Spotting scope tripod

Norrick · November 2, 2010, 03:42 AM

Could someone please suggest to me a good solid tripod for a spotting scope? Will be using from a bench, and possibly from prone. The scope is a straight body type, so I'm thinking it should be on the small side fully collapsed (prone) and not much larger than medium sized fully extended (bench).

I'd like to keep prices below $100.

Big Caliber · November 13, 2010, 11:14 PM

Try going to a camera shop. (If they are still around.) I have a tripod I bought back in the 80's for camera work on top of tables. I stuck a "ball" head on it and it's total height ranges from 12"-18", which is just right for me for shooting from a bench. Maybe try online camera stores?

Pahoo · November 14, 2010, 10:52 AM

Norrick
Do a history search in here as there was an identical post, just a few weeks back. As I recall, there were many replies to this question, at that time.

Be Safe !!!

Rifleman1776 · November 14, 2010, 12:33 PM

Mine is a Freeland's, once considered the best on the market. May still be, I dunno.
But, I haven't used it in many years. I found, unless the bench you are using is concrete, each shot jiggles the bench just enough so the scope goes off target. Very annoying.
I use an old, heavy duty camera tripod next to the bench. But most of my target, and bench, shooting is done with traditional muzzle loaders. That means I HAVE to get up after each shot. But, even with my bolt Mod. 70 I put it next to the bench and lean over to see my misses.

Downside to using a tripod is other shooters seem to think they are entitled to move your scope off target to look at theirs.

woodguru · November 14, 2010, 12:58 PM

The one I got with a Vortec 20-60x 80mm spotting scope is one of the best I've seen, solid and has the smoothest little micro adjusters for height and angle. 60x has to have a great tripod or they are worthless.

I'll try to get a picture up sometime later today or tomorrow.

My guess is that Vortec has it for sale separately and it shouldn't be silly expensive.

Look up the words "Vortec, discount, distributor" and you should get one of the cheap suppliers.

Mr Lucky · November 14, 2010, 01:25 PM

Burris makes a fully adjustable tripod for spotting scopes, Mfg. No. 300151.
It is about $68. NC Star also make them. The Medimum size, Mfg. No. ATM will meet most needs for about $18 www.gunsandsupply.com

NWPilgrim · November 14, 2010, 06:43 PM

I bought a very sturdy one made by Jim Owens. About $135.
http://www.jarheadtop.com/Stand_Pictures.htm

It can be easily adjusted for using a spotting scope in prone, sitting or standing position. I even use it sometimes to hold my CED chronograph screens.

November 2, 2010, 03:42 AM	#1
Norrick Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2008 Posts: 577	Spotting scope tripod Could someone please suggest to me a good solid tripod for a spotting scope? Will be using from a bench, and possibly from prone. The scope is a straight body type, so I'm thinking it should be on the small side fully collapsed (prone) and not much larger than medium sized fully extended (bench). I'd like to keep prices below $100.

November 14, 2010, 12:58 PM	#5
woodguru Senior Member Join Date: September 14, 2010 Location: Placerville, Ca Posts: 589	The one I got with a Vortec 20-60x 80mm spotting scope is one of the best I've seen, solid and has the smoothest little micro adjusters for height and angle. 60x has to have a great tripod or they are worthless. I'll try to get a picture up sometime later today or tomorrow. My guess is that Vortec has it for sale separately and it shouldn't be silly expensive. Look up the words "Vortec, discount, distributor" and you should get one of the cheap suppliers. __________________ Fiction is harder to write than the truth, fiction has to make sense, the truth can be unbelievable.

November 14, 2010, 01:25 PM	#6
Mr Lucky Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2010 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 195	Burris makes a fully adjustable tripod for spotting scopes, Mfg. No. 300151. It is about $68. NC Star also make them. The Medimum size, Mfg. No. ATM will meet most needs for about $18 www.gunsandsupply.com __________________ ‘‘We, the People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts — not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution.’’ — Abraham Lincoln

November 14, 2010, 06:43 PM	#7
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	I bought a very sturdy one made by Jim Owens. About $135. http://www.jarheadtop.com/Stand_Pictures.htm It can be easily adjusted for using a spotting scope in prone, sitting or standing position. I even use it sometimes to hold my CED chronograph screens. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

November 13, 2010, 11:14 PM	#2
Big Caliber Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2006 Location: S. CA Posts: 421	Try going to a camera shop. (If they are still around.) I have a tripod I bought back in the 80's for camera work on top of tables. I stuck a "ball" head on it and it's total height ranges from 12"-18", which is just right for me for shooting from a bench. Maybe try online camera stores?

November 14, 2010, 10:52 AM	#3
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Norrick Do a history search in here as there was an identical post, just a few weeks back. As I recall, there were many replies to this question, at that time. Be Safe !!!

November 14, 2010, 12:33 PM	#4
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Mine is a Freeland's, once considered the best on the market. May still be, I dunno. But, I haven't used it in many years. I found, unless the bench you are using is concrete, each shot jiggles the bench just enough so the scope goes off target. Very annoying. I use an old, heavy duty camera tripod next to the bench. But most of my target, and bench, shooting is done with traditional muzzle loaders. That means I HAVE to get up after each shot. But, even with my bolt Mod. 70 I put it next to the bench and lean over to see my misses. Downside to using a tripod is other shooters seem to think they are entitled to move your scope off target to look at theirs.