Tripod for spotting scope

[Blench99]

Any recommendations for a tripod for spotting scope, will be used for standing, preferably with arca swiss attachment, thanks

 

[willie_gunn]

Any particular budgetary limitations?

If not, I trust my expensive photography kit to a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod topped with - depending on the specific application - either a Kirk or a Novoflex ball head.

 

[Alan2791]

I’ve got two Vortex carbon ones can’t fault them

 

[Blench99]

Don't want to spend loads, don't think it will get used that much tbh

 

[willie_gunn]

Then I'd suggest have a look for something like a second-hand aluminium Manfrotto 055 on eBay.

The tripod that Swarovski used to sell for use with their spotting scopes was made by Manfrotto - it was a re-badged Manfrotto 055CLB.

 

[Len the dog]

If you want the ultimate in sturdy & cheap, buy a 2nd hand survey tripod, and I mean the proper wooden survey tripods not the flimsy aluminium ones for levelling. You would need to find a way of attaching your arca mount to it but it will be rock solid.

 

[Klenchblaize]

If you want the ultimate in sturdy & cheap, buy a 2nd hand survey tripod, and I mean the proper wooden survey tripods not the flimsy aluminium ones for levelling. You would need to find a way of attaching your arca mount to it but it will be rock solid.

But who has the desire and stamina to cart the equivalent of a 6.5 Creedmoor PRS around the woods?

K

 

[FISH BOY]

Was in the same boat recently - got a Giottos off eBay for £20. Goes 6ft high.

Ally one, but rock solid - really pleased with with it.

 

[Cyres]

No end of SH tripods in charity shops. Normally £10/15
D

 

[Greenmist]

If you want the ultimate in sturdy & cheap, buy a 2nd hand survey tripod, and I mean the proper wooden survey tripods not the flimsy aluminium ones for levelling. You would need to find a way of attaching your arca mount to it but it will be rock solid.

If you get a proper survey tripod, leica or similar, the aluminium ones are solid, easy enough to fit an arca ball head using a bolt and washer,
Not much use for you standing, but I mount my spotting scope like this, certainly more stable that a tripod

file won't download for some reason

 

[Greenmist]

A lot more forgiving than a tripod, although only good for prone

 

[willie_gunn]

A lot more forgiving than a tripod, although only good for prone

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That is a great job and very neat indeed!

Get's me wondering whether the wood (?) could be replaced with with either an old rifle stock, or perhaps a suitable picatinny/Arca rail with the bipod attached at the front and a pistol/foregrip at the rear to which you could attach the monopod.

If you then attached an Arca clamp to the top of the rail and an Arca plate on the scope base you could easily swap the scope between this and a regular tripod.

Now that would be a fun project!

 

[Klenchblaize]

A lot more forgiving than a tripod, although only good for prone

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What is/was wrong with a purposefully positioned forearm and a suitably elevated clod of heather?

Can't argue with your choice of colour though!

K

 

[Greenmist]

What is/was wrong with a purposefully positioned forearm and a suitably elevated clod of heather?

Can't argue with your choice of colour though!

K

I don't use it for that purpose when on the stand

 

[Greenmist]

That is a great job and very neat indeed!

Get's me wondering whether the wood (?) could be replaced with with either an old rifle stock, or perhaps a suitable picatinny/Arca rail with the bipod attached at the front and a pistol/foregrip at the rear to which you could attach the monopod.

If you then attached an Arca clamp to the top of the rail and an Arca plate on the scope base you could easily swap the scope between this and a regular tripod.

Now that would be a fun project!

Theres a guy at the range I use has a spotter mounted on an old stock, oh mine isn't wood either, its aluminium box section taped up