Jeremyks Report post Posted January 6, 2009 I was wanting to know which bogen tripod head is better for glassing w/ 15s and 80mm sts? anything else out there that is similar in price and quality? thanks Jeremy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 6, 2009 Jay Lopeman recommends the 701HDV for use with his Claw, as the plate is more secure than some lighter Bogen/Manfrotto heads. Should then be sturdy enough for a spotter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stalkincoues Report post Posted January 6, 2009 I really love my Manfroto/Bogen 701rc2. I use it W/ my 15 Swaro's and my 80mm spotter. I have 5 extra quick detach plates and keep one on everything that goes in. Spotter, Bino's, video cam, cam, and one extra for anything else. It has the slide to balance and center the weight so it works great, even for a spotter. I like the looks of the 701 HDV and would get it if it had the same interchangeagble quick detach plates so I'll get another 710rc2 for my 2nd tripod. I guess the hdv is a "true fluid head" making it smoother, even though the rc2 is very fluid in my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elpepe25 Report post Posted January 6, 2009 i love my 390 RC2/ i use it w/ my 15s and spotter on at the same time w/ a dual optics mount and its plenty sturdy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Claw Report post Posted January 6, 2009 Manfrotto got it right with their new heads. The recognized a flaw with their past plate design, such as the RC2 models. It utilizes the 200PL plate. It is slightly faster to engage into the head but the stability of that junction has flaws due to the style of the cam lock. With the new heads, such as the case with the 701 HDV, they introduced the larger 500 PL plates. The plate has to "slide into its slote and then it is locked down. There is significantly more surface area of attachment along a longer retangular shaped plate. This greatly reduces an movement at the plate/head interface. If you are getting a new head I highly recommend the new models, such as the 701 HDV for this reason. You will not be able to use your old plates and will need to buy extra new plates for multiple uses in the field but in or testing it is well worth it. Just our .02 cents. You have to weigh the cost benefits yourself. It will make a difference with heavier higher power optics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kwp Report post Posted January 7, 2009 I have the 701rc2 and really like it! I've used it with a lot of different optics including my 20x80 binos and Swarovski 80mm spotting scope. It's solid yet smooth. No complaints at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore Outdoor Report post Posted January 7, 2009 I own the 700rc2, 701rc2, Jim White Fluid Head and the Outdoorsmans Pan Head. I like the the Outdoorsmans best for my Swaro and Zeiss 15s because it is the quickest and easiest to adjust and it nose bumps left to right exceptionally well. Next it is a toss up between the 700rc2 and the Jim White. For super lightweight I go with a Slik 613cf tripod and the Outdoorsmans Pistol Grip head and it works well for the binos but the spotting scopes are too big for it so i am limited to a doubler for that set up. Wade www.HardcoreOutdoor.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeremyks Report post Posted January 12, 2009 Wade why do you like the 700 over the 701? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
