Need help choosing tripod

[Endyo]

Denys will you be at the Texas State MR Qualifier?

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Probably not. Never heard of it, what is that?

 

[Endyo]

TSRA started doing qualifying matches last season to benefit the State F-Class team and to determine who makes the team.

The Mid-Range qualifier is this weekend in Carthage.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I see. No, I won't be there. I don't shoot well enough to be on a team.

 

[hogan]

Angled spotter is very versatile. Can shift the tripod head vertical and your angled eyepiece is easy to use in prone.
Probably can find a use for a compact tripod as well as a full-size photographer's rig. Shooter's tripods are limited in their versatility.

Have a Redfield spotter set that is an excellent optic, made in Japan in the early 90s, late 80s. Came with a shooter's tripod, fixed and zoom eyepieces and padded metal carry case. The tripod is okay for benchtop use or hunting sheep where you're likely to spend time on your belly glassing for your trophy.

Photographer tripods continue to evolve. I have an older Velbon VF-3, and Bogen 3001 made by Mannfrotto. The Velbon legs extend for a very low tripod head height. These aren't carbon lightweight jobs, but neither were they $500 without a head. Also have several SLIK tripods which are decently made and light weight. A compact photo tripod rated for 8lb load is great for spotting scope. A heavier, full-size tripod rated for view camera or pro video gear at about 16lbs will also serve as a shooting platform for your rifle with a cradle head to hold the rifle. There are lots of Quick Detach setups for tripod heads. Carry one for your rifle if shooting longrange at game or varmints, and have your spotting scope or large binoculars setup for another.

One other nice trick for field use of a spotting scope is to use a tripod mount screw that is threaded for a QD swivel. Use a padded camera strap or sling and carry the tripod at the ready around your neck or over your shoulder. Maybe scope rides in a mesh outside pocket on your hunting pack? When seconds count, quick access pays off.