Telescope Reviews: what other tripods stand tall?

Cam,

Which binocular do you plan to mount? The GO Signature 22X85 or the 28X110?

The Bogen 501 and 503 heads are very similar in size, design and apperance. The 503 head is SUPPOSED have better fluid motion than the 501 head. However, I have checked out both side-by-side at trade shows over the last few years. I honestly could NOT tell if the 503 fluid motions are smoother then the 501. Of course these comparisions were made without a big binocular on board. I don't know if the 503 head will exhibit better fluid motion with a 13 lb load. (I have had two Bogen 501s for more than four years, do not own a 503).

Both the 501 and 503 head were listed for max load of ~13.2 lbs in an older Bogen catalog. I noticed Manfrotto web page increased the load rating to 8 kg for the 503 head this year. I don't know if there has been any physical chage to the 503 in 2006 or if Manfrott decided to change the specs because the 503 head has a 2.5 kg balance spring. if you visit the Bogen Imaging (US) web site and check pro video head section the load rating is still listed as 13.2 lbs for the 503:

http://www.bogenimaging.us/

I picked up a new 2006/2007 Manfrotto catalog at the IBC show in Amsterdam last month(Sep 2006). The 503 page lists the wt of 3.6 kg/7.94 lb & max load at 16 kg! That was obviously a mis-print. The Manfrotto rep agreed when I pointed it out to him.

My Bogen 501 head is MAX out with a 13lb load. I feel it works best with a load of 11 lb or less.

I tried calling Bogen Imaging tech support several times between April and Sep of this year. The mail order dealer who sold me my first 501 head 3246 tripod has been listing a Bogen 503 head for about $40 lower than anyone else. ...The only reason I would consider getting a 503 head is for the higher 17.6 lb load rating....I did not want to be stuck with a less capable "old stock" 503 head for the sake of saving $40. I wanted to verify if there has been any physical IMPROVEMENT made to the 503 to increase the load rating, or just a spec change. I Was put on hold or directed to voice mail so many times I finally gave up and purhcased somthing else...

Having a 2.5 kg balance spring in the 503 head will help balance a heavy load. But it doesn't work well if you are mounting a lighter 12X60 or 15X70 for astronomy.. You'll be fighting the spring tension when you want to observe near zenith.....The spring wants to return the head to horizontal when you don't.

Besides the addition of 2.5 kg counter balance spring, the 503 has a Telescoping pan handle.(503 LV) It's 13 inch min, 22.83 inch max. I find this feature quite useful if you are mounting a binocular or scope with long OTA. 501 head and the 503 head uses the same Quick Release plate(501/3433 PL) but the Pan Handles are not interchangeable. They use a differnt size mounting stud.

I HIGHLY recommend anyone purchasing either the 501 or 503 head for binocular astronomy to order the optional 2nd pan hadle at the SAME time.

I don't think either 501 or 503 head is sufficient for mounting a 16 lb 28X110. You will need a much more expensive(~$US530) 516 fluid head for that. Or consider a UA Marco Star mount instead:

http://garettoptical.com/

(look in the mounts and tripods section for UA mounts)

It will hold a 25 lb load. The UA Micro/Marco Star mount design puts the center of gravity at the altitude axis of rotation. That way the OTA is always in balance regardless of elevation. A very simple design and it works!

Erik D

PS. EdZ, Do we have a mini reivew section for tripods and heads?