Tripod for USO spotter

[BigBlue&Goldie]

I'm in need of a tripod/head for a USO spotting scope and I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground about these things. Ideally, I would like a setup that would work well at the range and out hunting, and pull double duty for my girlfriend who is just getting into photography. I don't mind spending $300 or so for a decent setup, but I'm not looking to spend much more.

For those of you who are knowledgeable, does the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 322RC2 meet these requirements well?

 

[ORD]

Re: Tripod for USO spotter

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Ideally, I would like a setup that would work well at the range and out hunting, and pull double duty for my girlfriend who is just getting into photography. I don't mind spending $300 or so for a decent setup, but I'm not looking to spend much more.

For those of you who are knowledgeable, does the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 322RC2 meet these requirements well? </div></div>

I currently run an 055XPROB with the 322RC2 head (actually, I broke my 322RC2 a while back and just upgraded to the new offering which I think was the 327RC2 if memory serves). I love this combo for my spotter for range use, birding, photography, as well as a rifle/carbine shooting platform with a different head configuration. It is supremely flexible inasmuch as you can use it from grounded/prone (with the horizontal center column swung out) all the way up to the standing position and it will support a considerable amount of weight without missing a beat. However, it isn't as light nor as compact as other Bogen/Manfrotto offerings. If I was going to be humping it around the woods, up and down mountainsides, etc., I would consider nothing heavier/longer than the smaller brother of the 055 which is the 190XPROB as it saves weight and overall folded length without giving up much performance or capability (and the 190XPROB with the head you want can be had as a combo for around the $250 mark). There are also carbon fiber offerings from Manfrotto (and others) that will save you a bit more on weight (but cost you more in price). It all comes down to how you will be using it and what you are comfortable with in terms of the size/weight/amount of gear you are packing into the field for hunting, but for range use and a wide variety of photography situations...the 055 has few equals in my experience.

If you run a search of the Hide for tripods, I think you'll find that the above-mentioned tripods are highly regarded. That search will also likely yield you several other options from manufacturers like Gitzo, Giottos, Slik and others with which I am not as familiar.

Good luck!!

 

[lazy21]

Re: Tripod for USO spotter

Hey bro, have you looked into the spotter kit from USO?

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Tripod for USO spotter

Thanks ORD.

Lazy21, I just worked a deal with another member for the scope/case/caps, so I'm only in need of the tripod and head.

What tripod and head come in the kit?

 

[lazy21]

Re: Tripod for USO spotter

here are the links to tripod/head

http://www.usoptics.com/uso-gear/manfrotto-aluminum-tri-pod-190-xprob.html

http://www.usoptics.com/uso-gear/manfrotto-joystick-head-322rc2.html

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: Tripod for USO spotter

Thanks, I missed them when looking through USO's website.

Does the Manfrotto work well for hunting? I feel like it might be a pain in the ass when setting up on the side of a hill or in other awkward positions.

I like the combo, as it appears it would also work well for the girlfriend's photography or even a more traditional spotting scope when I can pony up the cash for one of those.

 

[ORD]

Re: Tripod for USO spotter

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks, I missed them when looking through USO's website.

Does the Manfrotto work well for hunting? I feel like it might be a pain in the ass when setting up on the side of a hill or in other awkward positions.

I like the combo, as it appears it would also work well for the girlfriend's photography or even a more traditional spotting scope when I can pony up the cash for one of those. </div></div>

I have used my 055 and other Bogen/Manfrotto tripods in the field and they are not tough to get setup (again...depending on exactly WHERE you are trying to get them setup). Ultimately, you may find it useful to invest in a set of spiked feet for your tripod depending on the terrain and the surface you will be setting up on. I have a set of retractable spiked feet for mine that have served me well over the years.

The USO combo is for the 190XPROB I previously mentioned, as well as the 322RC2 grip head. It is a nice package...especially with the case which gives you everything for your spotter kit in one nice package that's fairly easy to tote around. I have my spotter/tripod/etc. in a similar modular case that was designed for an SBR. It has tie-down/velcro straps for everything and works well to keep everything protected and together when transporting to the range...I have also strapped mine onto a pack for easier carry when it is more than just the truck to the firing line for setup.

I have tended...in recent years...to grab my PRS Medium tripod for hunting or humping around the woods just because it is incredibly small when collapsed yet offers plenty of support in the field and it is extremely light. Here is a link to PRS (run by Hide member "Platypus" aka Danel Jenkins): http://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/ I cannot highly recommend Danel's products (and the man himself) enough...stand up guy, great tripods/cradles...a first-class act all around. While the Slik tripods Danel uses are not necessarily in the same realm as the dedicated tripods like the 055 and 190 from Bogen/Manfrotto, they are still very capable units...again...just depends on your particular needs.