Spotting Scope Base

Bladeweaver

Bladeweaver

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Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 3, 2009
15
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54
Wisconsin
#1
I have a half way decent scope and a good range finder. Right now I have my spotting scope on top of a camera tripod. I find that it is quite unstable and jiggly. What should I be looking for for a good base for it? Something that can be used on table top or uneven ground would work well I suppose.
 
#5
Re: Spotting Scope Base

If you want a dedicated spotter tripod, then look no further than the Bogen/Manfrotto lineup. I run a 055XPROB that I have had for a couple years now and I am extremely pleased with it. It has the horizontal folding center column which is great for extending the spotter over toward your shooting position when you are doing your own spotting so that you don't have to reposition/move around a lot to use the spotter. If you don't need that feature, there are other units in the 055 tripod class. Also, you didn't mention what size/weight/make/model spotter you have, but if you want to save a little weight and you don't need the capacity of the 055 class tripods, take a look at the 190XPROB (for the horizontal center column) or others in the 190 class of tripods.
 
#6
Re: Spotting Scope Base

What type of range finder are you using? I figured out a way to mount both a Zeiss spotting scope and a Leica range finder on the same Bogen head and tripod. You can spot the target and range it at the same time. Its also possible to change out the spotter for a set of binos and do the same except in a search and range mode. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send you a pic to post. Sorry, I am pc challenged so I can't post a pic myself.
 
#7
Re: Spotting Scope Base

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want a dedicated spotter tripod, then look no further than the Bogen/Manfrotto lineup. I run a 055XPROB that I have had for a couple years now and I am extremely pleased with it. It has the horizontal folding center column which is great for extending the spotter over toward your shooting position when you are doing your own spotting so that you don't have to reposition/move around a lot to use the spotter. If you don't need that feature, there are other units in the 055 tripod class. Also, you didn't mention what size/weight/make/model spotter you have, but if you want to save a little weight and you don't need the capacity of the 055 class tripods, take a look at the 190XPROB (for the horizontal center column) or others in the 190 class of tripods. </div></div>

ORD, what head are you using for your tripod? I was thinking about picking up a Manfrotto 322RC2. Any experience with this head?
 
#8
Re: Spotting Scope Base

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hoosierswat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ORD, what head are you using for your tripod? I was thinking about picking up a Manfrotto 322RC2. Any experience with this head? </div></div>

My dedicated spotter tripod (055XPROB) has a 322RC2 head that I picked up earlier this year. I actually had several years of faithful service from an old 322RC2 until I managed to destroy mine last fall (one of those major OOOPS moments). I found, through a post here, that Bogen/Manfrotto offers a bunch of parts if, God forbid, anything ever happens to yours. After pricing out the parts and looking around at new/used models, I ended up buying a "used" model (it was a store demo) for only about $15 more than the replacement parts would have cost me. If I stupidly break another one...I'll replace it with the same head without a doubt. Bogen is also making an "updated" version of the 322RC2 now (don't recall the specific model) but they are worth looking at as well.

In other words...I highly recommend the 322RC2 for your spotter!! If you don't want to buy new, check out eBay and other forums for some good deals on these heads. You have to be quick on the trigger though because they don't last long when they do come up. If you do buy new, get with the guys at CameralandNY and see what kind of deal they can offer you. They were going to do me a solid on a new head until I came across the deal on the demo model that I couldn't pass up.
 
#10
Re: Spotting Scope Base

I'm running the 322RC and 128RC heads on Manfrotto legs. For the range I really like the 322. For setting and forgetting the ball head rules. IF, you are more into panning and following motion, then the 128 works really well. If I had to have only 1 head, I'd opt for the 322. I went with 2 heads to try both models myself, and so that I don't have to take the time to move the head from the legs to my window mount. Both heads being quick detach, I can't move my spotter quickly between the two.

BH photo had the best package prices by far - if you spend a little time on their site, first do a search for the model of legs or head you are interested in. This should bring up any package combinations of the given item. I got my 190XB and both heads for right around $300.
 
#11
Re: Spotting Scope Base

I got the 190CX tripod and the 322RC2 head on eBay for $220. I really had to wait to pick them off at that price. That was used equipment of course. It is serving me well after some major cleaning and the purchase of some rubber feet for the tripod.
 
#12
Re: Spotting Scope Base

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My dedicated spotter tripod (055XPROB) has a 322RC2 head that I picked up earlier this year.</div></div>

I just picked up this combo. I originally went to the store just to get the 055XB, but after seeing the versatility that tilting head gives you... wow! Spending the extra few $$$ on this feature is really worthwhile. I used it instead of the benchtop tripod today. Had more room on the bench and was still able to look through the spotter without having to get up or move, and nothing was in the way.

It was also easy to set up this tripod up for prone shooting. Super versatile, and solid enough to use as a rifle rest.
 
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