I have a Leupold tri-pod sitting under my spotting scope right now and don't really like it. Kinda flimsy, doesn't adjust very well, kinda flimsy, the quick detach works ok after I lined it with tape to take the slop out, kinda flimsy, the legs are constantly flopping around, and it just doesn't really do what I would like it to. Anyone have any suggestions as to a sturdy, light weight, quick detach, prone to sitting tri-pod?
Best tri-pod for spotting scope?
- Thread starter tnegrin83
- Start date
- Location
- 54°52'56"N 112°10'7"W Alpha Bravo
tri-pod really?!? ... I mean really?!?
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
If you want to use a spotting scope while shooting prone, a tripod will likely not work cause one of the legs will get in your way and the scope is too far over.
There are a variety of stands specifically designed for prone shooting. The better ones are PRICEY but they are solid, heavy and don't fall over in the wind. They should also be easy to adjust while in position and stay put once adjusted.
I am about to get my Ray Vin stand soon. Pricey but a great piece of kit. Unless I back over it with a truck, it will be a heirloom product.
For using a spotting scope while seated as in scoring or viewing another shooter, then any solid camera tripod will work. I found one at London Drugs called the Sherpa. Cost a bit over $100 and has been a great tripod even in some big gales.
Monfrotto is the caddy of this sort of stuff and I have seen some of it in action. LIke all things that you shouldn't ask the price on, very nice to use.
But will not work in the prone position.
The Ray Vin will work for both.
Jerry
There are a variety of stands specifically designed for prone shooting. The better ones are PRICEY but they are solid, heavy and don't fall over in the wind. They should also be easy to adjust while in position and stay put once adjusted.
I am about to get my Ray Vin stand soon. Pricey but a great piece of kit. Unless I back over it with a truck, it will be a heirloom product.
For using a spotting scope while seated as in scoring or viewing another shooter, then any solid camera tripod will work. I found one at London Drugs called the Sherpa. Cost a bit over $100 and has been a great tripod even in some big gales.
Monfrotto is the caddy of this sort of stuff and I have seen some of it in action. LIke all things that you shouldn't ask the price on, very nice to use.
But will not work in the prone position.
The Ray Vin will work for both.
Jerry
I have a Manfrotto tripod and ball head that I use. The ball head is so much nicer to operate than the cheap heads that come on most of the spotting scope tripods. It is way easier to make adjustments on the scope but the lowest the tripod will go it ~16" before the center post hits the ground. If I was only using it for shooting I would probably just cut down the center post as its only purpose is to add height while standing but since I use it for photography as well I don't want to do that.
Manfrotto - 190XB & 486RC2
http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=1669
PS: Manfrotto is more like the Infiniti of tripods, Gitzo is more like the Caddy
Manfrotto - 190XB & 486RC2
http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=286_288&products_id=1669
PS: Manfrotto is more like the Infiniti of tripods, Gitzo is more like the Caddy
biathlonneil
Member
Manfrotto
Nothing but. 30 yr old replacement parts still available. Ram Tough. Go to a pro camera retailer in your hood and jump up and down on them.
-Neil
Nothing but. 30 yr old replacement parts still available. Ram Tough. Go to a pro camera retailer in your hood and jump up and down on them.
-Neil
As mentioned, a camera tripod might not be the best for sitting prone. Having said that, if you have the right one it actually works great
What would work well is a Manfrotto 190 or 55 in PROB version. The PROB has the ability to swing column 90deg ( horizontal ) . This way it hangs the camera / scope to the side. Without this ability, you will have the problem that Jerry mentioned....legs get in the way
While you are at it, the best head I have found ( I have used them all for photography ) is the geared head. Makes it far easier and precise to pan / scan
I have wasted money on many "decent" tripods over the years. They are all now holding lights / reflectors. Its not that much more to buy a good Manfrotto / Gitzo.
What would work well is a Manfrotto 190 or 55 in PROB version. The PROB has the ability to swing column 90deg ( horizontal ) . This way it hangs the camera / scope to the side. Without this ability, you will have the problem that Jerry mentioned....legs get in the way
While you are at it, the best head I have found ( I have used them all for photography ) is the geared head. Makes it far easier and precise to pan / scan
I have wasted money on many "decent" tripods over the years. They are all now holding lights / reflectors. Its not that much more to buy a good Manfrotto / Gitzo.
