Telescope Reviews: bogen 3245/322RC2 monopod/head combo

I have been very pleased with this monopod setup for my binoculars, so I thought I would post to express my opinions of this combo. I have been using it for several months and I am still quite impressed with the quality and performance of this monopod.

Both the head and the monopod height are quickly adjustable by trigger mechanisms. To use the setup , simply squeeze both triggers and point the binoculars where you want them. When the triggers are pulled, there is total freedom of movement. After they are aimed at the target, just release the triggers and the binoculars will hold absolutely steady, as well as one leg will allow.

They are strong enough to handle my 4.5 lb 20x80s with ease. However, I usually use them with my 12x50s because the 20x80s are long and unwieldy. Although the mount has no problems with the big ones, when aiming with the triggers squeezed, they are a bit much for me to move around. However, when using the 20x80s with the monopod, I can easily make out three components in the Trapezium. Leaning the binoculars against the garage door to add an extra point of support, I can sometimes make out a fourth Trap star. With a full tripod setup, I can usually discern four stars with these binoculars.

The 322RC2 head is a heavier-duty model of the bogen 3265 grip-action ball head. The 322RC2 is also a grip-action style head, but is rated to 11 lbs. This may be a little overkill since their use with binoculars is more likely limited by the user's ability to aim (read "manhandle") long, heavy tubes. I would consider my longish 20x80s to be my limit, but not the monopod's limit. A shorter, yet heavier pair may be easier to move around with this mount.

This head is versatile in that the quick-release mounting plate can be mounted at different positions on the handle. Online pictures normally show it in the "horizontal" configuration, with the plate mounted on the side of the handle, near the swivel point. However, as my pictures show, the mounting plate can be mounted to the opposite end of the handle from the ball-lock swivel. In this configuration, the overall length is 9 inches. The length from the center of the ball to the base of the mount is 2.25 inches. So, when aimed at zenith, the mount contributes 2.25 inches to the height of the monopod; when aimed at horizon, the mount contributes 9 inches.

The leg portion of this setup is part of what makes this such a joy to use. The leg has three sections. Extension of the bottom two is adjusted by a twist lock mechanism. Extension of the top section from the middle is adjusted by the grip-action trigger. Squeezing the trigger allows the handle to move up and down freely, while the bottom two sections remain on the ground. Release of the grip, locks the leg firmly in place. Fully collapsed , the leg and handle portion are about 28 inches. Fully extended, the leg is about 65 inches (165 cm). The head adds 9 inches to the height. This height is enough for me (at 5'10" tall) to crane my neck as far as I want and still be able to hold the glass steady. To look directly at zenith, I can rest the foot of the monopod on my shoe or a near by brick, rock, curb, etc to add a little extra height. Folks over 6 feet tall, may find themselves having to augment the height like this more often. But I don't find the length to be a limitation.

I bought this mount from a local camera store and paid more than I could have. I find the online prices for the 322RC2 head to be around $125 and the 3245 leg is about $90. However, in talking with the retailer, she said she had "an old surveyors tripod" that she wanted to get out of her garage. She gave it to me for free and it works well to hold up the monopod if I want to use it as a tripod.

About the only downside of this gear is that it is a wee bit on the heavy side. Together, the head and leg combo is about 2.5 lbs. When the leg handle is squeezed, the other hand carries most of the load in supporting the head (1.4 lbs) and the binoculars. This is why the I would rate my limit to be lower than that of the head. Still, this is a small concession to have the instant easy adjustment of the tripod height afforded by the grip action leg. And, once on target, there is no problem holding the setup steady. Another minor note is that the leg, being only three sections, does not collapse to fanny pack size. So, it is a little cumbersome to take on long walks. And since it is rated for only 17.6 lbs, one really could not use this as a walking aide. But despite these few very minor considerations, I think the 3245/322RC2 combo makes about the perfect monopod setup for 10-20x binoculars.

--Tad

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Orion XT8i, Vixen ED80Sf, Oberwerk BT-80/45
20x80 Oberwerk Std., 12x50 Nikon AE,
42mm Celestron Regal LX (8x & 10x), 8x40 Pentax PCF WP

Edited by Tad S. (05/24/08 03:17 PM)

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