Tripod for spotting scope

[ZombieLivesMatter]

Hi, I'm just starting off in long distance shooting, after many great suggestions on here I ended up with a Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5cm, Vortex Viper PST 6-24 FFP, and Atlas bipod. Angeles Range is where I plan to shoot which is only up to 600 yards and I'm just starting off with benchrest shooting, in another thread many members here highly recommended the Konus spotting scope which I just ordered but they were also saying to get rid of the tripod that came with it and get a stable one.

While shopping for spotting scope tripods, such as Vortex and Bushnell, I realized I have a $130 carbon fiber tripod sitting in the closest from back in the day when I use to do photography with a DSLR. The Konus comes with a adapter for the camera tripod, I was wondering if it's okay I use this tripod or whether I should buy a tripod made specifically for spotting scopes:

https://www.amazon.com/Benro-Carbon-Lightweight-Travel-TSL08CN00/dp/B071JYLS7K

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[autoduel]

If it works for a DSLR, it would work great for a spotting scope. The only issue would be the size and minimum height of 16" if used on a bench.

[HK Dave]

I use my old Gitzo tripods for spotting scopes.

[ZombieLivesMatter]

If it works for a DSLR, it would work great for a spotting scope. The only issue would be the size and minimum height of 16" if used on a bench.

Thanks! My friend is starting off too and I planned on having the tripod next to the bench so we can spot for each other. And for when I'm solo I was going to use the camera adapter. Otherwise I may just buy a sturdy short one to sit on the table.

I use my old Gitzo tripods for spotting scopes.

Wow very nice tripod! If I had $600 tripod lying around I would've definitely used it without hesitation. The one I have is pretty light at 2.2lbs but was sturdy for DSLR duty. I was worried if it would handle spotting scope duty, but specs show it can handle up to 8lbs and the spotting scope is 5lbs.

[Bigtwin]

Without any personal experience on that particular tripod, based on what you are saying yes I would imagine it's perfectly fine for the spotting scope.

[Ki6vsm]

It's all about the head.

Beyond that any GOOD tripod will work for you. And you can also buy a small SLIK brand tripod for $40-50 what will get really low and not take up too much room.

Getting back to the head, ball heads are really nice. I got a fluid panning head for my spotting scope, might be a pic of it further up the thread. It makes operating a spotting scope really nice with that arm and smooth movement. But if you are going to mainly use it at a range then you want something that will lock nicely in place. Lots of good choices for ball heads.

[Ki6vsm]

^^^ Oops. I meant the other thread is where I posted a pic of the fluid head I use.

[23's Dad]

Bench Rest Tripod?

The public ranges are pretty tight on space. At best, setting up a tripod might infringe on the neighboring shooter. At worst it would get kicked, tripped over, or even knocked down.

I like a simple clamp on system that mounts to the edge of the bench. I have a Pipe Clamp that I use to create a vertical post to use as a mount. On that, I attach a Monfrotto 35 Super Clamp with a Monfrotto 322 ball head and Quick release plate on the scope.

You could probably bypass the ball head if you wanted and save 80% of the cost of my setup. You wouold have to just fuss with getting the scope aligned a bit more. The 322 ball head does make it easy.

Word to the wise, there is a fairly good amount of weight and overtuning moment on the somewhat small pipe clamp foot. I keep the scope fairly low and over the bench to minimize the torque on the attachment point. I should probably change over to a "deep reach" clamp to reduce this concern.

[Tunabliss]

The heavier the tripod the better. Professional tripods work great, I have one, but they are expensive. I only have one b/c I used to be a photographer.
Gitzo
Manfrotto
and a few more.

[newbie1234]

I used camera tripod and this ball head for both DLSR and Spot Scope. As one mention earlier the only problem is the height of the tripod but if you OK with the height of the tripod then you OK.

https://www.amazon.com/Pergear-Photography-Camera-Rotation-Ballhead/dp/B00MGJH5U6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1548632995&sr=1-3&keywords=pergear+th3+pro+dslr+camera+tripod+ball+head

[ocabj]

If you ever plan on using a spotting scope from position (including benchrest), then don't get a traditional tripod. Get a scope stand. I use Ray-Vin, which is a bit older in design but still solid: https://www.ray-vin.com/tripods/tripods.htm

The Creedmoor Sports Polecat is probably what I would recommend for a new buyer. https://www.creedmoorsports.com/prod...-by-department

I think the Polecat has slightly more offset than my Ray-Vin so you have more room to play with when trying to get the scope closer to your face without the legs affecting your prone position.



If you have to get a tripod for some reason, go for it. But regardless of whose legs you get, I highly recommend getting the RRS Anvil-30 - http://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/Anvil-30-Ballhead

I have the BH55 because I use it for photography and it has enough torsional load capacity to handle a rifle, but the Anvil-30 is infinitely easier to use in that you only have to use a single lever to lock the ball head.

[Ki6vsm]

If you do want to get a tripod and only plan to shoot from a prone position, just don't get a big tripod. Here's my small one that I carry in my scope case along with that compact fluid head. That arm would get in the way of course, but it is removable. And it could be swapped out for a ball head.

Not near as good as the scope stands mentioned above of course with their cantelevered arms, but this one only sets a guy back $40-50. And it did come with its own simple little ball head.

[Mac Attack]

I agree with ocabj that a scope stand will be better for shooting in positions. I will add that with a tripod, you really can't get it vert close to the bench without having to lean over to see it. The ideal setup is to have it close so you do not have to move your head very much between shots which could change you NPA. A clamp on style mount is fine for bench shooting but if you plan to ever shoot in NRA Highpower or CMP matches you might as well bite the bullet and buy q good scope stand. There are inexpensive stands out there but try to get one that is 1" or greater in diameter. BTW good purchase on your Konus. Check out Creedmoor sports and buy a scope cover for your new scope. It's a small investment and will keep your scope from getting banged up.

[sonofeugene]

Ball heads are a pain because they go every which way when they're loosened. Pan and tilt heads are better but you still hunt around a lot finding your target. Best are geared heads like this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124665-REG/Manfrotto_410_410_Junior_Geared_Head.html/?ap=y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlJrJ-cqZ4AIVjeDICh1L_A_KEAQYBiABEgIDH_D_BwE&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=Y

I built a custom base for mine.



Turn the knobs and it's super easy and accurate to get the scope where you want it. The base is Delrin. I had to machine an adapter out of 6061 which I the had anodized. The feet on the base are adjustable through holes in the top of the base and they have rubber pads on the button.

[Ki6vsm]

Ball heads are a pain because they go every which way when they're loosened. Pan and tilt heads are better but you still hunt around a lot finding your target. Best are geared heads like this one:

I built a custom base for mine.



Turn the knobs and it's super easy and accurate to get the scope where you want it. The base is Delrin. I had to machine an adapter out of 6061 which I the had anodized. The feet on the base are adjustable through holes in the top of the base and they have rubber pads on the button.

I remember this from that other tripod thread a while back. Nice setup. I have a Manfrotto camera head (pan/tilt) but it's not near as nice as that one you have. I've been experimenting with that fluid head in my pic above. So far it's my favorite method of handling a spotting scope. But I will admit, it's not designed to lock in place as well as some other heads, especially that one you have.