Tyler and Tweets, I agree that a tripod has to be sturdy, meaning stiff
and not flexible. Scopes don't weigh much but the whole array can vibrate
or sway in the wind on a flexible tripod. Since I have a scope with a 45
degree ocular I opted for the shortest Bogen (now Manfrotto), which is
lighter than the others but still stiff enough. I try to keep the center
post extended as little as possible since the center post converts the
tripod into a monopod which can sway and vibrate. I also use Bogen's
smallest fluid head, which is designed for video and a bit bulky and on
the heavy side. However, it allows very smooth movement of the scope and,
with its detachable baseplate, allows changing from the scope to a camera
and back extremely fast.
------Herb Curl