Tripod for the TSN-501 (1 Viewer)

[misikuru]

Hello, I'm looking at my first scope and after much dithering between the Kowa TSN-501 and the Opticron MM3 50 non-ED with HR3, I decided to go for the TSN-501, which weighs only 400g. Now I need to choose a tripod. I would like it to be sturdy enough also for the MM3 50 non-ED (which weighs 810g), in case I return the TSN-501 and get the MM3 instead. (For context, my main concern about the TSN-501 is its eye relief. I'm going to pull up my glasses while using it. I also heard that the zoom ring is rather stiff.) My budget is 150 euros. I've spent quite some time reading threads here, however, some things are still not clear to me.

• Ball head or fluid head? I've read that a ball head is not suitable for a large scope, but would it be ok for the TSN-501 and MM3?
• Quick leg release (I don't know what it's called, the one with a single twist lock for multiple sections?) or traditional 4-5 section twist leg locks? I just can't imagine which would be easier and more comfortable.
• Is a 0.9 kg tripod too light and unstable? Should I get a 1.5 kg tripod instead?

Here're some tripod I'm looking at and all of them weigh about 0.9kg.

• SIRUI Traveler X-III with BG40 Ball Head
• SIRUI Traveler X with AT-10 Fluid Head (It has anti-twist pins, but how do they work? Do they work for a scope as well?)
• SIRUI Traveler X-I with B-00K Ball Head

Any advice will be appreciated!

 

[fazalmajid]

I think a tripod kind of defeats the purpose of an ultralight scope like the TSN-500 series. I usually use my TSN-502 braced against a car window, a railing, a tree or other such improvised supports, but that's easier with a straight rather than angled scope. You might get better use out of a clamp or bean bag rather than a full tripod. Or even a monopod.

Otherwise, for general scope use, I prefer a gimbal head to a ball head or fluid video head, but they are bulky and usually expensive. Wimberley makes the simplified MH-100 which is meant to be mounted on a monopod, but is probably overkill for the TSN-501.

The problem with ball heads is they have two degrees of freedom and it is hard to control in the case where it matters, birds in flight. They are adequate for stationary birds. Some ball heads can be used as gimbals by flipping them 90º to the side, they will have a cutout for this purpose.

 

[misikuru]

Thank you fazalmajid for your reply! I ordered them last week and will try them hopefully this weekend!

 

[Peter.home]

I have a tsn501, and a gitzo tripod (gt1541) bought before the scope, but it works fine, a little overkill perhaps. And discontinued.

I think any of your linked tripods would be fine.
I prefer the ball head, and holding the scope as it helps keep everything steadier in the wind, as opposed to holding an "arm"/"handle" jutting out from the scope.

In fact the scope is so small, the tripod arm would probably have to go out the front of the tripod or it would be hitting you.

 

[misikuru]

I have a tsn501, and a gitzo tripod (gt1541) bought before the scope, but it works fine, a little overkill perhaps. And discontinued.

I think any of your linked tripods would be fine.
I prefer the ball head, and holding the scope as it helps keep everything steadier in the wind, as opposed to holding an "arm"/"handle" jutting out from the scope.

In fact the scope is so small, the tripod arm would probably have to go out the front of the tripod or it would be hitting you.

Thank you Peter! I ordered the one with a ball head, as I've read that it's more compact compared to a fluid head.

 

[misikuru]

While testing the scope today, I realised that it shows a circle in the middle of the image. I see it regardless of the magnification and it's distracting. It becomes darker on a bright background and with a higher magnification. Although I wiped both lenses and my glasses, it's still there. When I move my eye, then it also moves. Does anybody know what it might be? Is it a defect? Does your TSN-50X also have it?

I'm not sure if my description is clear, so I'll attach an image. As I couldn't capture it with my phone, I've done a quick Photoshop to show you what I see. (I exaggerated the shade of the circle a bit, and the edge of the grey circle isn't sharp on the real scope.)

Edit: I posted about this issue as a separate thread here.