Tripod & Head for NL Pure 8x32 Binos (1 Viewer)

[AllanG]

I’m considering to purchase a tripod & head for my NL Pure 8x32 binos, which would be used purely for viewing shipping and birds from my apartment, which overlooks a busy navigation channel.

As I won’t be carrying the tripod, I’m not too concerned about weight, however, as would be positioned inside, I would prefer one that is well built, and that could pass off as a nice piece of furniture, so a wood one would be my preference over aluminium or carbon.

Looking at options, I’ve found the following two Berlebach Report tripods which, even though expensive, look very good:

Tripod Report 823/J (Anniversary 120 years version)
Tripod Report 122

Regarding a suitable head, I also like the Berlebach 2-way tilt head model 510 and the 2-way head model 553.

As don't have experience of tripods and head, I’d appreciate advice, comments, suggestions from experienced users.

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers, Allan

 

[Ignatius]

You might find the answer here 😋

 

[Tringa45]

For binocular use you need to get up to eye level, about 10 cm less than your own height. Tripod head and binocular adapter will account for around 10 cm.
If you are not going to transport the tripod, I would suggest getting one of the 2-section Berlebachs, the 322, or the 422 if you are very tall and are going to take an occasional look at the night sky.
For scope use I have both a 510 head on a lightweight CF tripod and a 15 year-old 552 (553 predecessor) on a Berlebach 302 (no centre column).
The 510 copes excellently with the heavier scope and its only "flaw" is the lack of a counterbalance, which you don't need with binoculars anyway.
I once had the Berlebach binocular adapter. It's cheap but I don't like it and much prefer the Leica binocular adapter, which IMO is an ideal solution for roof prism binoculars between 32 and 50 mm.
A tripod gives you wonderful steady views with a binocular, so at some stage you might consider higher magnification.

John

 

[Ignatius]

@Tringa45 : I like the Berlebach tripod adapter so much, I have two of them. What makes you prefer the Leica one?

 

[AllanG]

Many thanks, John, for your excellent advice 👍

 

[Tringa45]

@Tringa45 : I like the Berlebach tripod adapter so much, I have two of them. What makes you prefer the Leica one?

Having two flat roof surfaces it doesn't locate a binocular very well unless its barrels are cylindrical or conical.
If they are curved in the longitudinal axis the binocular will rock backwards and forwards.
The Swarovski UTA is OK, has an Arca foot, but the safety retention would not be compatible with the Belebach clamp.
The Zeiss Binofix is an expensive Heath Robinson disaster and the RRS Cinch Bino Adapter just confirms the theory that every reputable company has at least one item of rubbish on offer.

John

PS:- @AllanG I forgot to mention that you should order the Berlebach tripod with 3/8" thread to avoid the necessity of using a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter.
All decent tripod heads have a 3/8" female thread.