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What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:10 pm
by DavidABQ
The title pretty much says it all.
I have a vintage tripod that got damaged so I am in the market for another tripod. I am using a vintage Bausch and Lomb 15-60 power scope.

So, what does everyone use? Surveyors tripods? Camera tripods, fluid heads, pan and tilt heads, ECT.

Thank you in advance.

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2018 2:15 pm
by hermit5
There maybe newer models but this is a Manfrotto no model number.Its heavy enough to handle a Kowa 82.
The swivel head is a squeezable Manfrotto# 3265,I really like this feature as it very quick for adjustment.
Hope this helps.

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2018 3:19 pm
by shooterer
Ray-Vin

I bought a Ray-Vin scope stand and a decade ago and have been using it for everything from smallbore, high-power and plinking with friends. The mounting head has 1 hand adjustment for height and tilt and a quick release..

It does fall under the "buy once, cry once" category.

http://www.ray-vin.com/tripods/tripods.htm

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 9:08 am
by Jerry G
A big and heavy camera tripod works just fine. A survey tripod is too heavy and bulky and you need to build a special adapter to mount a spotting scope.

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 10:00 am
by Ken Green
I am using an engineer's / survey tripod for my Calbela's Intrepid spotting scope. I purchased this tripod several years ago from a state auction for $30 dollars. I did have to buy the half ball leveling head and the fluid video head that the scope actually mounts to. I am 5'10 and the tripod raises up enough so I can use the scope standing up. It is not a light small tripod. It has some weight and size to it. That helps it to be steady in the wind. I do not worry about the tripod blowing over in the wind. It also does not have a center post to raise the scope. It raises by extending the 3 legs. I tried to attach a couple of pictures but was not able to. I will be glad to email someone pictures of my setup so they can post them. My email is kgreen45@bellsouth.net Thanks Ken

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:25 am
by Jason
I have my spotting scope on a set of Manfrotto tripod legs made for a video camera that I got used off of eBay many years ago. It's similar to this one, but is a much older model that I paid a fraction of that price for.

https://www.manfrotto.us/video-movie-pr ... ipod-black

The tripod head that I have on those tripod legs that the scope attaches to is the Manfrotto 410 (old part number was 3275 and is the same thing) junior geared head. I also got it used and paid much less than this for it.

https://www.adorama.com/bg3275.html

I like that the tripod head has knobs to turn to adjust for windage and elevation instead of just a lever. It's much more precise for moving between banks or animals within a bank for.

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:51 am
by DavidABQ
Thank you gentlemen, there are a couple of different way to go and for me to ponder.

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 5:27 pm
by snaketail2
After 50 years as a professional photographer there are some I avoid and some I love.
Gitzo is the favorite - they come in enough sizes and flavors that you can find one that will work for you.
Manfrotto is the one I will avoid - wanky legs and other issues.
Look at Gitzo and be happy.

Michael

Re: What tripods are members using for spotting scopes?

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2018 6:36 am
by 22ballard
Several years ago I bought a Wally World camera tripod to use with my Kowa 821. While at a match a gust of wind blew it over. Needless to say that bouncing it off the concrete didn't do it any good. I sent it back to Kowa for repairs. The Kowa customer service was awesome, they turned it around very quickly, fixed and adjusted it. The repairs were covered under the warranty and they shipped it back to me no charge. This one of the reasons why I'm a fan of Kowa scopes.
The scratches are a reminder to me - DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON A TRIPOD, even if you have Kowa's customer service to fix your mistake....