I recently discovered that there are tripod heads that permit fine azimuth and elevation adjustments via screw knobs for cameras, telescopes, et al. I also discovered, though, that most are very expensive. I found one for less than $100, but it seems to have limited adjustments and had some usability complaints in reviews. Even a Manfrotto in the $250 range had complaints about lack of durability. All the rest were $300 and up—much up.

I’m primarily interested in using it with a spotting scope and a camera less often.

Any suggestions? Is it one of those “If you want quality, you’ve got to pay for it” things?

Which Manfrotto?

This one is good, my astrophoto friends say.
XPRO 3 way geared

But, perhaps, take a read of:
Orion 7033

quote:

Originally posted by cjevans:
Manfrotto ...

XPRO 3 way geared

That is a great head, but it's max capacity is just shy of 10 lbs. A friend of mine has it, and he says it works best under 7 lbs.

The Manfrotto XPRO 3-Way is the one I read complaints about durability. Many other reviewers, though, are perfectly happy with it. I’ll give it some more thought.
On the other hand, the Orion looks great for that price.
Thanks.

Any other suggestions?