| Rich V. |
| (Pooh-Bah) |
| 07/09/09 10:19 AM |
Re: Poor tripod
|
Jimmy, I would certainly have a talk with the Orion folks; it couldn't hurt.
Quote:
I'll make due with it for now. So what should I get for a replacement tripod down the road? I want something with clutches that are smooth as silk, and capable of sustaining a lot more weight in a decent panhead?
The next step up with a geared center column would IMO be something along the line of the Bogen/Manfrotto 475 tripod with a 501HDV head. This combo holds my 13# 100mm binoculars nicely. Their 3046 (028) tripod is another good choice. Expect to pay $450-500 for a setup like this though.
On the used market, the discontinued 3036 tripod with the 3063 head shows up frequently on Ebay. The 3063 head is common and quite sturdy; it's rated at 11# and has nice smooth clutch action. For my 5# 70mm Fujinons I actually prefer the 3063 head to the 501HDV; the 3063's clutches are smoother.
Sadly, $100. really doesn't buy too much these days. The Bogen/Manfrotto tripods and heads are a good quality/price compromise and are quite popular around these parts. They will provide years of good service.
Rich V