best, solid tripod for a spotting scope?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
177   0   1
Location
Ontario
Hey guys~I've been shooting for 35 years, but only got my first (used) spotting scope a couple of months ago. Handy at the range during load testing, and should be good for spotting targets for my young, apprentice hunter once the groundhogs start popping-up around here! :) I hadn't given the tripod/mount idea too much thought until I used this scope last weekend, and decided the low, light-weight camera tripod probably won't cut it. Worked OK, but not great. Can any of you suggest something better? What do you use? Chances are, I'll be laying prone when using it in hay and bean fields, so nothing too high. I have a good, solid camera tripod if I need to be sitting upright to use it.

Looking forward to the replies,
.22SPOTTINGSCOPEGUY
 
No take out the centre post turn it upside down fed from the bottom and attach scope to it .. it would be adjustable and sturdy from the ground up to the axis of the tripod..

It would be very sturdy from the prone position if your tripod can be reoriented.
 
Inverting column does not work for spotting scope. The legs are always in the way

If you want low support two ways to go

The Manfrotto Pro B ( model 190 or 55 ) is the way to go since you can lower tripod but more importantly swing and cantilever column horizontal . This way you don't have the legs in the way as much

IF you google image Manfrotto Pro B it will become crystal clear on how this tripod will suite your needs

Other option is get a dedicated ground level tripod. There are some really nice but insanely expensive ground level tripods out there ( Really Right Stuff for example )

If you are spotting for someone then you can just get a decent tripod with short column since the all fold fairly low now but the Manfrotto Pro B is the way to go if you are lying prone with a rifle and want to lean over to peer through a spotting scope
 
TRG-42 said:
Inverting column does not work for spotting scope. The legs are always in the way

If you want low support two ways to go

The Manfrotto Pro B ( model 190 or 55 ) is the way to go since you can lower tripod but more importantly swing and cantilever column horizontal . This way you don't have the legs in the way as much

IF you google image Manfrotto Pro B it will become crystal clear on how this tripod will suite your needs

Other option is get a dedicated ground level tripod. There are some really nice but insanely expensive ground level tripods out there ( Really Right Stuff for example )

If you are spotting for someone then you can just get a decent tripod with short column since the all fold fairly low now but the Manfrotto Pro B is the way to go if you are lying prone with a rifle and want to lean over to peer through a spotting scope
Click to expand...

This is good advice. I'm going to buy a Manfrotto 055xprob, just need to figure out what head I'm going to put on it. I originally never figured I'd be spending $300+ on a tripod but after using a buddies on the weekend (190 series) I am sold. I have a Zeiss spotter mounted on a mediocre tripod and it really diminishes the capability of the spotting scope. Every wind gust or vibration distorts the image. The Manfrotto is rock steady and allows you to get the most out of your set-up. Theyre not cheap but like almost anything worth owning if you buy quality you only need to buy once.
 
Last edited:
marcoman said:
This is good advice. I'm going to buy a Manfrotto 055xprob, just need to figure out what head I'm going to put on it. I originally never figured I'd be spending $300+ on a tripod but after using a buddies on the weekend (190 series) I am sold. I have a Zeiss spotter mounted on a mediocre tripod and it really diminishes the capability of the spotting scope. Every wind gust or vibration distorts the image. The Manfrotto is rock steady and allows you to get the most out of your set-up. Theyre not cheap but like almost anything worth owning if you buy quality you only need to buy once.
Click to expand...

Look at video heads for your tripod. Lots easier to manipulate than a ball head.
 
Just bought a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and MVH500AH fluid head. Insanely nice setup!!! Way more than I ever thought I'd spend on a tripod setup but I feel pretty confident it'll be the last I ever buy.
 
Most camera style, bird watching type and table top tripods are not well suited for prone shooting. There are a few like Freeland, Ray-Vin, First Stike, Creedmore and Ewing and are very popular scope stands that you will see at any target rifle event.

w w w.ray-vin.com/tech/shc/headcompare.htm
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom