Heavy tripod for spotting scope

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gunlaker

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lower mainland B.C.
Hi,

I'm looking for a recommendation for a store to buy a heavy tripod for my spotting scope. I'm in the lower mainland of B.C.

I'm looking for something that a spotter can use while sitting in a chair so it can't be too short. It'll be used outdoors in the wind so needs to be heavy and stable.

My current tripod is just not sturdy enough.

Thanks,

Chris.
 
Manfroto makes some very good products. We have a Bushnell 20-60x80 and the "approprite" tripod starts at around $500. Yes, it's very sturdy, but do you need to spend that type of money? I don't know. I picked up ours dirt cheap off Kajiji and bought a spare head adapter, which I bonded with Locktight. This way the adapter is part of the optic and reduces the chance of falling off.

That being said, if you plan on moving the optic attached to the tripod around, then then more expensive unit is the way to go. If the optic will be stationary on the tripod for extended periods of time, you have less expensive options.
 
go to w w w.ray-vin.com/tech/shc/headcompare.htm

This page compares scope heads for mounting a spotting scope and the high lighted names at the bottom will take you to each spooting scope stand makers web site.
With different length rods you can add whatever length you need.
 
You can check out Feisol carbon tripod here: http://store.vancouverphoto.net/feisol
Very high quality carbon tripod; light weight and super sturdy and stable. You can even hang something heavy like your loaded bag under the center column and make it even more stable.
As a photographer, I can say this is one of the best carbon fiber tripod in its price range.
As other mentions, if you dont mind the weight of a aluminum tripod, Manfrotto is a great choice too.
 
Just a quick comment: If you are planning to use this strictly at the range, I really can't see the advantage of carbon-fibre. Light weight will not be a huge plus in this scenario, and you will be able to buy the same degree of stability in aluminum for much less money...or get a much larger, more substantial tripod for the same money. That would be a benefit for you in case you are ever using the tripod in a standing position and need to extend it higher, i.e. if you need your scope at 6-foot height, you are better off with a tripod with long legs that require very little extension of the centre post, as opposed to short legs that necessitate the centre post to stick up 2 feet into the breeze.
 
jjohnwm said:
Just a quick comment: If you are planning to use this strictly at the range, I really can't see the advantage of carbon-fibre. Light weight will not be a huge plus in this scenario, and you will be able to buy the same degree of stability in aluminum for much less money...or get a much larger, more substantial tripod for the same money. That would be a benefit for you in case you are ever using the tripod in a standing position and need to extend it higher, i.e. if you need your scope at 6-foot height, you are better off with a tripod with long legs that require very little extension of the centre post, as opposed to short legs that necessitate the centre post to stick up 2 feet into the breeze.
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This is a good point. Most decent tripods will have extendable legs that raise the tripod up and keep the device attached stable. The one I referenced above (Manfrotto) is the one I own and it goes up to about 6ft.
 
I found an old surveyors transit tripod made of wood and steel. Cant imagine much that could be better and if I need I can hang a sandbag or 3 from it.

Not what I would try to pack sheep hunting though.
 
Weight is not really a concern. It'll be used mostly for BPCR competition and just needs to be steady in the wind and tall enough to use when standing or sitting. I have one of the Manfrotto tripods, but it's a really light weight one and is fine for using at the range but for competition I'd like something steadier to ensure that bullet impacts are not missed when a gust of wind comes up and shakes the scope.

Chris.
 
gunlaker said:
Weight is not really a concern. It'll be used mostly for BPCR competition and just needs to be steady in the wind and tall enough to use when standing or sitting. I have one of the Manfrotto tripods, but it's a really light weight one and is fine for using at the range but for competition I'd like something steadier to ensure that bullet impacts are not missed when a gust of wind comes up and shakes the scope.

Chris.
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Most Manfrotto have hooks underneath to allow sandbags to hang and steady - does yours not?
 
Like so:
qd2NRlA.jpg
 
vagrantviking said:
I found an old surveyors transit tripod made of wood and steel. Cant imagine much that could be better and if I need I can hang a sandbag or 3 from it.

Not what I would try to pack sheep hunting though.
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At Bethune I've seen those surveyor's tripods that were somewhat modified with extra weights bolted to the legs.
This is an absolute neccessity on the Saskatchewan prairies.
 
gunlaker said:
Weight is not really a concern. It'll be used mostly for BPCR competition and just needs to be steady in the wind and tall enough to use when standing or sitting. I have one of the Manfrotto tripods, but it's a really light weight one and is fine for using at the range but for competition I'd like something steadier to ensure that bullet impacts are not missed when a gust of wind comes up and shakes the scope.

Chris.
Click to expand...

If you dont want Carbon Fiber, then you should definitely check out Manfrotto 055 series tripod. Weights over 2kg itself so should be plenty stable.
 
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