While at the range, use one of these for your spotter!

SuperCub

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Wasn't my idea, but a very good one nonetheless.

Under $10 at Princes Auto for the clamp. Spotter was generously gifted to me from "Why not?" :)


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Awesome setup man........now if only benches at local range did not wobble so badly at times.
 
So that was the ransum that was garnered for the release.
Is he still in our town?
Where's me rope?

No issues with the scopie part being mounted side ways or do
you just aim the flat top to the horizon?
 
Ok... I see a normal looking Quick Clamp, but I can't make out the bracket that is holding the scope... Is it just a bore through wingnut into the tripod mount?
 
For those that want to try this and don't already know the standard tripod screw size for scopes and cameras is 1/4-20 or otherwise known as 1/4NC.

So a short length of threaded stud cut from a bolt or length of threaded rod combined with a washer and wingnut would make this work out.

Although what I'd suggest is a little longer threading along with two flat washers with a spring style lock washer sandwiched between. The spring washer will give you some drag instead of letting the scope just fall free as soon as the wingnut is loosened at all.
 
Not a bad idea but why when for $15 @ Princess you can have this http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Video/50-in-Camera-Camcorder-Tripod/8498586.p or if you want to save $2 you can get this http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Video/50-in-Camera-Tripod/8440828.p
Kim

In my experience, those kinds of cheap tripods are absolute garbage. A small breeze will have your scope/camera/video camera/telescope shaking too much to get a clear picture of much of anything. A short, stable tabletop tripod that is the better solution, IMO. Of course, you could go balls deep and get an $800 tripod that would provide a stable platform in the middle of an earthquake, but that isn't really the most cost effective way to go.
 
In my experience, those kinds of cheap tripods are absolute garbage. A small breeze will have your scope/camera/video camera/telescope shaking too much to get a clear picture of much of anything. A short, stable tabletop tripod that is the better solution, IMO. Of course, you could go balls deep and get an $800 tripod that would provide a stable platform in the middle of an earthquake, but that isn't really the most cost effective way to go.

I use the $13 one and have had no problems at all and it doesn't shake like the table clamp would. It is also not in my way on the already full tabletop. I find it shakes it you extend the head very much but if you keep the head in the lowest position it works great IMHO. I didn't think the $15 was as sturdy. They also have some used really good ones right now for $60 that look really nice http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Video/Camera-Tripod/8365157.p
Kim
 
I use the $13 one and have had no problems at all and it doesn't shake like the table clamp would. It is also not in my way on the already full tabletop. I find it shakes it you extend the head very much but if you keep the head in the lowest position it works great IMHO. I didn't think the $15 was as sturdy. They also have some used really good ones right now for $60 that look really nice http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Video/Camera-Tripod/8365157.p
Kim
I am going to look into one of those tri-pods for my chrony though.
 
I use the $13 one and have had no problems at all and it doesn't shake like the table clamp would. It is also not in my way on the already full tabletop. I find it shakes it you extend the head very much but if you keep the head in the lowest position it works great IMHO. I didn't think the $15 was as sturdy. They also have some used really good ones right now for $60 that look really nice http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Video/Camera-Tripod/8365157.p
Kim

There are likely a ton of factors that will go into finding the right bargain tripod for each individual. At the range I (seldom) go to, the tables are rock solid and space is plentiful, so table-top tripods are good to go. In addition, I'm 6'5", so I always have my tripod extended quite a bit, sitting down or other wise. I only took the large tripods twice (I have 2 cheap tripods). After a day of frustration with each one, I went back to using the short tripod that came with my spotting scope.

Whether the legs were extended or just the upper portion with the fishplate, I still had too much vibration in the image. The tilt, pan, and pedestal controls were too mushy to be used quickly - which is not surprising for cheap plastic and aluminum - and, as mentioned, the wind made the targets unviewable at as little as 50m. Never again.

But that is only my experience. A heavy or unwieldy device on top of a cheap, lightweight plastic and aluminum tripod is not an ideal combination, however, if you found a combination that works for you, then enjoy. But it is a crapshoot when you deal in bargain gear.
 
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