars themselves. John made a good suggestion to keep an eye on Ebay and/or Astromart for a lower priced tripod/head. This requires some patience, but it can pay off. Literally. This is what I did to purchase my Bogen 475 and 501 head.
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gatorengineer
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/28/05
Posts: 2004
Loc: Hellertown, PA
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There are good tripods, and there are cheap tripods, there are no good cheap tripods...... I tried to do it on the cheap for my skymasters / flaks, and all it was was frustration, and I will end up with a junker tripod that I dont really need. Finally, I ended up ebaying a bogen 3047 head and 3050 tripod for $169, which was a pretty decent deal. Used 3050 legs go for $150 at adorama, and a 3047 head new is $79..... If your in a hurry the above smith victor doesnt look bad.
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A 60mm department store refractor started it all....
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 18806
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Just some comments.
There are NO heavy duty tripods for under a $100.
Don't buy that Smith Victor tripod. I've got one, came with an Astromart package deal I purchased. I wouldn't recommnd it to anyone. It's less stable than the Orion HD-F2. I'd buy the HD-F2 before I'd buy that SV. Then there is the Orion XHD. The XHD is (almost exactly) the same legs as the Smith Victor, only the Smith Victor has those tent pole push buttons. Orion XHD is more stable. I would conservatively rate that Smith Victor tripod/head combo at about 8# for binoculars.
Everything mentioned above about load limits is good advice.
For a 10# binocular you need a 12# to 16# rated head.
That needs to mount on a set of legs that is rated at least for 15# to 20#.
http://www.adorama.com/TFHF12.html?searchinfo=Tiffen%20Davis%20&item_no=4
This is the Davis and Sanford F12 head. Its rated for 12#, heavier rated the the F10 head on the tripod you proposed. It is no where near capable of carrying the 10# Celestron 25x100s. I have the D&S F12 head. It is eactly the same head as the Orion Paragon head. I have that also.
Actually I think this D&S Provista (not 7518) with F12 head IS the Orion Paragon XHD.
http://www.adorama.com/TFTPVF12.html?searchinfo=Tiffen%20Davis%20&item_no=2
A combo like this would be the low end pushing the limit with a 7# to 8# binocular and is overloaded with a 10# binoc. Even though it is rated for much more, it really doesn't carry that kind of load when using binoculars hanging off the end causing eccentric loads on the head and legs.
edz
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Erik D
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/28/03
Posts: 4066
Loc: Central New Jersey, USA
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There are about 1/2 dozen Bogen tripod that can reach 6 ft: Bogen 3011, 3021, 3221 WN, 475, 3046/3246 etc. The Bogen 3036/3236 tripod is an older model(replaced by 475) that can reach 7 ft. Look for a used 3036 or 3046 on ebay if you want a geared center column.
IMO, there is only one fluid head selling for under $200 you'd want for your 10 lb bino:
http://www.adorama.com/BG3433.html?searchinfo=Bogen%20501%20head&item_no=6
I have close to two dozen tripods but I think the Bogen 501 head at $135 is the very best buy for big binos today. I paid $125 for mine 3 years ago when the USD was 40% stronger. I think $135 is still a great bargain.
Take this advise from a guy who has 5 Bogen tripods: Don't buy something cheap now thinking you'll upgrad later. You will soon get tired your short/shaky $100 tripod and want to upgrade ASAP. In the long run is much cheaper to buy the right tripod the first time. The Bogen 501 head will be fine when you are ready to upgrade to a 13 lb $2,500 Miyauchii 20/40X100.
Don't wait for the 501 head to show up on ebay. They usually sell for close to the price for a new one from Adorama.
Erik D
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lighttrap
Reged: 02/06/04
Posts: 3833
Loc: cloudy, foggy, humid NC, US
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Quote:
Don't buy something cheap now thinking you'll upgrad later. You will soon get tired your short/shaky $100 tripod and want up to want upgrade ASAP. In the long run is much cheaper to buy the right tripod the first time.
This is such good advice that it needs to be emphasized. Take it from all of us that have thrown away good money on cheap tripods, only to wind up spending more to get a good tripod on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th attempts. Save until you can get a tripod that will keep you happy in the long run.
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18" Starsplitter II f/4.5
8" Hardin Dob f/6
C5 workhorse mini SCT f/10 or f/6.3
70mm TV Ranger dual purpose birding/astro
77mm Leica Televid APO
16x70 Fujinons on UA Deluxe Mt.
12x50 Nikon SE
8x30 Nikon E2s
and many others
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 17931
Loc: Oort Cloud 9
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I have read this thread with great interest and I can say that I am going to wait and buy a decent tripod instead of rushing to buy something sub-par.
I didn't know about the "2-way fluid" head and the weight burden. It makes sense I guess since a heavy camera has it's center of gravity squarely over the tripod, while a pair of 100mm binocs have most of the weight forward of the base.
I'll just keep an eye out on the web for a deal. Bogen seems to be the word I keep hearing, but what about any others? Miller, Manfrotto? And what about the cheaper brands like Velbon, Slik and Sunpak? I ask because I need something cheap to hold me over. I am currently using a $20.00 Walmart Wonder Tripod that is ridiculously outclassed and dangerously over-burdened. I fear for my binocs, yet I YEARN to use them. So I gotta find something cheap in the meantime until the Bogen of my dreams comes along. Any suggestions on something that will provide a measure of increased stability and safety over my current one?
Thanks again folks....
Mike
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
☄ ⒼⒶⓁⒶⒸⓉⒾⒸ ⓈⓉⓄⓃⒺ ☞ www.galactic-stone.com
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 17931
Loc: Oort Cloud 9
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Ok ....I just got back from a successful sniping mission on eBay. I snagged a $100.00 tripod for less than $50 with shipping. Not bad. This one will hold me over until that Bogen comes my way. At least it's not AS bad as my current one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7507488454
Opinions? It says this one has a fluid head, so maybe it is a little different from the original one I posted a link to. I know it doesn't have a geared center column, but I rarely adjust the height anyway. I leave the binocs sitting all the way down on the tripod head/base to reduce the center of gravity. That means I have to bend down into some contortionist positions to view, but I might as well now while I am young right?
Thanks for all of the advice and friendly words. I have this post saved for future reference.
Mike
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
☄ ⒼⒶⓁⒶⒸⓉⒾⒸ ⓈⓉⓄⓃⒺ ☞ www.galactic-stone.com
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Greg K
member
Reged: 03/14/05
Posts: 28
Loc: Twin Cities, MN
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You might want to look here:
http://stores.ebay.com/amvona-com_tripods-monopods_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQftidZ2QQtZkm
I have a Dyantran 828 for my Celestron 25x100. This is a very strong all metal tripod. The tripod and head (13.3 lb rating) is plenty strong for the binoculars, but the 3 way head and lack of a crank-up extension are less than ideal. But I paid just $36 plus $24 shipping.
The 3 way head is not the best setup for mounting the binoculars directly, but it does work very well with my ScopeStuff binocular mount. The only problem is that, as EdZ pointed out, the ScopeStuff binocular mount itself is not particularly stable with such a heavy set of binoculars.
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Greg Kondrasuk
Hardin DSH-12
Celestron 25x100 15x70
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 17931
Loc: Oort Cloud 9
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Just an update....I got my tripod in today.
I have a pic of it with my 25x100's mounted. The pic is about 150k, so I didn't want to embed it in the post. So I got a friend to host it for me.
The link is :
http://www.thought-criminal.com/25x100b.gif
Overall, I am very pleased with the Tiffen Magnum. Sure, it's not a Bogen, but it's light years ahead of what I was using. The fluid head is very smooth and it appears more than capable of holding my heavy 100mm binocs, even tilted back to the zenith. Tonight will be their first real test.
As a nice coincidental bonus, the tripod without the center shaft extended is exactly the same height as my eyes while seated in my chair. How's that for luck?
Time to go Messier hunting again. I got four last night and a handful of NGC's to boot. With this new solid tripod, I am encouraged to see more.
Mike
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
☄ ⒼⒶⓁⒶⒸⓉⒾⒸ ⓈⓉⓄⓃⒺ ☞ www.galactic-stone.com
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I glad your tripod/head situation seems to working for you. I have to admit, looking at the picture, it seems your bins would be too massive for the head. But if it works, it works.
Happy hunting!
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 17931
Loc: Oort Cloud 9
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Yeah, I admit, it does look a little overmatched, but thus far the head appears to do fine. Tonight however will be the first real test outside. So we'll see.
(*fingers crossed*)
Mike
Either way, the old Walmart camera tripod is demoted to bird watching duty.
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
☄ ⒼⒶⓁⒶⒸⓉⒾⒸ ⓈⓉⓄⓃⒺ ☞ www.galactic-stone.com
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 18806
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Which head is that. I have a Tiffen D&S F12. That head looks smaller. but it's really hard to tell.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 17931
Loc: Oort Cloud 9
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It's a Tiffen F10 fluid head. Honestly, I don't know that much about it. I'm still pretty new to this setup. The only thing I can say for sure is that it's much sturdier than my previous one. The head moves smoothly and holds the big binocs OK. Of course last night was a solid deck of clouds, so I couldn't give the tripod a real test. Hopefully tonight.
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
☄ ⒼⒶⓁⒶⒸⓉⒾⒸ ⓈⓉⓄⓃⒺ ☞ www.galactic-stone.com
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 18806
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Here's a piture of the D&S F12 head mounted on a Bogen 3011. I'm using it to carry a LW 20x80.
Pictures from the Binocular Gallery.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Gurthee
journeyman
Reged: 02/18/08
Posts: 5
Loc: Boynton Beach, FL
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Hi all. New to the forums here. I will be receiving the new Zhumell 25x100 binocs some time in May...hopefully. Get this, my friends bought them for me for my 40th birthday in December but binoculars.com had such a large run on them that they are back ordered until approximately May. Good deal at just over $200 IMO.
Anyways, I've been scouring the binocular forum for a good tripod/mount set up and I see most of you are recommending some type of Bogen set up. I know this thread dates back 3 years now and I see a lot of new manufacturers out there boasting "heavy duty" tripods. I was wondering if anyone has used the - Smith Victor Propod PRO-3 Medium Tripod with 2-Way Fluid Head (Supports 20 lbs, Maximum Height 68"). It was recommended earlier in this thread and it seems to me it would be more than sufficient for these binocs that weigh in at just over 10 lbs.. At $114 I don't see how I can beat this deal, especially on my limited budget at the moment.
I've read the preceding reviews and opinions, but again, this thread dates back 3 years so any up-to-date input is greatly appreciated.
Also, is there any other accessory I should be looking to purchase to make sure my set up is complete?
Thanks
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edwincjones
Close Enough
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 7980
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Quote:
....... Bogen seems to be the word I keep hearing, but what about any others? Miller, Manfrotto? And what about the cheaper brands like Velbon, Slik and Sunpak? ....
Mike
Mike,
Bogan and Manfrotto tripods are the same thing-just different names for different locations.
edj
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