• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Tripod with bowl

skxf430

Private
Minuteman
Jun 18, 2022
13
4
Los Angeles
Just starting to do some research for a tripod to shoot off and for a spotting scope.

I noticed some tripods have a bowl. What is the advantage or disadvantage of having a tripod with a bowl?
 
*Not an expert* But adaptability is probably the biggest plus. Will you be doing any photography with it in the future? Will a family member?

Things like self leveling bases are still very popular and better suited to some kinds of shooting from what I gather. You can also still get something like the very popular RRS Anvil-30 and fit it to the tripod bowl.

Disadvantages are weight and size versus something dedicated to the Anvil-30 or a similar kind of dedicated shooting head.

But you may not even want an Anvil, or don’t want to expend the money on a RRS setup, which is all valid.
 
  • Like
Reactions: skxf430
I wish there was a way to attach an anvil-30 to a tripod with a center column.
 
Just screw it directly on. The bottom is threaded 3/8”.
I wanted to attach it to the center stack of a Two Vets No Name Jr but was told it wouldn't work. Hmmm.
 
I wish there was a way to attach an anvil-30 to a tripod with a center column.
you can, but the center column is typically not particularly stable and may defeat the purpose of having a more expensive and stable tripod.

 
you can, but the center column is typically not particularly stable and may defeat the purpose of having a more expensive and stable tripod.


Yeah, I keep hearing that but have been shooting off of it for a couple of years now and much prefer it for hunting situations where I have to set up quickly, with no choice on the positioning. I can use the adjustable center column to quickly get proper height, even if I have no time to set up the legs...I'll use it as a monopod. Without the center column, a lot of adjusting must take place to get a shot off quickly, fine if you have the time, but useless if you don't.
 
Yeah, I keep hearing that but have been shooting off of it for a couple of years now and much prefer it for hunting situations where I have to set up quickly, with no choice on the positioning. I can use the adjustable center column to quickly get proper height, even if I have no time to set up the legs...I'll use it as a monopod. Without the center column, a lot of adjusting must take place to get a shot off quickly, fine if you have the time, but useless if you don't.
this is understandable, in a hunting situation where getting off a shot quickly matters more, and shooting sticks or a convenient branch works.
the linked discussion was more about an ideal platform for hitting a specific target repeatedly, or quickly and effectively engaging multiple targets from the same position.
 
this is understandable, in a hunting situation where getting off a shot quickly matters more, and shooting sticks or a convenient branch works.
the linked discussion was more about an ideal platform for hitting a specific target repeatedly, or quickly and effectively engaging multiple targets from the same position.
Yes you are right. I apologize for derailing the thread.