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MacRoberts
sage
Reged: 08/25/05
Posts: 421
Loc: Redlands, CA
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I'm gonna buy a 16x70 and need to mount it. I've already got a G1548 that I use when traveling to mount a TV-85 and want to press it into service with the binocs, too. I've read all the threads about mounting binocs and know the good tripod choices, but none come close to fitting into my luggage when traveling - so I'm determined to see if this will work well. Er, very well.
The G1548 is a series 5 CF Gitzo tripod rated at 33 lbs. capacity. It reaches 58.75 inches with all four sections fully extended. The plan is to use a Bogen HDV501 head (which adds 4.5 inches) and a Fuji L-bracket (another 7.5") which brings the height of the mounted binocs to 68 inches or so.
[BTW, not sure if I'll even be able to find the tall Fuji L-bracket so can anyone suggest an alternative that's around the same height?]
I'm 5'9", so this isn't really high enough yet. There is a Gitzo geared center column or rapid column I think I can get that will raise this past 75", which should work for all altitudes I might care to contort my neck into.
Please second guess this. Any thoughts about this setup?
Even better would be comments from anyone with experience using either a G1548 or GT-5531 or GT-5541LS tripod with center column or rapid column for binocular observing.
Something I just can't seem to find out is how much instability gets introduced to such a setup by using a geared center column or rapid column. I want to guess that since so many use geared columns, it's probably a non issue at such low mags.
Thanks for any help, folks.
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Jim
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Psalms 8:3-4
TV Refractors
Fuji Binoculars
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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Hi, Jim, I only have experience with the more plebian Manfrotto tripods but I would expect the optional geared column for your Gitzo would do the trick for you. Just having 10" or so of additional easily adjustable height is a big help. 75" total height should be more than enough to get high enough altitudes that you can surely hurt your neck!
I find the 10" geared columns of my 3036 or 475 tripods add a bit of azimuth wiggle as you crank them up using a scope but my 16x70s don't cause any trouble with such a low magnification. I wouldn't be surprised if the Gitzo column has less slop than the Manfrotto anyway.
I didn't realize Fuji made such a tall L bracket; most are only about 4". My favorite bracket for the 16x70s is the Nikon 7806 made for the SE, E2 and Astroluxe series; it's by far the most secure and easy to use. It's just the typical 4", though.
As long as the eye relief isn't a problem for you I think you'll love the 16x70s; they're right in the middle of a really sweet spot! I'll never part with mine. 
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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MacRoberts
sage
Reged: 08/25/05
Posts: 421
Loc: Redlands, CA
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Thanks, Rich!
BTW, nice collection of glass there, Bud. 
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Jim
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Psalms 8:3-4
TV Refractors
Fuji Binoculars
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MacRoberts
sage
Reged: 08/25/05
Posts: 421
Loc: Redlands, CA
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Would it be worthwhile to try this question in the mounts forum? Could be more folks there have experience with this tripod.
"Anyone? Anyone?" (Ferris Bueller's teacher).
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Jim
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Psalms 8:3-4
TV Refractors
Fuji Binoculars
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Rich V.
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/02/05
Posts: 1393
Loc: Carson Valley, Nevada, USA
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I'm really impressed with the capacity to weight ratio of the Gitzo CF tripods; too bad they are so pricey! A geared column assy. costs more than a whole Manfrotto tripod!
I noticed that the original optional columns for your tripod are hard to find now. I found the original model G1518 CF rapid column still avialable new for $150. Gitzo G1518
Otherwise, it's the new GS5511S at $210! Gitzo GS5511S
The geared column available now runs $350-400!! They're a bit heavy, too. GS5310GS
It's not too easy to navigate their website for accessories either!
Your 1548 tripod with the very light G1518 CF rapid column looks like it would be a winner with the Fujis. A geared column is nice but for just a 5# load the Gitzo option might be overkill.
I have several Manfrotto tripods/ heads, not Gitzo because I'm hung up on "value", FWIW. My 501 HDV isn't the smoothest head in my collection but the counterbalance spring is very useful for binocular use. For the price it's a good value and can hold substantially heavier binoculars than the Fujis easily.
One of these days maybe I'll splurge and get a Gitzo CF tripod for lightweight travel use. They really are appealing.
Enjoy,
Rich V
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Binoculars:
33/50/75/150x100 Saturn III, 16x70 FMT-SX, 10x50 PCF-V, 10x43 DCF-SP, 10x35 E2, 7x35 E, 8x30 E2, 7x26 Custom, 8x23AS Diplomat, 8x23 Travelite
Scopes:
C9.25, 6" f8 reflector, SV80S
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MacRoberts
sage
Reged: 08/25/05
Posts: 421
Loc: Redlands, CA
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Hey, Rich - thanks! A lot of good information and links there.
You're so right - these columns are expen$ive. If it weren't for the travel size issue I'd be all over the Manfrotto/Bogen alternatives.
Good thinking on using the rapid column instead of the geared one. I've been thinking along the same lines but read somewhere that unfastening and fastening the column clamp is a real chore - guess it's real tight. I think I'll call Canoga Cam or a Gitzo rep to find out more about this.
Thanks!
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Jim
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Psalms 8:3-4
TV Refractors
Fuji Binoculars
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MacRoberts
sage
Reged: 08/25/05
Posts: 421
Loc: Redlands, CA
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Interesting development.
I called Samys in Pasadena (dudes at Canoga Cam weren't in a position to answer) to get some advice on the rapid column vs. geared column. I made their in-house Gitzo expert aware of the intended application and here's what he said.
First. Stay away from the rapid column! Compared to the geared column, there is far more wobble/slop in the rapid column when it is extended. He felt it would drive me nuts. He has an astronomy background and is aware the binocs would be used at far lower mag than the typical photography use of a geared column on a series 5 tripod (which is with long lenses/high mags).
Second. Both the geared column and rapid column would, fully retracted, still extend 4 to 5 inches above the top plate of the tripod. Hmmmmmm. This would kill my hope to use this setup for travel unless I also buy a (much) larger suitcase or deal with the tripod as a carry-on. The collapsed/retracted length would be about 28 inches and my current suitcase max is 25 inches . . .
Shazbot. 
Back to the drawing board, but I'll figure it out. In the meantime, I may just default to one of the usual Bogen/Manfrotto suspects (geared tripods) to get underway until I figure out the travel equipment.
--------------------
Jim
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Psalms 8:3-4
TV Refractors
Fuji Binoculars
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