Tripod for spotting scope suggestion?

[Spcamno]

What tripod do you use for your spotting scope?

Looking for a decent one to use both at the range (bench top if possible) and on the field when glassing, something sturdy not shaky without breaking my wallet.

 

[gunrunner100]

I've been able to find a couple used, all-metal ones. Look for someone disposing of older photography gear.

 

[OkayShooter]

Old VCR tripods work well. But bit big for the bench top.

I have several tripods.

VCR tripod, bench top tripod, then a offset one with 2 bases. Clamp on and stand alone

 

[Buck1950]

I found a good one at Princess a few years ago, a 'Velbon' brand. Full-size photo tripod @ ca $15. I also got a Sony tripod and a Soligor tripod @ Local Salvation Army for ca $10 each gotta shop around. All Aluminium legs with 3-sections, pan and tilt adjustments. The only problem with these is they are VERY light-weight, as they are meant to be carried all over. The down-side is that they are easily blown around if 'breeze' is over 15-20 kliks, even if I hang some weight on the frame. It makes seeing high mag quite instable when I'm trying to see 22lr holes at 100. A better option would be 'Astronomical' tripods that are much heavier, like 20+ lbs., but then you don't have the mobility if not at the range.

 

[OkayShooter]

The mods keep erasing my links to recommendations, so try this quickly. I own this one and I love it, and the price isn't too bad. They come with a 45 degree angle or straight.

Because hot linking to non business sponsors are not allowed. But they are looking for a tripod for a spotting scope. Not a spotting scope. Plus I found the tripod that came with chinese spotting scopes flimsy.

Sometimes you need to make your own.

 

[Buck1950]

HeatC, I have an older Celestron Cavalry 25-75x70 that does OK for 224 holes (on white targets) out to the 175 range I go to. I prefer the 45* instead of straight since I use a full-size tripod next to my shooting position. CZ-457 VMTR on a Primos Group Therapy sled. And some of my 'last' SK+ This is with the Velbon tripod , a beautiful day 25-30* and 5-10K breeze straight in my face ->

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[Buck1950]

PS - I got the scope off Kijiji about 10 years ago. CT was selling them for $200 but I got one the orig owner didn't like for $60 !! He wanted it for Astro- not terrestrial and it wasn't powerful enuf for him. This is the only range within 40-50 miles with over 100 yds and only one of 3-4 at all within 100-miles.

 

[recce]

View attachment 745942

Rob, what is the power of the eyepiece on your spacemaster? I've got a x 20 on mine and am looking for another with more magnification.

 

[OkayShooter]

Rob, what is the power of the eyepiece on your spacemaster? I've got a x 20 on mine and am looking for another with more magnification.

I'm running a variable 15-45x.. But I have a fixed 20x, and umm fixed 40x60( assume 40x 60 degree fov)

 

[geologist]

I have a B&L Discover 15-60X that I mount on an old Black's photo tripod with a ball and socket head.

I also have a Bushnell 15-45X scope and use the small bench tripod that came with it.

 

[recce]

I'm running a variable 15-45x.. But I have a fixed 20x, and umm fixed 40x60( assume 40x 60 degree fov)

Thanks. Now to find a 15-40, didn't see one on the Bushnell web site.

 

[bdb.hunting]

Two things of note. If you want easy fluid pan motion get a video style pan head they usually come with an handle so you can adjust that way rather than using a ball head as they can be annoying when adjusting slightly especially when tracking subjects. (Tons of other options but this wouldn’t likely be the best for you.

Also just pick up an aluminum or carbon fibre travel tripod if you want more affordable. They tend to be light and work for glass without much of an issue usually good up for 10 or 15 lbs. I wouldn’t recommend shooting from them as they really aren’t built for that.

Any camera shop with have the tripods or even Amazon for 100$ range you will be good to go. An you can probably get a pan head cheap as well. Might try Craigslist or marketplace as others have said look for a photographer getting rid of older stuff. Three position legs with twist locks or flip locks would both work for you.

Cheers,
B

 

[Spcamno]

Good day and thanks for everybody's input all very helpful and great information.

Looks like older used professional or higher quality photography or videophile tripod is the way to go without breaking the bank.

Anyone has some pics to share how your setup is?

Thanks

 

[Spcamno]

Just want to post what I have acquired last few days.

With the help and suggestion from you guys especially a very fine gentleman he PM me and suggested some older, vintage professional grade tripod is the way to go so I have picked up these two tripod for a song.

The first one is an old Velbon VGB-3 paid $20 for it and this unit is full metal (cast alloy and aluminium) and the second one is also an older vintage Manfrotto 190 paid $30 and it comes with Manfrotto 108 ball head.

Both unit very sturdy and robust tried with my spotting scope very steady and chances it will get knock over is very slim.

Thinking of convert the Manfrotto to a shooting tripod since its already come with a ball head it will be much cheaper than buy a Bog Death Grip.

Saw the video below on youtube most likely with do the same.

Want to thanks Pete again for the suggestion!

 

[Skullboy]

I have had that exact Velbon VGB3 tripod for 45 years......lol.

But for shooting I use a Leofoto LS 364C Carbon Fibre tripod.