i have a zeiss spotting scope looking for a tripod for shooting prone which one and what height is suggested ?
spotting scope tripod
- Thread starter patrick021
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Silk Sprint Mini 2 goes from prone to sitting height, very happy with mine. Ball head can be changed to bigger if you have very heavy stuff attached on scope.
Beam in pic can be removed:
SLIK CORPORATION - The most copied line of tripods today
Beam in pic can be removed:
SLIK CORPORATION - The most copied line of tripods today
In my experience you do not get the most out of a good spotting scope without a good tripod.
I use Manfrotto fluid heads and I believe the mass of the head helps to dampen vibration.
They are very precise to aim because the fluid joints have no friction; you do not overshoot the target so that when it springs back it will be properly aimed.
I've yet to use any tripod with a conventional friction clamp (ball or otherwise) that works as well.
Joe
I use Manfrotto fluid heads and I believe the mass of the head helps to dampen vibration.
They are very precise to aim because the fluid joints have no friction; you do not overshoot the target so that when it springs back it will be properly aimed.
I've yet to use any tripod with a conventional friction clamp (ball or otherwise) that works as well.
Joe
Surely there are many good pods matching your original definition- but have not tried them all.
One pic lies more than 1000 words- not my photo, but pretty much shows how it is used:
I use a Manfrotto tripod and head for standing or sitting use...the one with a front release "trigger grip"...they call it the 222 Joystick. REALLY easy to use and now that I have it I wonder what in the heck took me so long!! I used to use one that required fiddling with a handle that had to be turned to release and then, once you found again what you wanted to look at, tightened and you were lucky if what you wanted to see was still in the scope by the time you were done with all this. See a picture it at this place, but others have it: Joystick Head 222 - Joystick | Manfrotto
For my "low mount" that I use when shooting prone and want to look through a spotting scope without having to wiggle around too much, I use this old Freeland that I have used since my military days...the thing has literally been around the world with me and is stout as can be. I added a lead weight to the bottom (you can see the old "C" ration can the lead is poured into) that has a bolt with the right size thread on it embedded in the lead while it as still molten. See the picture.
For my "low mount" that I use when shooting prone and want to look through a spotting scope without having to wiggle around too much, I use this old Freeland that I have used since my military days...the thing has literally been around the world with me and is stout as can be. I added a lead weight to the bottom (you can see the old "C" ration can the lead is poured into) that has a bolt with the right size thread on it embedded in the lead while it as still molten. See the picture.
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That is exactly what I need! But, will it fit a regular scope? I have a angled Zeiss 20-75x85. I now use a Manfrotto with a 322 head, and while it is a wonderful thing, I need something better for prone.
not versatile, but...
My prone/benchtop tripod.
The tripod is a Giottos Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod.
I made the mast on a lathe, although it's possible to just hacksaw the mast that comes with the tripod.
I then fitted it with my favorite head, a Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head.
In hindsight I should have made my mast taller by a few inches, just short enough to retract fully into the tripod when deployed, so the height could be raised. I have not had a problem with the height so far, though.
The tripod is very stable with the spotters I've used, an Optolyth S80 Compact, a Razor HD 20-60x85, and the pictured Zeiss Diascope 85 FL 20-75x85. You may notice the Zeiss is wrapped in a Vortex case. The case is a lot of bang for the buck; Vortex sells them for $60.
I also have a full size Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod with the same fluid head for spotting while standing.
Joe
My prone/benchtop tripod.
The tripod is a Giottos Mini Compact Tabletop Tripod.
I made the mast on a lathe, although it's possible to just hacksaw the mast that comes with the tripod.
I then fitted it with my favorite head, a Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head.
In hindsight I should have made my mast taller by a few inches, just short enough to retract fully into the tripod when deployed, so the height could be raised. I have not had a problem with the height so far, though.
The tripod is very stable with the spotters I've used, an Optolyth S80 Compact, a Razor HD 20-60x85, and the pictured Zeiss Diascope 85 FL 20-75x85. You may notice the Zeiss is wrapped in a Vortex case. The case is a lot of bang for the buck; Vortex sells them for $60.
I also have a full size Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod with the same fluid head for spotting while standing.
Joe
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wow, thats actually a lot more affordable than i thought it would be. I went with a swarvoski branded tripod which works OK but its "traditionally" so prone is a no goSurely there are many good pods matching your original definition- but have not tried them all.
One pic lies more than 1000 words- not my photo, but pretty much shows how it is used:
What about the Slik table top pro one, think that would be good for prone or does the one mentioned above give better stability with the stretch?
If you have a tripod with a central shaft on it you could turn the shaft upside down with the scope upside down and turn the eye piece round 90 degrees to look through while prone. Seen this on another site and seemed to work very well.
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