Peter Johns - spotting scope & tripod

[antunRC]

I watched the V2 Finale and I’m trying to figure out Peter John’s tripod and spotting scope setup.

From the picture, it looks like he’s using a Swarovski BTX with the 95mm objective module. What I can’t quite figure out is how he managed to mount it underneath the tripod. I’ll admit, I’m not very familiar with tripod gear, so apologies if this is a basic question.

Would anyone happen to know what attachment or tripod he might be using for that setup?
Thanks in advance, gents.

 

[tvaught]

Benro TMA48CXL
+
RRS Anvil 30
+
standard 1.5" Arca plate w 1/4-20 male screw

 

[antunRC]

Benro TMA48CXL
+
RRS Anvil 30
+
standard 1.5" Arca plate w 1/4-20 male screw

woow thank you Sir.

 

[mtncwru]

Not a basic question -- or certainly not one with an obvious answer! The tripod and scope are the key -- you need a tripod that will let you reverse the center column and a scope that will let you rotate the mounting point collar. For tripod most Benros, any Gitzo (I have a GT2530), and a lot of Manfrottos will work. For scopes any Swarovski, Kowa, Vortex, and every other brand I can think of will work. The ball head isn't important here, it's entirely dependent on tripod and scope.

The trick is usually getting the balance right, since you're liable to be operating at an angle that doesn't let the leg stops fully engage. Those are the bits that control the leg angle, and let the tripod hold weight without having the legs collapse out further. The main risk I see with that setup is making sure you don't whack the legs and drop your scope accidentally. The scope would probably survive (it's not that far to fall, and that Swarovski is a robust bit of kit) but it probably won't feel good.

 

[Rope2horns]

Benro TMA48CXL
+
RRS Anvil 30
+
standard 1.5" Arca plate w 1/4-20 male screw

This guy would know....he's the one we all copied.

 

[EricCu]

This may be a stupid question but I'm new to this and I'm wondering with the high powered scopes being used what is the purpose of a spotting scope? I'm assuming that it's to see the flags better or read mirage.

 

[mtncwru]

This may be a stupid question but I'm new to this and I'm wondering with the high powered scopes being used what is the purpose of a spotting scope? I'm assuming that it's to see the flags better or read mirage.

Not a stupid question, especially when the rifle has a serious optic parked on top of it. Main purpose of a spotting scope is to read mirage. They can also be used to watch and call hits in cases where you aren't behind a gun. It's a lot more comfortable to sit in a chair and spot than to do it behind a rifle, usually.

 

[Fast14riot]

This may be a stupid question but I'm new to this and I'm wondering with the high powered scopes being used what is the purpose of a spotting scope? I'm assuming that it's to see the flags better or read mirage.

Typically the spotting scope is focused somewhere closer than the target for mirage. I also leave my spotter at about 25x so I can see several target frames and shot spotters at the same time. It also gives me a change of position while watching wind and waiting out a condition.

 

[STORM2]

I think the camera folks and their special needs lighting was the driving force on all of the ARCA gadgets available today. They are sorta like truck accessories; there are things for everything you can dream up. They are handy.

 

[Fast14riot]

I think the camera folks and their special needs lighting was the driving force on all of the ARCA gadgets available today. They are sorta like truck accessories; there are things for everything you can dream up. They are handy.

Lol, we don't use tripods for lighting. I do have tons of gadgets for mounting lights, but arca as a mount standard came later.

However hunters and PRS shooters use tripods more than photographers these days.

I used a tripod when I first got back into competition because I had several in the studio. Some firing lines are a tight squeeze and I quickly got a highpower style scope stand because it took up less space. I used a no center column with pistol grip and legs all the way out flat when prone.

 

[BP1]

This guy would know....he's the one we all copied.

..but knowing PJ he probably used JB Weld and gorilla tape