Manfrotto 128RC QR Micro Fluid Head

I was looking for a pan & tilt head to use with my spotting scope on a Gitzo Traveler tripod, as I already had an Acratech GV2 ball head for my cameras.The Manfrotto does the job and at a very competitive price.

I purchased this for use on my new manfrotto element tripod. it installs easily and works like a charm. The QR is tight and solid, as it should be. I've used this several times with my spotting scope and have found that the fluid head is a MUST when panning and tracking objects.

I put my Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65 spotting scope with a PhoneSkope and my iPhone 7 plus, and it worked wonderfully. I also used the Vortex Bluetooth Shutter Release that I think is an absolute must in these situations.

Good features: Smooth independent pan and tilt. Adjustable handle angle. Quick-detach plate and locking lever are solid and dependable. Not-so-good: When temperature dips below 30F, the motion becomes stiff and there is some wobble. Below 20F and it becomes annoying.

I wanted a lightweight compact pan head for travel, but this is neither compact nor light. Also, the pan and tilt are way too stiff for a head of this size. I thought it would loosen up after some use, but it did not. Returning it.

Very smooth and sturdy

Very smooth operation.

It works very well, great price point!

I like the 128RC that I bought 4 or 5 years ago and wanted to have a duplicate. I was expecting the new unit to perform the same. However, the fluid pan movement (left-right rotation) on this new unit is stiff even when the tension adjustment is fully opened.

I've tried 2 other heads for my spotting scope. This one works the best. Easy to use and has a nice fluid motion.