Berlebach UNI tripods? (1 Viewer)

[BoldenEagle]

I currently have Gitzo 3542L carbon fibre tripod, which is lightweight but still reasonably steady for my Kowa 883. If the winds get high, there will be vibrations, which can to some extent be reduced by attaching weight to the center column.

I have been thinking to get a heavy wooden tripod to be used in the most windy conditions and as the most usage of my scope use is quite stationary, I don't mind the tripod weight that much.

So if anyone has used especially Berlebach UNI- models, I would be glad to hear your experiences.

Regards, Juhani

 

[paperweight]

For about 12 years, I have used a Gitzo Reporter Performance Gilux steel tripod with a Gitzo G2380 fluid head to carry my Kowa 883. I sold the 883 and got a 99a a couple of weeks ago.
I have recently bought a Berlebach Uni 16c tripod and a Pegasus head. The Uni 16c is of course heavier than the Gitzo (about 7kg) und not suited for being carried around. On the other hand, it stands solid as rock and is less touchy concerning windy situations.or shaky grounds.
I can highly recommend it.
I have sold my Gitzo G2380 and will most likely get a second, lighter Berlebach tripod like for example a Report 332 for travelling.

 

[WRL]

For about 12 years, I have used a Gitzo Reporter Performance Gilux steel tripod with a Gitzo G2380 fluid head to carry my Kowa 883. I sold the 883 and got a 99a a couple of weeks ago.
I have recently bought a Berlebach Uni 16c tripod and a Pegasus head. The Uni 16c is of course heavier than the Gitzo (about 7kg) und not suited for being carried around. On the other hand, it stands solid as rock and is less touchy concerning windy situations.or shaky grounds.
I can highly recommend it.
I have sold my Gitzo G2380 and will most likely get a second, lighter Berlebach tripod like for example a Report 332 for travelling.

I can confirm that by my own experience. For very windy conditions I have a Berlebach UNI 12c (a few centimeters shorter than the UNI 16c) with a Pegasus head as well (and a KOWA 883 on top). Nothing (that I can see on the market) beats wooden tripods in terms of vibration damping (be it by the wind or self induced). Because of that property there a still being used by surveyors (and still being made by industry beside those of fiber glass or aluminium).
Regards,
Werner

 

[BoldenEagle]

If I decide to get a wooden tripod, I think I will still keep my Gitzo for those occasions I need to carry tripod on a longer hikes. So, heavy weight could be described more like a benefit here.

I would prefer tripod with a center column, those Berlebach models with center column and crank handles seem very interesting.

Regards, Juhani

 

[BoldenEagle]

I ended up buying the UNI 19C model, which included central column and crank handle. After receiving the tripod I noticed that it was a little short for me as I'm used to keep the center column down. But luckily it was not a problem since the metal column has a diameter of about 40mm and is very solid; it doesn't seem to make any difference regarding the stability if I lift it up about 10cm. I really like the adjustable center column with that crank handle, very easy to adjust height without much wobbling.

I also bought a Sirui VH-10X- head, which feels quite good, especially the panning motion is maybe the best I have ever used.

In a combination with my Kowa 883 scope, the total weight for this system is about 11 kg, which I think is not terrible even I'm not the strongest guy.

Regards, Juhani