Prone spotting scope tripod

[sdnative13]

So I am in the market for a spotting scope tripod to use when shooting prone. I saw one a while back at the range where the owner was able to tilt the head of the tripod vertical so he never had to really move to use the spotting scope. His head went from the rifle scope to the spotting scope. Hope that makes sense.

[Merc1138]

Depends on the scope itself really.

If you buy an angled scope instead of straight, and the body uses a ring to mount to the tripod, you can simply rotate the scope body.

If you can't rotate the scope body, then you just need something that will let it sit as low as possible(still using an angled scope).

You can of course also get a stand and even an adjustable head

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/Scopes_-and-_Stands/

[brando]

The Manfrotto tripods are pretty versatile. I have one I can use standing, sitting or prone. When the legs are nearly flat, the center column can be rotated horizontally to bring the spotting scope towards a prone shooter. On a side note, this is also why some spotting scopes are made with angled eyepieces.

PRS makes a small tripod that could be used for a spotter when shooting prone.

[sdnative13]

Thanks

Depends on the scope itself really.

If you buy an angled scope instead of straight, and the body uses a ring to mount to the tripod, you can simply rotate the scope body.

If you can't rotate the scope body, then you just need something that will let it sit as low as possible(still using an angled scope).

You can of course also get a stand and even an adjustable head
http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/..._-and-_Stands/

Thanks for the info. Looked at my scope and sure enough it has a ring that can be rotated. Now to find a good tripod

[OpticsPlanet]

Here's a nice option for a prone Manfrotto tripod: http://www.opticsplanet.com/manfrott...ng-tripod.html

George P.

[sammass]

Talk to the folks supplying or shooting High Power. Their equipment is very versatile.

[ocabj]

Depends on the scope itself really.

If you buy an angled scope instead of straight, and the body uses a ring to mount to the tripod, you can simply rotate the scope body.

If you can't rotate the scope body, then you just need something that will let it sit as low as possible(still using an angled scope).

You can of course also get a stand and even an adjustable head
http://www.creedmoorsports.com/shop/..._-and-_Stands/

Creedmoor is the place to go at this point. Their latest iteration is the Polecat. Get the 1" diameter tube stand along with the Polecat head.

I personally use the Ray-Vin stand and head, but Ray Brandes closed up shop for the most part and Creedmoor now sells (and makes) his scope/stand design.

The main reason I use the Ray-Vin stand is because I use the Ray-Vin cart and it all fits together with adapters. But my stand is one solid column about 4 feet tall. You can get the Ray-Vin with segmented rods, I think, but the Polecat is designed this way as well. That way you can just unthread the top part of the stand if you're only going to be shooting prone, so you have less stand to carry (and potentially less of a column to get bumped or vibrate because of the wind).

[23's Dad]

For a Highpower Stand, we need to know your budget and your scope

You can get a Highpower stand from $130 to over $500 (not incl S&H). It really depends on your budget and needs. I.E. I wouldn't recommend putting a 100mm scope on a 5/8-in Freeland stand.

[Fatcat]

Having used the Creedmore stand in Highpowee matches, i loke the Giruad better: http://www.giraudtool.com/prod01.htm

Only thing is it's bigger & bulkier

[JMP]

It really depends on what you are using. If you are using a real spotting scope that has a proper reticle for measurements and a rangefinder, then you want something sturdy and very adjustable. For prone and sitting, the obvious choice is the Hensoldt. If you want one tall enough to also stand with the tripod's feet on the ground, then you want Monfrotto, but it ain't going to be as solid as the Hensoldt. You will want something that doesn't move at all and has the ability to dial small adjustments rather than only free-handing it, which is also doable on a real tripod.

If you just have a observation device like a Swarovski/Zeiss/Leica/etc. birdwatching type scope without the reticle and laser, you can get away with less as you do not need to be concerned with reticle and laser alignment.

There is a matter of being practical so I'd suggest as a rule of thumb, you want to usually spend at least 10% of the cost of your mounted equipment as having an insufficient tripod is catastrophic. Obviously, it would make no sense to get a $1k+ tripod to use with made in China/third world glass so you'll do fine getting one at your local Walmart and tweaking it a bit to fit you.

There isn't anything wrong with a cheap made in China Walmart tripod for some uses as I have one that is pretty nifty as it is really small and light and folds up tiny. However, it's too flimsy to use with a real scope or in the field.