Review on 📷 Versatile and Stable: Manfrotto 190X Aluminum 3-Section Tripod for Professional Photography by Eugene Cox

Summary: An excellent tripod and head combination for use with a spotting scope for nature observation. I bought this Manfrotto tripod to use with a birding spotting scope. I use a large and heavy 20-60x-85mm Vortex Viper scope. This tripod is perfect. About two months before the purchase I used two different tripods/heads. First I used a rental from a local camera shop. I don't remember the make or model but it was aluminum with two extensions and a three way head. It did the job but the head was annoying to use. I then borrowed a Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 aluminum tripod with a 502HD Fluid Head Hybrid Video Kit. Again, while the tripod was excellent, the head was not what I needed as the head could not be easily attached. I once used a Manfrotto ball head with this tripod and found that this should never be done. I can't stress enough how poorly the ball head works with a heavy spotting scope. I bought this tripod head combo to use solely to support my spotting scope. After several months of regular use, I confidently give it five stars. Pros: The head is PERFECT for use with a tripod. This is a double sided head with the ability to adjust the resistance. This allows you to quickly move along the coast. You can then increase the resistance to chase the bird once it is detected. The position of the handle can be adjusted according to your needs. When I'm traveling with a tripod, I fold my legs up, lock all the moving parts onto my head, and toss the whole setup over my shoulder. There is no actual spacer on the tripod, so I purchased Home Depot irrigation pipe insulation to act as spacers on each of the legs. That works great. The tripod is easily adjustable. There are several extensions to deal with. Keeps the image stable. Vibrations caused by instability have never bothered me. The tripod is quite light for an aluminum model. It's lighter than other tripods I've borrowed or rented. Considering my scope is so heavy, the weight of the tripod wasn't an issue I thought about a lot. I would highly recommend this setup to anyone looking to pair it with a spotting scope. I can't say anything about its versatility. I haven't installed anything else on this installation. It is worth buying this pair for nature observation.