Spotting scope Tripod Recommendations

Sniffer

Sniffer

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What Tripod is everyone using for their spotting scopes?

I have searched the forum and found a bunch of posts mentioning Manfrotto.

I will be mostly using it at the range from a bench but occasionally prone out in the backcountry too. Is it possible to get a tripod that is adjustable enough to work for both applications? What kind of setup do people even use when prone (is is a tripod or something else cos it doesn't go low enough)?

To be clear I dont see myself lugging it around too much so weight doesn't concern me but I would like it to be solid / strong so there is no shaking or similar and easy to use would be nice.
 
Kowa 883 on a Manfroto standing height tripod. I had a mini but no good if it's on the same table as the rifle.
 
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Sniffer said:
Looks like a spotting scope?

I'm guessing you didnt read the first post.
Click to expand...

I'm a little confused.
He's asking what people are using as tripods for spotting scopes.

I use the tripod shown under the scope, when shooting on a bench.

What did I misread?

Edit: I see now, you were referring to the Kowa 783 post above.
 
Rayvin make a nice one with folding legs and a couple poles that screw together .
CfBssEt.jpg
 
Manfrotto and Slik are both often used from the camera world.

Of course other gun/optic companies in the game are Vortex, Vanguard, etc

More so a matter of what your budget is and intent.

Strictly just a spotting scope? Prone can definitely be done, and that will play a role on if you have a straight lens or angled lens on your spotting scope.

The PIG tripod is robust enough for a gun to be shot off of it, and can collapse out low enough for prone use.
It’s modelled after the Slik700

The manfrotto 055 and 190 models are both popular. They come in many forms, from aluminum to carbon for lightweight.
They have some differences in max height, and weight capacity, but have both been known to be used for rifles, so a scope is easily fine.

Stability, adjustability, weight - these are all the differences you’ll need to consider for your needs.
 
chalkriver2 said:
Rayvin make a nice one with folding legs and a couple poles that screw together .
CfBssEt.jpg
Click to expand...

I use a Rayvin head, on a 2 piece Freeland pole. The Freeland two legged base is not stable enough with my Kowa at full height, so I made a base with three folding legs along the lines of the one in this photo. If shooting from a bench, I set it up to one side of the top. This setup is fine for shooting from all positions, spotting for a partner, etc. Stable on uneven ground.
 
I googled Rayvin and didnt find much. Is it "Ray-Vin"?

If so I might be out of luck:

Screen Shot 2020-05-22 at 18.47.22.jpg
 

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The absolute best spotting scope stand is the Freeland scope stand. I found them listed at nonsponsor centerthegroup dot com which is a Canadian target shooting sport supporter.
 
Too bad about Ray-Vin retiring. I really like the scope mounting head. The single point adjusting is very convenient.
The Freeland has been the standard for decades. The base is great for prone shooting. You can get the scope in close without the stand interfering with the arm. I just find that with the scope at the top of the pole the setup is not all that stable.
 
Manfrotto 190 XPROB tripod and a Manfrotto Befree fluid head on my Swaro. Pretty happy with it so far, but lately have been thinking about upgrading my head to an Outdoorsman Pistol Grip

mvsbIqZ.jpg
 
Id recommend anything that has a fluid head! That is key for positioning the scope on target or panning to observe other stuff. Manfrotto is really good for the money, Benro is also really good. Cant personally comment on a good size, i just use a full size and move myself to make it work.
 
For range work Ewing's scope stands are very solid. Mine has a First Strike scope head. Freeland stands are great for prone shooting but are not as stable as some of the other stands unless you go with one larger rod than the standard 5/8 rod. Creedmoor also make a vey good scope stand. Again these are great for range work but I don't think that I would drag one of these out on a hunting trip.
 
nicely put I own both manfrotto sand only regretted the purchases when paying,

never since


koesdibyo said:
Manfrotto and Slik are both often used from the camera world.

Of course other gun/optic companies in the game are Vortex, Vanguard, etc

More so a matter of what your budget is and intent.

Strictly just a spotting scope? Prone can definitely be done, and that will play a role on if you have a straight lens or angled lens on your spotting scope.

The PIG tripod is robust enough for a gun to be shot off of it, and can collapse out low enough for prone use.
It’s modelled after the Slik700

The manfrotto 055 and 190 models are both popular. They come in many forms, from aluminum to carbon for lightweight.
They have some differences in max height, and weight capacity, but have both been known to be used for rifles, so a scope is easily fine.

Stability, adjustability, weight - these are all the differences you’ll need to consider for your needs.
Click to expand...
 
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