Spotting scope tripod

[gunman870]

I am looking for something light weight but stable. Doing some glassing out west so I am drawn towards the carbon fiber models. The two I have been able to see first hand are the Vortex Summit Carbon II and the Leupold Alpine Carbon Fiber. They are pretty similiar in adjustability and weight. The Leupold has a ball head included, vs the pan/tilt on the Vortex so that seems to be a pretty good added benefit. Wondering if anyone has a head to head, or something else similar that is better. Price on both of these seem to be the same most places at 399. Thanks for the advice!

 

[The boogalorian]

This is what I use for PRS. Light, but will support a rifle if you want to shoot from it. Very adjustable and price is not as high as a Manfrotto.

Carbon Fiber Tripod INNOREL RT90C Bowl Tripods Professional Heavy Duty Camera Stand with 75mm Bowl Adapter for DSLR Cameras Compatible with Ball Head & Fluid Head, 63 inch, 40mm Tube 40kg Load https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8V8WWM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_B397ZA26WQTG1NZV23G4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Low Profile Ball Head Tripod Mount Ball Head 52MM Diameter ARTCISE LB52 All Metal CNC Machining with Two 1/4" Quick Release Plates for Tripod, Monopod, DSLR, Camcorder，Max Load 66lbs /30kg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087RP5V5D/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_6A58PCZX5TS30E715S9Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Tripod Center Column-INNOREL ER40C, 10 Layers Carbon Fiber 1.8in/40mm Tube Mid-Column Professional Extension Rod Only Suit Heavy Duty Tripod of RT90C for Digital DSLR Camcorder Camera Shooting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CDJ3BMH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_E8YEJS0NXSGH6NDPJ832?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The center column isn't necessary, but makes adjusting the hight easy. If you have more than one person looking through the glass it is worth it in my opinion.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Depends on what you call “lightweight”. No such thing as the word “stable” in the weight class of the two tripods you listed from Vortex and Leupold

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Slik 600 series or 700 series tripods are what Id look at. They are the best bang for your buck thats NOT made in china. Pick what ever head you want, I like a pan head.

 

[jepp2]

How far, what power, how much wind? My wife is an avid birder (way beyond) so she has some high end optics and to see the detail on birds for identification, fine clarity is needed. She has several tripods she uses based on the 3 criteria I listed. My needs are less demanding so I use mostly Slik tripods as @Alex Wheeler mentioned. Replacement parts can also be purchased if necessary.

Normally light weight is offset by marginal performance.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I use Manfrotto carbon fiber tripods Manfrotto head with retractable levers so it’s more compact when not in use.

You can buy a cheaper tripod since they are just legs that stay stationary. Just make sure it is a good stout platform rated far above weight of the spotting scope. But don’t try to skimp on the head. I have tried so many different heads over the years and the fact is you will never find a cheap head that compares to the smoothness and precision of the more expensive brand name heads.

Ball heads are horrible for scanning and general viewing with a spotter. Just no way to smoothly move the spotter when holding the scope body by hand. Pan heads with levers are bigger but also much better for any type of use. As with the tripod, you want a head that is rated to handle far more weight than what the spotting scope weighs.

If you buy a tripod and head that is rated to handle the exact weight or maybe only 5 lbs more than what your spotter weighs, it will be very shaky and you’ll have trouble

 

[Delfuego]

Neither of the 2 you mentioned actually build tripods. They are white labeled imports from Asia. In fact most every tripod is that. Those tripods are $100-$200 tripods and vortex/Leupold makes another 1-$200 on markup. I would look at a company that actually makes them for a better value.

I have shot/spot a ton from tripod and have owned +5 of them over 10yrs; upgrading each time. Like everything it depends on your budget. Remember a $600 tripod with a $50 ballhead sucks and vice-versa. If light is your thing, it will be either expensive or floppy. If stable is your goal, it will be heavy (and likely expensive). To find the happy medium is tough. Less legsections = more stable. Large diameter legs = more stable. Center columns are not great. Ball-heads are good, but you usually need a large heavy one for it to work good.

I would look at the Manfrotto MTX (Alu/Carbon). they are ok, you can get them used or discounted. The Innorel is stable, but heavy. Really Right Stuff (RRS) is light and stable but big cash. Leofoto & Sunwayfoto are other decent ones. Lots of options, try before you buy if possible. Sometime you can find a carbon fiber photo tripod from Craigslist, Pawnshop, used Photo shop that will crush for the money (Manfrotto/Bogen/Gitzo/Etc).

If you ever plan to shoot from the tripod, spend the extra cash (and weight). If you will never shoot and only spot, cheaper will work. I run a big Manfrotto Carbon Video tripod w/Arca. It's cheaper than RRS, but very, very stable and only a little heavier. I shoot and spot all day from mine, including field matches, PMS matches, Etc. I do not hunt. I shot an entire field-match last month from tripod and just swapped the rifle from binos as needed. I can shoot out to 800y with confidence from my tripod.

 

[Fuj]

I use a Manfroto 3029. It weighs about 6 lbs. and can go to 13 lbs
loaded. Picked it up used in new condition for $135.

Get on B&H Photo and look around. I just picked up a quick release
for a Bogen swivel head from them.