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Tripod for spotting scope

M

Mike Moorhead

Private
Minuteman
May 13, 2018
27
7
Gentlemen: As I am very new here, please forgive my ignorance and inability to search threads. However I am looking for advise on a quality (although not much more than $250) tripod for my spotting scope> I have a leupold 20x60x80 gold ring with impact reticle. I am scheduled to take a "Basic long range precision rifle class next month and would appreciate your input. Tripod will be used from the prone position almost exclusively.
Thanks in advance, Mike
 
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If you're using it for prone position primarily, you will need a tripod without a center column and one that's legs go almost horizontal to get it close to the ground. I don't know of a camera tripod that fit's your needs and budget. A camera tripod that goes that low takes up a lot of space on the ground. See the following photo of my Feisol 3472 tripod with RRS Anvil 30 head, when down low, it takes up ground space around 4 feet across
IMG_2454.jpg
:

I would suggest a spotting scope stand for shooting like is commonly used by smallbore and high-power shooters target shooters. The following is from Creedmoor Sports that would fit your requirements and are around your budget:
https://www.creedmoorsports.com/product/910/Scope-and-Stand-Accessories
C1011.png

You will want the zoom head which has a 1/4"x20 mount to put your spotting scope on. Creedmoor also has bipod type spotting scope stands like the Freeland, but I've seen too many of them tip over and damage spotting scopes. I will only use a tripod (three leg) spotting scope stand.
 
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Haven't tried a ton of tripods but I have been happy with my summit ss. Not a very good tripod for standing. But for packing and for sitting on your butt to glass it has been great for me. Lightweight and packs up small. I like the twist lock legs and its been durable. I run my binos and my razor 65 scope off of it. I love the ball head with my binos. For the spotter I prefer the pan head. I tried both versions but stuck with the ball head.
 
I’ve got a Manfrotto 055xpro3 and a 128rc fluid head I’m gonna list for sale soon.

It’s an all around solid spotting scope setup.
image.jpg
 
Mike Moorhead said:
Would you be so kind as to filling me in the particulars of this tripod, such as manufacture, model, and approximate cost please?
Click to expand...

That appears to be a Manfrotto 190XPROB or its successor, the 190XPRO3. They're around $180 new but can be found on eBay for less. Be sure to budget for a tripod head. I have a 190XPROB as well, great tripod. I have a 460MG head on mine but ball heads are very popular too.

Enjoy your trip down the rabbit hole of "What head for my tripod?" You didn't want to get anything else done tonight anyway, right? :)



ETA: The 055XPRO3 is very similar to the 190. I believe the difference is weight.
 
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Thanks so much for all the input gentlemen. Lots of helpful info. I'm sure I will have many more questions and pledge to do my best to make the best of your help.

Mike
 
A little off topic, but does anyone know of an objective lens cover for the 12-40x60 GR? I have the soft cover for it and per Leupold that's good enough. Where I shoot it tends to get dusty and just looking for an additional layer of protection. A call to Leupold yielded no answers or leads. and a google search same results.
 
Tack425 said:
A little off topic, but does anyone know of an objective lens cover for the 12-40x60 GR? I have the soft cover for it and per Leupold that's good enough. Where I shoot it tends to get dusty and just looking for an additional layer of protection. A call to Leupold yielded no answers or leads. and a google search same results.
Click to expand...
Badger ordnance but it might be orocey
 
LeoFoto makes some great small tripods.
I’ve had their 223 and just ordered a 283. Don’t think you can beat them for table top’ish tripods. I use mine for camera, spotters and LabRadar
 
I use a leofoto 223c for my lab radar and it's solid. Works great for a prone/tabletop tripod.
 
It is slightly over your budget, but we make a tripod that I like to use often in super low positions or with our spotting scope off the bench. It is made of aluminium, the legs can flip so you can use the rubber feet or the spike feet and it had the typical 3/8"-16 stud on top for a ballhead. It has the angle lock positions that all our tripods have as well.
http://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/TP-243-SOAR-ground-level-tripod


TP-243-SOAR-ground-level-tripod.main-1.png12657278_470344423165934_8529141227459486489_o.png
 
Hey Mike! Welcome to the forum and to the world of rifle hunting. So I think I may be able to help you find a few options that are within your budget. Really, 250$ isn't too bad and I'm sure you can find something quite substantial. I'll provide you with a few options for fluid head and panhead so you can make up your mind. I recommend panhead over ballhead because the movements are typically much smoother and finer to adjust. But, that's totally up to you.

These are the 2 tripods that I have and I can vouch for them (I also list the basic specs since you requested them.

Manfrotto Element Traveller (small) on Amazon USA
  1. min-to-max height: 12.6" to 52.8" (a little bit short for standing, but since you need something prone position this is a good one).
  2. aluminum built
  3. ballhead
  4. twist legs
  5. weight of 2.54 lb but you can load upwards to 8.82 lb.
Vortex Summit Tripod on Amazon USA
  1. min-to-max height: 14" to 54.5: (again on the shorter side for standing up but prefer for prone position)
  2. aluminum built
  3. panhead
  4. twist legs
  5. weight 2 lb you can load it up to 5 lb (easier to carry)
Both options you can remove the center column

The best thing to do would be to read some blog posts, here are some I found with a quick search on google (forums help too but if you want detailed specs and reviews I would recommend briefly reading some posts online)
  1. https://www.recoilweb.com/rifle-ready-tripod-buyers-guide-133249.html
  2. https://thegearhunt.com/best-hunting-tripods-reviewed/
  3. https://ballachy.com/blogs/reviews/best-spotting-scope-tripod
  4. https://www.stayontrails.com/best-spotting-scope-tripod
  5. https://www.cabelas.com/category/Tripods-Mounts/103925880.uts
Good luck and let us know about your progress :)
 
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