Is the "ball head" you mention is the type that pivots in all directions,
as a ball and socket?
I find these quite annoying. They tend to flop over with the least amount
of movement.

Often when using a scope you are panning across a straight line, either up
and down, or horizontally, like over the mudflats. The Bogen, now
Manfrotto, Micro Fluid heads (#3130) are the best by far,either with the
quick release or not. These heads hold one dimension steady while moving
in the 2nd dimension. And mine has held up very well in the 4th dimension,
too.


Tom Schooley, Olympia WA , dunlin at mail.tss.net
"The earth that directed itself instinctively in its former phases
seems now to be entering a phase of conscious decision
through its human expression." -Thomas Berry

----------
> From: Michael Conner <mtconner at home.com>
> To: tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Tripod Head
> Date: 06 January, 2000 9:22 AM
>
> I've been looking to purchase a tripod and head and am looking for any
> information, web sites, etc., that anyone might know about.
>
> I will be using it initially with my old Bushnell Spacemaster, but with
> hopes of upgrading to a better telescope next year (like many of us I
have
> to buy my toys incrementally). I intend to use it primarily for birding,
but
> occasionally for very amateur photography.
>
> At this point I'm leaning towards a Bogen 3021 tripod which seems to have
a
> bit more weight and stability than the 3001 I had originally considered,
but
> isn't as heavy or bulky some of the larger models. I've read a couple of
> reviews online and this seems a reasonable choice to me at least.
>
> I'm more confused about the tripod head than the tripod. I haven't found
any
> information other than sales prices. For some reason I'm leaning toward
the
> Bogen Grip Action Ball Head 3265, but have no particular reason except it
> seems kind of fun to use the grip for adjustments. Does anyone have any
> thought about this? I have some concerns that the grip will be more prone
to
> wear than a more traditional head.
>
> Finally, any thoughts on the carrying strap and the case?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Michael Conner
> Bellingham, WA
> mailto:mtconner at home.com
>