What Gitzo tripod head is best for a birding spotting scope?

Known for being one of the top brands for tripods and tripod heads, Gitzo makes a wide range of products. Many tripod heads can be used very effectively in combination with tripod legs from a different manufacturer, provided that the attachments are compatible.

In some instances, though, overall functionality is smoother when combining products of the same brand. Whether it’s logical or not, things just seem to fit together and flow better!

So, many people who already have Gitzo tripod legs choose to stick with Gitzo when looking to change or upgrade to a new tripod head. As Gitzo offers so many suitable tripod heads to choose from, we have compiled a shortlist of options that suit the requirements of birders looking for a durable, stable support for a spotting scope.

Here’s an overview of Gitzo’s best tripod heads, before we go into more detail with the reviews.

Quick comparison: Best Gitzo tripod head for birding spotting scopes

Reviews: Best Gitzo tripod head for birding spotting scopes

In this review section, we list all the most important specifications of each product along with a summary of its main features. For each model there is a quick summary of its pros and cons, before a fuller review of how it performs.

As price is always a key consideration, we have included the facility to check the current price so that you can also compare from that point of view.

Best Gitzo tripod head for birding spotting scopes – two-way head

Gitzo GHF2W 2-Way Fluid Head Overview

This fluid head features two fluid cartridges that contribute to a smooth panning action around the whole 360°, as well as the lateral tilt that ranges from -60° to +90°.

Each range of movement can be locked independently. The knobs are of a good size and nicely firm to operate. They are streamlined into one location, with the pan lock knob centralized within the tilt locking knob, making it simple to use with one hand.

Though, strangely it seems difficult to totally immobilize the movement, leaving a little bit of play no matter how far you turn the knob.

This might not be a problem for most users. Digiscopers or still photographers, however, might experience this as more of an issue.

Hold still with the spring-loaded counterbalance

The counterbalance system will hold the spotting scope still without you needing to hold it all the time. This is a major bonus for a tripod head of this size and budget.

It has the effect of giving a smoother up and down movement, less jerky through the tilt range. This is particularly useful for spotting scopes at the larger or longer end of the scale.

While on the subject of weight, it’s advised to stick to the lower end of the recommended payload, particularly if intending to use this tripod head for digiscoping.

Common Arca-type attachment

The plate is an Arca-type standard, with rubber cushioning that helps to hold still whatever is attached to it, stopping it from twisting. The fitting is likely to accessorize well with other plates, unlike the Manfrotto standard used by many other tripod heads.

Minimal design profile

The unit looks sleek and slim. Its profile seems small in comparison to other two-way fluid video heads in this category.

Its unfussy appearance translates into easy usage and a smooth pan using the panning handle, which attaches on the right hand side.

The panning bar can also be removed in case you don’t like to use it (though it minimizes vibrations through the spotting scope), or so that it can be packed away.

Shame it’s missing a bubble level

The significant component that is missing is a bubble level, which would help enormously with setting up. It is true that some tripod legs incorporate their own bubble level, or even two or three.

But if you don’t already have that you might find it more helpful to opt for a fluid head that does have a bubble level.

That said, the inclusion of both a counterbalance and a fluid damping system count as important bonuses at this level of budget, still managing to maintain a small size and weight. Overall, it’s a win for Gitzo.

For other small and light tripod heads for birding, take a look at this post: Best lightweight compact tripod heads

Best Gitzo tripod head for birding spotting scopes – three-way head

Gitzo GHF3W 3-Way Fluid Head Tripod head Overview

The Gitzo GHF3W is one of the lower profile tripod heads, standing less than five inches, but marginally heavier than the Vanguard and Benro that we mention here. It’s made of aluminum and ultra-light magnesium.

The quick release has been updated on this model. It is an Arca type plate with release mechanism.

The twistable bubble level is an innovative touch. Instead of adding multiple levels, Gitzo has developed this one that can be turned according to whether you are setting up for vertical or horizontal alignment.

Firm, retractable handles

The levers are retractable and are one of the tripod head’s best features. They are not too dissimilar to those on Manfrotto’s XPRO.

Not only are they strong, but they also retract. This contributes to compactness.

Flawless fluid movement

Vertical tilt is from -70° to +90°. Lateral tilt range from -30° over to +90°, while the pan reaches around the full panorama of 360°.

There are three separate fluid cartridges, one for each plane of motion. So with this complete fluid damping, it’s a very smooth ride across all those ranges.

For other three-way tripod head options, feel free to check this list > The best three-way tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

Best Gitzo tripod head for birding spotting scopes – ball head

Gitzo GH1382TQD Center Ball Head Series 1 Traveler Tripod Head Overview

This is the Traveler version of Gitzo’s GH1382QD range, which means it’s lighter, slimmer and less heavy duty. Its contours please the eye and the build quality is high, justifying the similarly high price.

The slim profile is designed to allow the ball head to fit within the folded legs of the Traveler series tripod. However, the mounting plate is compatible with most Arca Swiss plates so the GH1382QD will work well with other brands of tripod legs.

Smooth ball motion

The movement of the ball is very smooth, thanks to its coating. Fans of precision adjustments will be happy with this motion, which includes sufficient amounts of friction.

The tension can be set via a dial. Knobs on the Gitzo are on the small size, in comparison with the locks and levers on the other tripod heads we mention here. They have a rubber coating on them, making them grippable.

The panning range is clearly marked on the base. The bubble level is clearly visible.

For more ball heads tripod heads for birding, check out this article > The top 5 ball head tripod heads for birding

How to choose between Gitzo’s tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

What should you prioritize when it comes to the key features of a tripod head?

To summarize, the main considerations for most birders include:

• Stability
• Size
• Price

For a more in-depth discussion of what the terminology means and how to identify which features are most important to you, feel free to read here: How to choose a tripod head for a spotting scope

Which model seems like it would best suit your needs? What size of scope does it need to hold? Will you be swapping over from spotting scope to camera very often?

Often choices can be narrowed down by what seems like small features.

Will you need a bubble level, or do you already have one on your tripod legs? Do you prefer a handle with a rubberized grip or one that is milled metal?

Buying the Best Gitzo tripod head for birding spotting scopes: next steps

Finding a tripod head to give a stable base for your spotting scope hinges on what is most important to you. With reference to our ‘how to choose’ article, you have an overview of what to look for when making your purchase.

We’ve highlighted some of Gitzo’s most eligible tripod heads available. Along with the specifications of our favorites, we offered reviews summing up their pros and cons. We also highlighted the main features of each tripod head.

If you are considering an upgrade to your exisiting tripod head, and searching specifically for a Gitzo head, then you have some solid options to choose from. It’s a sensible strategy, if you already have Gitzo tripod legs, to stick with a brand that has already proved its worth.

If you are thinking about buying your first Gitzo product, we hope that by compiling and comparing this shortlist, we’ve offered a helpful overall perspective of tripod heads that are especially suitable for bird-watching spotting scopes.

Feel free to click through to continue reading about the best tripod heads offered by some other brands. While Gitzo benefits many birders, there is a wealth of top manufacturers to choose from.

In this round-up you can read about an alternative brand’s offering of tripod heads > Which is a good Benro tripod head for a birding spotting scope?

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to help you with your research!