I'm shopping for a quality tripod/head combination for my spotting scope that I use in long range shooting. Been looking at Manfrotto, but I'm having a hard time determining which model of tripod/head is best suited for prone shooting. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks.
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Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
- Thread starter jackal82
- Start date
Re: Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
Try running a search as there have been numerous topics covering this exact issue, including recommendations on Bogen/Manfrotto tripod legs/head combos.
I typically recommend either the 055XPROB or its lighter little brother the 190XPROB which gives you grounding capability for prone shooting, as well as a convertible center column that will swing out horizontal and allow you a good deal more flexibility in how/where you setup your spotting scope. As for heads...it really comes down to how you'll be using your spotter, as well as any other accessories/equipment you might install on the tripod (like a shooting rest/cradle). The 322RC2 grip head is arguably one of the best solutions, but B/M offers many excellent heads, including some on a tight budget, that will get the job done albeit with not quite as much ease/speed as the grip head.
Try running a search as there have been numerous topics covering this exact issue, including recommendations on Bogen/Manfrotto tripod legs/head combos.
I typically recommend either the 055XPROB or its lighter little brother the 190XPROB which gives you grounding capability for prone shooting, as well as a convertible center column that will swing out horizontal and allow you a good deal more flexibility in how/where you setup your spotting scope. As for heads...it really comes down to how you'll be using your spotter, as well as any other accessories/equipment you might install on the tripod (like a shooting rest/cradle). The 322RC2 grip head is arguably one of the best solutions, but B/M offers many excellent heads, including some on a tight budget, that will get the job done albeit with not quite as much ease/speed as the grip head.
Re: Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
Went through your very exercise some time back. Ask yourself if the majority of your shooting will be at mostly static targets, such as at the range, etc., where you set the scope on target and leave it there = ball head.
If you primarily use it for long range spotting of game and hunting where you need to pan alot and follow a moving target, then a fluid head really starts to shine.
Both types will work for both applications ok, but each one separately shines more for one task over the other.
A ball head tends to be more compact, where as a fluid head has a longer handle for adjustment which adds a little bulk. It does however screw off/on.
If your budget allows, by the legs of your choice with a ball head, then pick up a window mount (for use on your vehicle window with a fluid head. Now you have 2 setups and you can switch heads to either with ease.
I ended up going with Manfrotto and couldn't be happier.
B&H photo offers some of the best package prices I was able to find on Manfrotto =
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=manfrotto+322rc2&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=manfrotto+128rc&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta
This setup holds my full size Vortex Razor spotter and I have zero complaints.
Went through your very exercise some time back. Ask yourself if the majority of your shooting will be at mostly static targets, such as at the range, etc., where you set the scope on target and leave it there = ball head.
If you primarily use it for long range spotting of game and hunting where you need to pan alot and follow a moving target, then a fluid head really starts to shine.
Both types will work for both applications ok, but each one separately shines more for one task over the other.
A ball head tends to be more compact, where as a fluid head has a longer handle for adjustment which adds a little bulk. It does however screw off/on.
If your budget allows, by the legs of your choice with a ball head, then pick up a window mount (for use on your vehicle window with a fluid head. Now you have 2 setups and you can switch heads to either with ease.
I ended up going with Manfrotto and couldn't be happier.
B&H photo offers some of the best package prices I was able to find on Manfrotto =
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=manfrotto+322rc2&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=manfrotto+128rc&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta
This setup holds my full size Vortex Razor spotter and I have zero complaints.
Re: Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
You mention long range shooting vs. hunting in the field. If you plan on lugging the tripod on a pack long distances, even a few times a year, focus on something much more compact and lighter weight. The bulk and weight start to make a big difference on the first hill! You will sacrifice some stability but it will be worth it.
You mention long range shooting vs. hunting in the field. If you plan on lugging the tripod on a pack long distances, even a few times a year, focus on something much more compact and lighter weight. The bulk and weight start to make a big difference on the first hill! You will sacrifice some stability but it will be worth it.
Re: Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
Isaac Marchiona is selling a sweet little custom cut down manfrotto on the Cool Guy Yard Sale Facebook page. Slick little setup. Goes from 10 inches to 20 and has a 128RC head/QD setup.
Isaac Marchiona is selling a sweet little custom cut down manfrotto on the Cool Guy Yard Sale Facebook page. Slick little setup. Goes from 10 inches to 20 and has a 128RC head/QD setup.
Re: Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
I got the Cullmann nanomax 250. Its great. Can get really low to pretty high.
Its also very light. Only 1kg (or about 2 lbs for the metric haters)
I got the Cullmann nanomax 250. Its great. Can get really low to pretty high.
Its also very light. Only 1kg (or about 2 lbs for the metric haters)
Re: Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
I use the same Manfrotto above and it is super stable and great for even mounting a rifle. I have the same model above but mine is carbon fiber. Makes it lighter and still just as stable
I use the same Manfrotto above and it is super stable and great for even mounting a rifle. I have the same model above but mine is carbon fiber. Makes it lighter and still just as stable
Re: Need Help: Tripod selection for spotting scope
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JLK5PK/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1354332578&sr=8-7&pi=SL75
Those two are perfection
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JLK5PK/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1354332578&sr=8-7&pi=SL75
Those two are perfection
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