Zeiss 15x60 BGATP* & Takahashi 22x50, recommended head and tripod (compct if poss) (1 Viewer)

[Rathaus]

Zeiss 15x60 BGATP* & Takahashi 22x60, recommended head and tripod (compct if poss)

Hi all,

Im looking at identifying and logging individual endangered marsupials (some carnivorous) within a specified and limited zone in a remote high altitude area of NSW. This Has been a long time interest of mine. I need a top quality and lowish weight head and tripod for the field....or ultimately whatever I need to get the job done.

I've bought the zeiss 15x60 and its currently in transit and I'm seriously looking at the 22x60 Tak to compliment it' and for my companion spotter to use in unison.

Can members give me good recommendations regarding a tripod and head combo which will do these bins justice...without weighing a tonne (if they must be heavy, then I'm resigned to that). I need a starting place to begin my purchase research.


Many thanks,
Rathaus.

 

[mooreorless]

Hi Rathaus,

I think there is a fellow on here that has both the Zeiss 15x60 and Tak Astronomer. I would think a very good carbon fiber tripod and heavier head would work. There is a thread on here about tripods and heads.
http://www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=451

Here are some links to someone that has the Tak on Cloudy Nights, older thread. Here is what I use for heavier optics Manfrotto 3236 [475B is replacement] and Manfotto 501 head. Not light wt. but I have used it with my Orion 100ED with no problem. This is overkill of course I would think for the Tak 60

http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/36885-zeiss-15-x-60-bgat-takahashi-22-x-60-astronomer/

http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=291192&d=1288573985

http://www.birdforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=291193&d=1288574021

 

[JerryLogan]

Two items to consider for the Tak.

A) TechnoSky eLLe. I have one, it's great with big binoculars. Buy the finder holder, put a red dot in and you're golden.

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop...-for-big-binoculars-up-to-100mm-aperture.html

B) More conventional. You can't go wrong with video fluid head right sized. Benro S8 just to be sure.

Totally off the wall but worth a thought. For what the whole kit is going to cost buy a Zeiss 20x60 IS (used) put a red dot finder on top and a monopod under.
Totally mobile, shoulders won't lock up from binoc weight, and a lot easier to carry around but still as good a view as tripod mounted.

It sounds like a really exciting project. Have a great adventure!
I wish you all the best.
Jerry

 

[Rathaus]

Thanks Jerry and Steve,

I've researched and considered the stabilised 20x60 zeiss, but came to the convpclusion that personally I'd be covering a wider variety of uses with the two...starting with (and possibly only) the 15x60 anyway. That tak is mighty hard to come by. Someone put a link to one for sale a while back but I have not seen one since.

I have an elevated chair and table on my deck. On the table I can use a retracted tripod for some relaxed and up close birding and scanning. Time wise, this accounts for the majority of all my viewing. Sitting with Elbows on the high table up to 10x...mini tripod above 10x. But I definitely need a better tripod for this and the field.

Thanks for the links, I'll start my search.

All the best,
Rathaus