Tripod and head for spotting scope

[jcw001]

I am trying to find a good match for my Kowa 88a. My hope is to find a good rig that will work well at the range (100-300 yd) and while walking around glassing ahead of the season and following various little creatures I should spot along the way.

I am currently thinking about Gitzo GT3532 with a Gitzo GHF2W or Manfrotto MVH500AH. I will not be using this for my rifles. Does this sound like a good combo?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, and speak with Joel or Jeff as they are our resident tripod guru's

 

[mike278]

You're on the right track. Ball heads and leveling heads work well for rifles, but ball heads kinda suck for spotting scope use, and leveling heads aren't much better.

 

[crankythunder]

I personally own and use this celestron tripod for spotting scopes, camera's etc.

It has its own windage and elevation adjustments as opposed to a ball head or a leveling head. Very stable despite being lightweight. If it is windy out I attach a home made 20 pound weight to the center bracket that really helps with high magnification spotters.

Usually I can find it on amazon but here it is on ebay.

Celestron Heavy-Duty Altazimuth Tripod Best Seller 2023 USA | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Celestron Heavy-Duty Altazimuth Tripod Best Seller 2023 USA at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[jcw001]

I personally own and use this celestron tripod for spotting scopes, camera's etc.

It has its own windage and elevation adjustments as opposed to a ball head or a leveling head. Very stable despite being lightweight. If it is windy out I attach a home made 20 pound weight to the center bracket that really helps with high magnification spotters.

Usually I can find it on amazon but here it is on ebay.

Celestron Heavy-Duty Altazimuth Tripod Best Seller 2023 USA | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Celestron Heavy-Duty Altazimuth Tripod Best Seller 2023 USA at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

That looks like a good deal. Can you confirm it’s 35” folded? I need to be able to put this in a suitcase when I travel. Thanks!

 

[crankythunder]

Might be a bit, I am on vacation and will not be home until tomorrow.

I also think that the head is removable although I cannot say that I have ever taken it off. Plus mine is over 20 years old.

Here is a you tube video with amazon link

 

[crankythunder]

I can confirm that it is 35 inches collapsed (as opposed to folded).

The head does not come off too easily. looks like a 3/4 inch or larger nut is holding it on.

Not sure this would be the best choice to put in a suitcase, it is about 8 inches in diameter.