Spotting scope tripod advice wanted

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blueskies

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I just bought a Bushnell Elite 15-45x60 spotting scope and was wondering what tripod should I get. I will mainly use the tripod for target shooting off a bench so it does not have to be very large. I'm looking for something that can hold a position and does not shake at higher magnifications.

I was also wondering if you use a tripod for a spotting scope when hunting or do most people just hold the scope?

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
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tripod for spotting, absolutely! I prefer a big one which sits on the ground. I find the smaller ones which sit on the bench spread out quite far and take up too much space. If they don't spread out that much, they're not that stable...

Regardless, I find the #1 thing with spotting scopes for not shaking is having enough eye relief that you don't come into contact with the scope. Forget about hand holding it!
 
I use a heavy stand with two legs that swing out and form a V, and is very stable. It can be used in standing position with the addition of an extension rod for the added height. The cheap stands vibrate like a tuning fork and are annoying. In most cases a person will put considerable thought and money into the scope, but scrimp on the stand.
 
a good photography tripod should do you very well. manfrotto with a ball head.
 
blueskies said:
I just bought a Bushnell Elite 15-45x60 spotting scope and was wondering what tripod should I get. I will mainly use the tripod for target shooting off a bench so it does not have to be very large. I'm looking for something that can hold a position and does not shake at higher magnifications.

I was also wondering if you use a tripod for a spotting scope when hunting or do most people just hold the scope?

Any advice would be appreciated.
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For shooting off the bench you might get away with a small video camera tripod. I have a small Sony tripod that works with my smaller Minox MD 50 spotting scope. The tripod has a small foot print so it doesn't crowd you on the bench but you have to be careful to balance it right so it doesn't topple. You can also rig something underneath to hold weights to give it more stability (this is done with camera tripods as well).

Or you could get a scope mount like the one described above that opens with a V footprint. These are designed for prone competition shooting so you don't have to change position to use it - just tilt your head. Some have a longer rod that might be high enough for bench use. Just remember to weight down the V with a sand bag or shot bag (or even your range bag) so it doesn't topple. These can be expensive though.

I don't use my spotting scope for hunting as I prefer binos in the field but a possible mount for such might be a monopod or a walking stick with a small ballhead. You could rig a sling to carry it while hunting. Don't know if shooting sticks come with a way to mount a scope. Maybe some long range mountain hunters will chime in.
 
Here are some of the stands I use at the range. One belonged to my uncle when he competed in big bore shooting. The camera tripod is a Leitz tripod and is heavy duty.

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