spotting scope tripod question???

[antitactical]

I recently purchased a set of big eyes. It's 2 spotting scopes on an aluminum bracket to resemble a giant pair of binoculars. This purchase killed my cash so, I was seeking opinions on a decent tripod and head that doesn't break the bank. I am thinking a ball type head but it needs to hold the weight (around 10-15lbs). Weight is not a concern as this will be used for groundhog hunting from a war wagon ( a 10 foot elevated trailer with 2 rotating shooting tables with outriggers to make it stable and stationary)

 

[CatShooter]

I recently purchased a set of big eyes. It's 2 spotting scopes on an aluminum bracket to resemble a giant pair of binoculars. This purchase killed my cash so, I was seeking opinions on a decent tripod and head that doesn't break the bank. I am thinking a ball type head but it needs to hold the weight (around 10-15lbs). Weight is not a concern as this will be used for groundhog hunting from a war wagon ( a 10 foot elevated trailer with 2 rotating shooting tables with outriggers to make it stable and stationary)

I have the same problem with a pair of 25x100 bins that travel in a suitcase.

A ball head will drive you crazy, as the scopes and plate can flop over to the side, and since they are heavy, they will do it every time you loosen the handle.

You want a simple (but strong) mount with alt and azmuth.

Opticsplanet.com has a bunch of them at all price ranges.

 

[BigDMT]

Can't go cheap on a tripod head with that amount of weight. Trust me that you will regret it. Vanguard makes some pretty good heads for the money, but a nice Manfrotto head would probably do the job better.

 

[Old Navy]

Can't go cheap on a tripod head with that amount of weight. Trust me that you will regret it. Vanguard makes some pretty good heads for the money, but a nice Manfrotto head would probably do the job better.

And Manfrotto makes excellent heavy duty tripods. Later! Frank

 

[Nvreloader]

Get a Manfrotto and save yourself some headaches, I have several of this model,
322RC2 Ball Head, Heavy weight, get the adaptor plate and mount it on the side and you can use a window clamp mount and this ball head.

It holds my Big Ziess 80mm spotting scopes with no problems, and also works with the standard field glasses mounts.

Tia,
Don.

 

[FroggyOne2]

You prob can find a used Bogen for really inexpensive price.

 

[johara1]

Try Fleabay,that's where i got mine,a heavy duty for a hundred bucks but the good one's are heavy...... jim

 

[dreever]

My choice is the Bogen 3251 Tripod with the Bogen 3039 Head. The 3251 is heavy with leg bracing about 14 pounds. Add the 3039 head which will sypport 26.5 pounds and weighs about 4.5 pounds and you have a system that weighs a hefty 20 plus pounds with your scope of choice. You'll appreciate all that weight in the wind.

Danny

 

[mshelton]

I recently purchased a set of big eyes. It's 2 spotting scopes on an aluminum bracket to resemble a giant pair of binoculars. This purchase killed my cash so, I was seeking opinions on a decent tripod and head that doesn't break the bank. I am thinking a ball type head but it needs to hold the weight (around 10-15lbs). Weight is not a concern as this will be used for groundhog hunting from a war wagon ( a 10 foot elevated trailer with 2 rotating shooting tables with outriggers to make it stable and stationary)

Can probably make one out of chineese take out chop sticks, bailing twine and duct tape.

 

[xpilot]

"Get a Manfrotto and save yourself some headaches" +1
The best glass setup is handicaped by an inferior tripod. You have invested big bucks, don't scrimp now.

 

[johara1]

Mine is the 3051 same as the 3251 but it's silver in color. i also have the Sinclair one that clamps to the bench,it's head slips over a 7/8 shaft so i turned one for the tripod and use the head of the Sinclair on both....... jim

 

[antitactical]

Thanks for all the help. I've been looking at a manfrotto. I guess I've got to save up some more

 

[FroggyOne2]

You can usually get Bogen fairly cheap on evilbay.

Ask the Forum Boss his views on the Bogen.

 

[johara1]

Manfrotto and Bogen are the same...... jim

 

[FroggyOne2]

That is good to know, I just knew about the Bogen and that they could be had a good prices on evailbay, in fact it was Forum Boss that brought the light about them, they make great tripods for chrony's as well by the way.

 

[STRSRLVR]

Check out the outdoorsman tripod and head. All aluminum. They are not cheap but well worth the $. They will deal if you buy a package. Otherwise euro optic has a deal on a Zeis tripod and head.

 

[Lapua40X]

I use a Reditilt Super-Pro RTS (very much like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/DAVIS-SANFORD-SUPER-MODEL-REDITILT-RTS-TRIPOD-W-HEAD-/281098526520?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item4172c71f38) that I originally purchased back when I was doing a lot of 35mm photo work. I've since sold off all the camera equipment but I wouldn't part with this tripod for anything (well, I might accept a good rifle in exchange, but it would be a difficult decision)
Whatever you choose, make sure it's rigid enough to stand up to wind load. Mine is heavy gauge aluminum tubing, doesn't have that bothersome center stabilizing web and stays put.
No, it isn't suitable for providing scope access for prone shooting. I have an itty bitty but heavy duty one for that job.