Mary,

I use a fluid pan head (video type) for both spotting scope
and telephoto lenses. This type of head is so nice to use if
you ever follow a bird in flight and you can also make minute
adjustments in the position of your instrument with ease. The
Bogen 3130 is a convenient one that has a quick-release for
switching between scope and lens. This is a nice one because
the quick-release has a lock on it for positive attachment.
I'm not sure what it is "rated" to in weight but it can
probably hold at least five pounds. I also use a 3063 which
is rated to about 12 pounds for heavier lenses and have used
it for lenses over that weight (although, not with a lot of
confidence). It also has a locking quick-release plate but
this one is larger and heavier than the 3130. Many birders
use the 3130 and I've never heard anyone complain about it.

Ed Schulz
Everett, WA

-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Schlarbaum <mary at localaccess.com>
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Date: Monday, March 22, 1999 7:52 PM
Subject: Tripods and heads


>Hi Tweeters,
>
> I know there's been much discussion over tripods, but
when I switched
>computers I've lost the messages I'd been saving. I know
most of you
>recommend the Bogen 3021 tripod, but what about heads? My
husband's camera
>is a slr Pentax with his largest lense being a 300.
Sometimes he uses my
>spotting scope as a lense also. What do you all recommend
for a head?
>
>Mary Schlarbaum
>Chehalis, WA 98532
>mary at localaccess.com
>