Re: Spotting Scopes..I am sure asked before
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 737SHARK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are you guys using?? </div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">
Zeiss Diascope 65T FL</span></span> + <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">
Zeiss Vario Eyepiece</span></span> (The Vario Eyepiece is a 15X-45X on the Diascope 65 but 20X-60X on the Diascope 85). I mount my Angled Zeiss 65T FL on a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">
Gitzo GT1550T Traveller</span></span> tripod and <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">
G2285MB QR Adapter Plate</span></span>. Italian carbon fiber + German glass = Sexy!
The Gitzo GT1550T Traveller weighs only 2.2 lbs. with it's small ballhead, and 2.51 lbs. with the G2285MB QR Adapter Plate. Combined with the Zeiss 65T FL its' great for sitting, standing, or prone use. The GT1550T Traveller also has 180 degree-folding legs that allow it to fold down to 14.1" with the QR adapter plate making it ideal for backpacking and travel.
Make sure you shop around! Excellent deals can be had on Zeiss demos and show samples from Cameraland, SWFA, and Liberty Optics. Plus they usually carry Factory Warranties. Gitzo deals are hard to come by but they do come up on occasion. I don't know if you have a "budget", but if you buy a demo setup and find a deal on a Gitzo its' possible to come in under $2K.
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller folded w/G2285MB Adapter:</span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">I applied some foam grips to the upper sections of the legs to protect them from scratches and deaden sound:</span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller folded w/G2285MB Adapter next to Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T:</span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">The foam grips are long enough to fit over and cushion the aluminum ferrules, so I pulled the grips over the ferrules as you can see in the photos below.</span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller w/G2285MB Adapter & Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T. Center Column removed for prone use:</span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">The Gitzo GT1550T Traveller w/G2285MB Adapter & Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T work equally well for left-handed shooters:</span></span>
<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Gitzo GT1550T Traveller w/G2285MB Adapter & Angled Zeiss Diascope 65T. Center Column raised for seated use:</span></span>
Short of a Gitzo, I would get a carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod and a Manfrotto Head. The Manfrottos' aren't as light or as compact as the Gitzo Travellers' and they have a larger footprint when used prone, but a Manfrotto setup will typically cost a LOT less and do almost the same things.
Look at the <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">
Manfrotto 190CXPRO3</span></span> (three section legs) or <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">
Manfrotto 190CXPRO4</span></span> (four section legs) and the head of your choice. You can use them sitting, standing, or prone.
Keith