Manfrotto Tripods

[PCH (Paul)]

Hi Guys,

following my recent thread regarding the Oberwerk 45 degree giant BT100 binocs, I did in fact go on to buy the item from IIS member Kendall who imports them from time to time and had a couple of sets for sale. I've had a chance to test them out, and needless to say they are a pleasure to view though.

However, I do feel that to get the best viewing experience with these binocs, I need the height -adjustable mount that CN recommends in it's review. The Manfrotto 3258 (now known as 161MK2B) mount is heavy duty and has a centre geared lift mechanism.

Would anyone happen to know if Manfrotto mounts can be bought from anywhere in Oz ?

Cheers

[gary]

See http://www.manfrotto.com.au/
Though Manfrotto mounts are ubiquitous in camera stores, certainly here in
Sydney, chances are they won't stock a 161MK2B, so you might like to
email info@manfrotto.com.au to find a suggestion for a dealer who might order
one in for you. For example, this online store -
http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/p/manfrotto-161mk2b

[PCH (Paul)]

Thanks for the tips Gary - I'll get right onto that !

All the best

[leinad (Dan)]

They are indeed top quality tripods!
I use one for my Coranado PST and Camera.

[RB (Andrew)]

Paul the Manfrottos are fantastic.

Try these guys and see if they can get the model you want in for you.
http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/tripod.htm

I use d-d photographics all the time and their prices are quite good.

I'm sure you'll be happy with the Manfrottos.

[PCH (Paul)]

Thanks for the comments RB and leinad, - I'll shoot d-d an email right away and see if they can help.

Cheers

[digby dart]

I found that Manfrotto's Australian distributor offered terrible service. Its a shame because the Manfrotto products themselves are excellent.

[Solanum]

Originally Posted by PCH

Hi Guys,

following my recent thread regarding the Oberwerk 45 degree giant BT100 binocs, I did in fact go on to buy the item from IIS member Kendall who imports them from time to time and had a couple of sets for sale. I've had a chance to test them out, and needless to say they are a pleasure to view though.

However, I do feel that to get the best viewing experience with these binocs, I need the height -adjustable mount that CN recommends in it's review. The Manfrotto 3258 (now known as 161MK2B) mount is heavy duty and has a centre geared lift mechanism.

Would anyone happen to know if Manfrotto mounts can be bought from anywhere in Oz ?

Cheers

I recently bought a slightly unusual Manfrotto tripod for work purposes and the local City Camera House here in Mildura had it in my hands in a week. This was after trying an 'reputable' internet store (in WA as it happens), who strung me along for six weeks until I cancelled the order. Though CCH stores are franchised so service will vary...

[PCH (Paul)]

Hi Digby and Solanum et al,

thanks for those replies - much appreciated. This particular tripod (#3258, - or recently renamed the 161MK2B) is recommended in the lengthy CN review that one of the previous posts linked to. The crank height adjustment on the 3258 is particularly appealing as this Binocular is very heavy (36lbs inc mount). The supplied wooden tripod, though nice, would not be at all easy to adjust whilst the binos are mounted on it.

I made a few calls/emails and I did find very poor service as you suggest Digby. I was able to get a price, but it still needed to be ordered in from the US. So, I simply went to 'BigBinoculars.com' and ordered it there myself. Much cheaper and with no fuss.

So it's winging it's way to me as we speak. I also bought the mobile dolly so that I can move the whole assembly around easily too.

These binos are a real joy to use. And the tripod will be here soon to further enhance the experience. So thanks to all for your help on this one, - heaven awaits .

All the best

[PCH (Paul)]

Originally Posted by RB

Paul the Manfrottos are fantastic.

Try these guys and see if they can get the model you want in for you.
http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/tripod.htm

I use d-d photographics all the time and their prices are quite good.

I'm sure you'll be happy with the Manfrottos.

Hi Andrew et al,

This tripod was for my (Oberwerk) BT100-45 recently purchased from Kendall. I wanted the quick height adjustment feature, as it's nigh on impossible to view anywhere near zenith using the standard mount, - very uncomfortable.

So, I ordered the Manfrotto #3258 tripod, wheeled dolly and mount adapter from the guys at BigBinoculars.com (Oberwerks retail division) last Friday. I was absolutely staggered when it turned up yesterday - just seven days later to get from Ohio to WA It normally takes a few days longer than that to get from Sydney to here. The freight fee from Ohio was very reasonable too at just US$162 all up for the two parcels.

Including freight, the price for all three genuine (Italian made) Manfrotto items, being the tripod, the dolly and the mount adaper was about A$1k. So it's not cheap. But the tripod alone is advertised (as order in - from the States!) for A$870 before freight and without the dolly or adapter. So it was a pretty good deal in IMO.

Anyway, I just thought I'd conclude this thread by mentioning that these tripods are just the BEST in terms of quality, build and functionality. And this beastie provides a very stable platform for up to 20kg at up to 2.7 metres height.

All I need now is a nice clear night to go out and test it all

Cheers,