Hi Mike
Congratulations on your new acquisition – I’m sure it will bring you more fine entries into the IIS monthly comp!
I have the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head seen here:
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/...d=80|81&idx=85
and it is really nice for composing images in the viewfinder. The X-Y-Z gear movements are nice to have and there are quick releases on each knob/axis for gross rapid adjustments although completely unsuited to rapidly moving objects.
I also fit the WO 80mm refractor on the head and it works really well for panning and cruising star fields. I picked on up in a sale for $149 but they cost more like $300 I think.
Edit: Just thought I would add that when using the head with the WO 80mm refractor, I fit the 'scope 180 deg rotated to allow for full elevation in altitude. This means that the X-Y-Z slo mo controls are placed slightly more awkwardly than when using it in photo config, which only allows for 45 deg elevation up when pointing forwards and 90 deg down towards the body of the operator.
Cheers
Dennis