Stretch,
Disregard this if you shoot prone, at a crowded range where you can't spread out, or you mind lugging a 7.5# tripod. The Zhumell astronomical tripod(TR-197-16) is unbelievably sturdy, easy to use companion for your scope and only costs $100. I tried lighter, smaller tripods and they quickly got kicked to the curb with this thing in the arsenal. (although I've not sprung for a high dollar carbon fiber). I have an 85mm vortex HD that lives on this tripod full time now. It is so sturdy, I leave it set up in the house so that I can easily move it outside to glass birds, animals, aircraft etc while they are still actually there. The head is amazingly smooth for a non fluid head and the drag is adjustable, which makes moving targets simple. Honestly, the tripod takes the scope into a whole other realm of useability. It also makes stargazing possible because of the stable platform and ability to cant it back on 1 leg. I marvel at the fact that it was only $100.
At the range, the big tripod is easier to place behind the shooter and set the height over the shooter when you have a separate spotter. Adjustment is easy and positive for people of different heights. The legs have 2 angle settings that allow for incredible versatility with heights. Again, forget this tripod if you have to keep it on the bench top. It is too tall for that use. I place it left of the bench when spotting solo.
Also, my scope fits nicely inside the tripod case along with the tripod. If I were to have only 1 tripod, this would definitely be it. Hint: I taped weights to the control arm to balance the scope so that t I can reduce the drag even further. I don't even need to touch the scope with my hands to adjust it in a standing position. I just touch my chest to the control arm and let my torso do the work. It's downright elegant.
