Spotting scope tripod??

[trytough]

I just bought a new vortex razor spotting scope and was wanting to get some ideas as to what tripods are good.  I know its all about how much you spend but im looking for a mid range price 150-300$  thanks for the recommendations.

[Skyvalhunter]

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,98257.msg1274895.html#msg1274895

[NWWA Hunter]

I bought one on camofire. I think the brand was vanguard and it's carbon fiber with a pan head. I think the price was roughly $200 and it's awesome

[MisplacedAlaskan]

I have a couple Gitzo's and they are great.

[elkaholic123]

I got a Benro light weight model, it is basically the same as several higher end models but with the Benro name 
C0580F model#

[returnofsid]

Check into camera tripods also, as they might be less expensive, for the exact same thing.  The only difference to be aware of is that SOME (very few) Spotting Scopes have a larger diameter threaded mounting hole.  Most Spotting Scopes have the same receiver size as cameras.  I just picked up a very nice tripod from Huppins (Specialty Camera Shop in Spokane), for under $100.00 (regular price was much more).  Their website is http://www.onecall.com/

[Bean Counter]

Check into camera tripods also, as they might be less expensive, for the exact same thing.  The only difference to be aware of is that SOME (very few) Spotting Scopes have a larger diameter threaded mounting hole.  Most Spotting Scopes have the same receiver size as cameras.  I just picked up a very nice tripod from Huppins (Specialty Camera Shop in Spokane), for under $100.00 (regular price was much more).  Their website is http://www.onecall.com/

Be careful with this strategy.  You don't want a head whose bearings are only rated to the weight of a camera and not a much heavier spotting scope. Will it work? Probably... Will it pan comfortably? not likely. I spend hours behind my optics from very high vantage points. The ability to pan smoothly back and forth is imperative for effective glassing. 

[huntnnw]

depends how much you will use it...lotta use you want a good head and tripod. Manfrotto fluid head is the best IMHO

[Heredoggydoggy]

I resisted buying a spotting scope for a long time, until those Window Mount attachments came out. (about $35 at the time.)  They work great for sitting in the warm vehicle and panning the hillsides for herds of deer.  For use at the range, I welded a flat piece of metal onto an old C-clamp, and clamp it to the bench to see the target.  I also have a cheapie Burris spotting scope on an old camera tripod that I used to write down license numbers when there was a drug house across the street, but it is easily knocked over. 

The Rancher in Oregon where we shoot Ground Squirrels liked my window mount, so we got him one, but he had to run a 1/4-20 tap into the mounting hole in the Leupold scope he had to inspect his cattle herds so he could use it.  Most cameras and scopes have a 1/4-20 thread for a tripod mount, but his was some similar thread, probably Metric.     

[Jingles]

IMO a camera tripod would be more than adequate as I use a Camera Tripod on My FoxPro E caller and it is more than sufficient

[returnofsid]

Check into camera tripods also, as they might be less expensive, for the exact same thing.  The only difference to be aware of is that SOME (very few) Spotting Scopes have a larger diameter threaded mounting hole.  Most Spotting Scopes have the same receiver size as cameras.  I just picked up a very nice tripod from Huppins (Specialty Camera Shop in Spokane), for under $100.00 (regular price was much more).  Their website is http://www.onecall.com/

Be careful with this strategy.  You don't want a head whose bearings are only rated to the weight of a camera and not a much heavier spotting scope. Will it work? Probably... Will it pan comfortably? not likely. I spend hours behind my optics from very high vantage points. The ability to pan smoothly back and forth is imperative for effective glassing. 

Camera Tripods list the weights that they are rated for.  I'm willing to bet that my camera, along with my largest lens, (in fact, just about any DSLR and average lens) weigh much more than most spotting scopes.  Also, most modern tripods do not even contain bearings.  The heads work with fluid dynamics. If you get a quality tripod meant for videography, it'll pan most effectively.

[livnright]

i just order a razor spotting scope from elknut in idaho and he was saying that vortex is coming out with a new one 1st of may. he seems to think it will be a good one you might give him a call. think it will be arond $125

[liljozie495]

Will you be using it for packing in on high hunts where weight and etc. matters or will you be just using it more or less close to your rig and what not? If you can find that camo fire deal on that carbon vanguard it's super worthy! Also ebay is very good too iv passed on a few good tripod deals for my razor hd spotter on there.

[watty22]

I use a slik tripod with a vanguard head. Its an awesome little setup that is is pretty light. I purchased them from Steve at sandsarchery.com, he is a pretty helpful guy if you talk to him. I attach a quick release plate to all the gear that I use so I can switch between a spotting to a camera in seconds. Hopefully this helps. If your looking for a tripod that extends further look into the slik 634.


Slik 624 Pro CF Professional Carbon Fiber Tripod
Vanguard PH-111v 2-way pan head
Promaster 6160 quick release plate

[sirmissalot]

A quality spotting scope won't do you much good without a quality tripod. Lightweight is nice but you don't want too light, and a fluid head is a must in my opinion.