Moving centre of balance - cheap plates? (1 Viewer)

[Richard D]

I could do with improving stability on the tripod when the camera is attached to the scope. Yes a heavier tripod would be one solution, but I was thinking about a plate that would move the centre of balance about 1/2" forward. Browsing the web I can see heavy duty beasts designed for long lens, but they're overkill. Does anyone know of any smallish, cheapish lightish plates with a female 3/4 screw and a male 1/2" to an inch forward?

 

[Richard D]

I could do with improving stability on the tripod when the camera is attached to the scope. Yes a heavier tripod would be one solution, but I was thinking about a plate that would move the centre of balance about 1/2" forward. Browsing the web I can see heavy duty beasts designed for long lens, but they're overkill. Does anyone know of any smallish, cheapish lightish plates with a female 3/4 screw and a male 1/2" to an inch forward?

Well not that cheap (but under £20), not that light either, but the local camera shop had the Manfrotto 030 Universal plate that should do the job, and if it doesn't work they'll take it back.

 

[Mickymouse]

Good luck, hope it works for you, I don't know any alternatives to suggest.

Mick

 

[Richard D]

Good luck, hope it works for you, I don't know any alternatives to suggest.

Mick

Thanks -

Had a bit of a play with it yesterday lunchtime, and it does the job with balancing the camera, rings and scope combination pretty well. A heavier tripod would be a better solution for serious digiscoping, but it does make it possible on a very light tripod in reasonable weather conditions.

 

[big_john]

I had a cheap tripod for photography years ago which I stabilised by attaching a hook under the head and hanging my camera bag from. Photographers carry a load of stuff, which is less true of birders, but if yu're already carrying some weight....