To test the new Olivon TRH-16 head, I used on an Olivon TR189 tripod and mounted a 25×100 pair of binoculars weighing 4.7kg on top.

First thing that I noticed was the very small tension adjuster for the tilt. At first it seemed “not right” on a heavy duty tripod head. It soon became apparent that this was not an issue. I,m guessing that there are some clever “dampening springs” inside that help cushion the movement. End result is that even with 4.7kgs of binocular on board, you can set the tension very low, and the head stays nicely in place when you let go. This means you can move heavy binoculars , cameras and spotting scopes with a couple of fingers.

Both pan and tilt movements are silky smooth with no friction felt whatsoever. So I decided to put the dampening to the ultimate test and did something I would not normally recommend.  With the heavy binoculars on board, I moved them along the binocular central bar to make them extremely front heavy. I then set the tension to medium (this is what you would have them set on) and I let go. You would expect to hear the sound of broken glass on metal. But no. The dampening stopped the binoculars before they hit the tripod. 

The TRH-16 is not only suitable for heavy optics, the feather touch movement will also make it ideal for lighter optics such as compact cameras.

No wonder this superb mount was featured in the BBC Sky at Night magazine. At under £100 (at the time of this review) it is well within many peoples budgets

To purchase, or see full specs, click here

To put the Olivon TR-154-11 through its paces, I used a pair of 100mm binoculars. A pair of binoculars weighing 4.7kgs should be a test for any tripod. The TR-154 was up to the job.

The TR-154 comes packaged with an Olivon TRH-11 2-way head.  As well as being heavy duty, the head is easy and smooth to operate. I found with the large binoculars , they moved very fluently with the vertical adjuster set slack. Then when you have found the target, simply a quarter turn of the tension lever, and it stops exactly where you left it.

The head is simple to fix on to the tripod , and matches perfectly. The tripod head plate has a quick release and for added security has a locking pin. The handle can be adjusted to different angles, and can also be fixed on the opposite side of the head.

3 settings for the angle of the tripod legs mean that the TR-154 is also ideal for low level observing / photography, and can easily be rested up against a wall. A low level central column is available an an optional extra.

The tripod comes with a handy little set of tools for adjusting the tension of the leg releases. A foam grip on one leg makes varying more comfortable, and easier on the hands on cold days. A useful hook is on the underside for adding weights to aid stability.

Comes in a very atrractive mat / gloss black finish. At just £154.99 (at the time of this review) represents excellent value for money

For ful specs, and to purchase from Northern Optics, click here