Manfrotto 055 or 190?

[Kyle Schultz]

I've decided on a Manfrotto tripod to hold a Kowa 82SV spotting scope. Seems like most have chosen the larger 055 model over the smaller 190 version. The 190 is rated for 15# which would seem to be more than adequate for the Kowa.

Do any of the 055 users which they had bought the smaller tripod and, more importantly, do any of the 190 owners wish they had bought the larger tripod? TIA!

 

[Endyo]

Hey Kyle. Intended use for prone shooting or for scoring?

If I had gone that route I would have gone with the smaller profile tripod due to sharing a shooting lane. I opted not to get a Manfrotto style tripod for that very reason. Stability was fine on the Kowa 661 and Freeland Stand I borrowed for last match.

I have a Ray-Vin F Stand enroute and a Eliseo Scope head. I'm not positive how I will like it, but I'll report back to you. I personally didn't like using a spotting scope prone.

Have you looked at the Vanguard Alta Pro Tripods?

 

[Kyle Schultz]

Primary use is monitoring mirage while shooting prone F-Class matches. Secondary use is scoring other shooters. Sorry for omitting those details.

I have looked at the Ray-Vin stands but felt like the Manfrotto tripods would be more stable and flexible.

 

[Endyo]

I think you're likely right on both accounts. Maybe I'm just being selfish so when we're squadded together I have more room.

The Vanguards compared favorably to the Manfrotto's when I was doing my research and they cost less when you calculate the cost of the swivel mount. For your intended use I think any of them would be fine.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The wind shakes the bigger one a bit less

 

[rmist]

I have a 055 and it's big and stout and takes a lot of room. I mostly use that to hold my chronograph now. I picked up a HMR last year and it does a great job either shooting or scoring and has plenty of strength to hold any scope. Super easy to move about with one hand.

http://newhighpower.com/scope-stands.html

 

[Jdne5b]

I have a Manfrotto 055XProB, and the Vin F-stand. I use the F-stand with the outrigger and Eliseo head. The Manfrotto never gets used on the line. It's too bulky and slow to set up, For Me. I prefer the Vin stand and don't have any stability issues with a Razor HD 20-60x85 hanging off of it.

 

[Kyle Schultz]

... I have a Ray-Vin F Stand enroute and a Eliseo Scope head...

Endyo...

Thanks for your comments. I thought Ray's operations were temporarily suspend while he recovers from his medical procedures. Do I have that wrong?

 

[Kyle Schultz]

Update.

Traded e-mails with Ray this morning. He is doing great and hopes to start shipping items in the next 1 to 2 weeks. That's good news.

 

[Endyo]

Endyo...

Thanks for your comments. I thought Ray's operations were temporarily suspend while he recovers from his medical procedures. Do I have that wrong?

They were. Ray is still recovering, but doing better. Orders that were already placed are resuming 3/28 or later.

I am fairly confident they are still accepting new orders, but a quick call to Ruby would answer that question.

 

[Endyo]

Lol. Just saw you answered your own question.

If you're not in a hurry you are welcome to try my set up whenever the stand comes in.