Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

[beenjammin]

I just got my first spotter and am looking for a table top tripod that wonk break the bank.

I saw the Manfrotto 055XPROB will allow the post to cant allowing the tripod to go very low. Anyone use this for table top work? If so this might be a one size fits all tripod.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

Spend the $40.00 and get the Table Top Tripod . The foot print is very small and you can put it on the bench with the rest of your shooting gear.

Foot prints on a full sized Manfrotto tripod are very large. Great for prone, not so much for a table top.

 

[beenjammin]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

thanks chris, thats funny. I almost clicked buy on that one earlier but when I saw the price, i thought it might be for those small cameras and wouldnt hold a spotting scope.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

the footprint on a 055XPRO is significant. have used them on the ground. on a table.......????

 

[ORD]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

You will need a WIDE/LONG bench to use the 055XPROB for a "benchrest" type setup. With the legs in their shortest position and the tripod fully grounded and the center column placed horizontally, you aren't going to get it to work on your average range bench. I have never tried with mine, but given the real estate it takes up, I can't imagine it'll work.

The nice thing with the horizontal center column on that model is that you can setup the tripod beside your bench, swing the center column out and position it and your spotter close to your shooting position and not have to worry about it sitting on (or getting knocked off) your bench.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

Here is the Manfroto 079B that I use on my Swaro 80mm.
9" footprint is pretty minimalistic but still provides great support for large spotters.

10" from table to the top of the eyepiece on my angled body. I can lay prone and look down through the scope comfortably.

No need for a head, it has ball movement.

If you do decide to add a head, you will need a reducer to reduce the thread pitch of the head. That's what the metallic insert is.

....anyway that's what I use and it works out well. $40 bucks is what it costs so it's a minimal investment.

 

[gotzero]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

I have both the tabletop tripod (usually use for Kestrel) and an X055ProB. I use a straight spotter, and the tabletop tripod even with a ball head is too low for prone shooting or sitting on a table (unless it is at the edge and you can get your head below the table level).

On the other hand, the 055 is a little big for a bench. If I was buying again I would probably have gotten a 190. As a sort of compromise, I took the two extendable leg levels out of my 055. It makes the tripod significantly higher, and reduces the footprint when using the tripod in low settings. I bought some cane end caps for the ends of my legs.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

Ultrapod
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/239963-REG/Ultrapod_PD02010_2_Black.html
$17.40 and made in the US

I carry one in my bag with my point and shoot for video work. It's not going to work well for something like a Zeiss Spotter 60, but for most of the smaller lighter spotters it would work as well as the little manfrotto models. I have used it with a DSLR and large lens, but you need to balance it well and make sure the legs are oriented properly.

I have a 055XPROB for heavy duty work. I have used it on a table, but it dominates the space.

 

[jerseymike]

Re: Best table top tripod: Manfrotto 055XPROB ?

Slik for the table, 055xprob for anything else. Accompany the manfrotto with a pistol grip head and youll be gtg