Does it have a laser guidance system for those of us who just can't seem to get our scope set before the bird moves?  

I have no trouble with bins, but is there a trick to getting a bird in your scope quickly?


--
J. Steven Huy
Middletown, MD, USA


 
---- Rick Sussman <> wrote: 
 
=============
Hi all,
 I am bringing back the tripod topic, if only briefly. I picked up my  new 
tripod last night and will keep the list abreast of its usefulness. I  purchased 
the (fairly) new Manfrotto 458B Neotec Pro Photo to go under my new  scope. 
My past tripod was the 3021 Bogen/Manfrotto with a 3130 QR micro fluid  head, 
which went beneath my old Celestron C-90, a good combination but fairly  heavy. 
The new combination is about the same weight (also got a new identical  head 
with the new tripod), but since the scope is lighter, it should be more  
manageable.
 The nicest feature of this new tripod is that it has no knobs or  latches to 
open, close, twist, turn or break (or get snagged on, etc.). You  just grab 
the leg and pull to extend them, and they stay anywhere you put them.  The more 
weight, the more the internal locks "grab", up to about 17 lbs. A  simple 
push of a "button" at the top of the legs retracts them to any  position. It is a 
nice dark gray finish, with simple rubber end caps, and  an attached carry 
strap. Possible flaws include nowhere to put foam padding  sleeves. 
 
It is a great design based on a great idea. Time will tell how it works for  
birding/scope use. They also make a very nice monopod of the same design, with 
a  large padded handle which looks as if it could be used as a walking staff  
too.
 
Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD