Most birders would probably agree that Bogen makes the best tripods and
heads for the price. A set of legs w/ quick flip-locks and a microfluid head
(w/ quick release) should come in at $150 or so w/ shipping. They are
available from all the standard catalog/internet sources (ABA, EagleOptics,
B&H) and presumably various retail outlets in the Seattle area including the
SAS bookstore. Call for the recommended model or check the catalogs. I also
have a lighter weight set of Bogen legs and Jr. tripod head for travelling.

I had my old Bushnell Spacemaster II scope mounted on a Bogen for several
years before upgrading to a better scope and it made a big difference.

Charles.

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Charles Swift
charless at moscow.com
Moscow, Idaho