which bogen / manfrotto head?

here's the skinny:

- i've got a william optics megrez and some cameras.
- i have a tripod, but don't know what head to mate with it.
- i can't decide between a video head, geared head, or pan/tilt head.
- i don't know what the advantages/disadvantages of each are with regards to terrestrial photography, birding, astrophotography, and viewing.

is there a single head which will allow for fluid motion while viewing through my scope and allow me to contort it enough for photography?

thank you for your wisdom.

ds

Hi Donald - after much research and talking to others, I've decided on the Bogen 503 Pro video fluid head mounted on a Berlebach ash tripod with center column... The head has an internal spring to counter balance a 5.5 lb load (scope) -- or you can save $100 and get the 501 head that does not have the counter balance feature. I'm going to use this combo with a large spotting scope. This should provide for smooth, shake free movement in alt and az... I'll post later once I've had a chance to try it out.

Donald,

The problem with any of the photo/video heads is that they're designed for the compact, axial load of a camera. A telescope tube imposes a moment arm load on the mount, and the photo/video heads that I've seen don't have the range of friction to hold the scope steady once you point higher than 45º or so. If you tighten the altitude tension enough to hold the scope, it's very difficult to move the scope up and down smoothly.

I think you'll be happier in the long run getting a tripod which will accept a photo head of appropriate size for your camera, and a good alt-az mount like a Unistar (the Light would be fine if your Megrez is 80mm aperture, otherwise the regular), or a Telepod. My preference would be the former (Unistar light or regular). Bogen/Manfrotto tripods have a 3/8" stud at the hub which would work for either of the alt-az mounts mentioned, and perhaps the photo head as well. However, you may have to get an adapter to reduce the 3/8" stud to 1/4" if required for the photo head. That's a $10-12 accessory.

Jim

Consider a 3 axis head like the 3047 and mount the scope "sidesaddle"....

See:

http://www.astromart.com/messages.asp?message_id=149798&page=

jon

Donald: I mounted my Celestron 102 f/5 with Telrad and a 9X50 finder (I like finders, even on "grab and go" scopes) on a Borgen 3047 after reading a number of messages on the forum. Mount side saddle. It works great.
Ed

There is nothing smoother than a Giro mount. Once you have the scope balanced, you push it like a dob and it stays put. That is what I use for my Maxscope 40 solar scope, and I just started using it for birding with my Televue 85. I have the Mini Giro, you will probably have to get the regular size Giro.
Ralph

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