tripod heads

Hi

Only difference is leg height. The 190 is the shorter of the two. Stability is the same. If you are 6 ft or better, go with the 055. Always better to get your height from the legs, rather than extending the center column, when it comes to stablity. Going carbon reduces weight slightly, but improves dampening, but you pay dearly to get it. Only place to go up from [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/bogen-brand.html]Bogen[/link] is Gitzo, but that is much more expensive. [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/bogen-brand.html]Bogen[/link] has been the standard for [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/spottingscopes.html]spotting scope[/link] [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/tripods.html]tripods[/link], forever. Can't go wrong with [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/bogen-brand.html]Bogen[/link].

great - your awesome!
last question - the 190xb vs the 055xb legs. I'd like the lighter weight 190xb, but is it steady enough for a large 80mm scope? are there other legs (brands) worth considering pairing with the 128rc?

Hi

No difference in smoothness. Just means the handle gets a little power boost from a spring when you return it to level. Steadiness and payload is the same.

ok, thanks for the info. does "spring loaded handle action" translate to smoother panning though? also is there any difference in 'steadiness'?
thanks
nils

Hi

The [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell.html]Bushnell[/link] would be a minimum for an 80mm scope, but it will get you by. A 128RC or 701 is a much heavier head and a much better choice for that size scope. The 701 gets you spring loaded handle action and a short balance plate - more a plus for video use than for [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/spottingscopes.html]spotting scope[/link] use,to be honest.

Looking for a [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/tripods.html]tripod[/link]+head for smooth panning with an 80mm scope. Is the [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell.html]Bushnell[/link] 784040 adequate? If not, then I assume I need to go with [link=http://www.opticsplanet.com/bogen-brand.html]Bogen[/link], or are there good ones in between? How does the 128RC compare with the 701RC2? thanks!