Took the plunge eek!

[canoetrpr]

Been going back and forth on whether or not to get a compact decent spotter for an upcoming antelope hunt. I've always ended up springing for Swaro stuff but with less than a month to go some $3k after tax was just not happening.

Found a good deal on a Vortex Razor 15-48x 65mm and took the plunge. Figured might as well have one for the hunt rather than a Swaro after the hunt.

Also picked up the 700RC2 Manfrotto head. Now to look for a decent light tripod. Right now the 055 CX3 seems to be winning. I'm a tad nervous about going too light. If you are using this scope with a particular tripod you really like, drop me a line.

 

[kamlooky]

How about updating your thread here when you decide on a tri-pod and why you
purchased it.
I'm looking to upgrade the short legged toppy legg'uns that came with my big
Burris.
I should of bawt the smaller version spotter daggnabbitt.
Nice spotter for the range, but too big for hunting.

 

[marcoman]

I'm using a Manfrotto 55xprob tripod and 500ah fluid head for stationary setups for long range shooting. It's an incredibly solid system that really allows you to take full advantage of your optic. The fluid head is buttery smooth an allows seamless panning between targets. The downside; its a large heavy setup not well suited for hunting on foot.
The carbon versions of the 190 and 55 series tripods are definitely lighter but also much more expensive. I'd say look at a standard 190xprob. I went with the 55 because I'm supporting a big Zeiss 80mm on it in fairly windy prairie conditions.

 

[TV-PressPass]

Nice! That does sound like a stellar setup. I love my manfroto gear, but Marco's right: it can be a ##### to pack.

Good call on the mid-size razor though! I love my 85mm until its on my back.

 

[canoetrpr]

I think the one I have is the 190Xprob. Too bulky to take hunting I think. Was looking we the 500AH head as well but the 700RC2 is lightweight and compact and I'm told does the job for these smaller scopes.

Almost bought the 500Ah when I was trying to update my setup for my mother of a 100 Konus scope. Decided to spring for this Razor instead so the Konus will be on the EE soon. That is a superb scope for the money but a beast with the 100 mm. Barely made it to the range with me some days it was so bulky.

I'm leaning toward the Silk 634 Carbon Fibre for $250 US. Seems to have good reviews. About a 7lb capacity. Going to use the Manfrotto 700RC2 head.

 

[canoetrpr]

I was right. Got home today and checked my existing tripod and it is a 190XPROB. Specs say it is at 4 lb; which on its own doesn't sound too bad. Just seems bulky. I'm going to start by swapping the head with the 700RC2. That should stablise quite a bit for the new 65mm Razor.

This year I'm hunting in Wyoming so I expect a lot of it will be by truck and not miles of walking and pulling over to get to a few high spots to glass. So might just stick with the 190XPROB although that Silk Carbon Fibre looks like a good deal.