Wanted: Camera tripod/fluid head

[MortonH]

Currently I have a Slik 300 tripod with non-removable 3-way pan/tilt head. Would like something of similar weight (maybe a bit heavier) but with a nice fluid head, something strong enough for my William Optics 80mm scope (mainly for terrestrial use but also for astronomical use when travelling).

Will consider tripods & heads sold separately or together, and will also consider using my current tripod as part exchange (it's in near mint condition, black model with quick release plate).

Cheers

Morton

[Omaroo]

Morton - I've just bought a Velbon CX686 for $165 from Bintel to do just what you want to do. I mount the Megrez and Nikon and it still holds its position. Very nice and fluid too with the Velbon PH- 368 oiled fluid video panhead.

Cheers
Chris

[MortonH]

Hi Chris, interesting. Bintel's site says max load is 3kg, which you must be over a bit with the Megrez and Nikon, although maybe not by much?

Morton

[Omaroo]

I suspect that the "3Kg" limit is a little understated, as per usual, Morton. The Megrez/Nikon combo weigh more than that and although I wouldn't want to rely on the resultant strength/weight ratio for tracking - it's just sitting there. Balance seems to be the biggest issue, not strength, in how the fluid head resists further motion once its position is set. With just the scope attached using the L-bracket and no camera it's pretty stable. For terrestrial viewing it's fine. For astro it's a borderline case when you reach zenith because of the balance factor - which you will get, as a problem, with any normal terrestrial camera tripod I think.

Cheers
Chris

[allan gould]

Have PM'ed you
Allan

[dannat]

I found this on ebay - pretty sure it has a fluid head like you're after
I thin it was $270
or just search for manfrottohttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/Manfrotto-190D-and-700RC2-Video-tripod-Bundle_W0QQitemZ160159096809QQihZ00 6QQcategoryZ3325QQssPageNameZWDVWQQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I would be interested to hear from you why you are after the fluid head - are they a lot better than 3 way pan/tilt
thanks daniel

[MortonH]

Nice head but the 190 legs are less sturdy than my current tripod.

I've read for years that a fluid head is better for mounting a scope. It gives more control of the movement and, if sturdy enough, should have a bit less sag than a normal pan/tilt head. Depends on the size and weight of the scope, of course.

Morton