tripod and tripod head question

[scudzuki]

I have a cheap tripod I bought from Sportsmans Guide that, other than the head (mount?) is pretty solid. The head, however, is bad... flexy, sticky, etc.

I have considered a nice Zeiss tripod with fluid head but cannot come to grips with the idea of spending as much on the tripod as I spent on the spotting scope, A Bushnell Legend Elite 20-60x80 with ED glass.

I am not opposed to buying nice stuff... I have an S&B PMII, Bushnell DMR, etc., but I also don't like to use a sledgehammer to drive a finishing nail if you know what I mean.

I see that the fluid heads on Zeiss tripods (and possibly the tripods, too) are made by Manfretto (sp?) and that the heads are available separately. Can anyone recommend which model of Manfretto head would be suitable for adapting to my tripod?

Should I just bite the bullet and buy a Zeiss CF tripod with fluid head?

Joe

 

[hondo1312]

Re: tripod and tripod head question

I just bought a manfrotto 190xprob tripod and a manfrotto 322rc2 head off amazon for $260 total. I'm really happy with how it holds my spotter and how easy it is to adjust.

 

[scudzuki]

Re: tripod and tripod head question

What model / how big is your spotter? My Bushy is a monster but the optics are fantastic for what I paid...

Maybe I should just replace the entire thing... I don't have to buy the $700 CF model to get a better tripod and the fluid head.

Joe

 

[scudzuki]

Re: tripod and tripod head question

Oh, SNAP, I just found a like new demo of the CF Zeiss unit at Eurooptics for $399... I do like CF, too...

Joe

 

[hondo1312]

Re: tripod and tripod head question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scudzuki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What model / how big is your spotter? My Bushy is a monster but the optics are fantastic for what I paid...

Maybe I should just replace the entire thing... I don't have to buy the $700 CF model to get a better tripod and the fluid head.

Joe </div></div>

I have a us optics field observation scope.

 

[scudzuki]

Re: tripod and tripod head question

I bought the demo from EuroOptic.
It's pretty badass.
The carbon fiber tripod is very stiff and reasonably light and the fluid head is smooth.
Can't wait to try it out.

Joe

 

[tony2772]

Kinda hard to wrong with Manfroto

 

[Gunrunner100]

OpticsPlanet.com has the Vanguard ALTA 263AT tripod with ball mount head for $214, and they had a special for $50 instant off at checkout. Just another option for you to look at.

 

[cvbond]

No sure who makes it but there is a tripod out there where the head is like a pistol grip. You squeeze it and move it to where you want and then let go and it stays in place. Anyone recall which one this is and whether it holds up?

 

[Aasgard]

No sure who makes it but there is a tripod out there where the head is like a pistol grip. You squeeze it and move it to where you want and then let go and it stays in place. Anyone recall which one this is and whether it holds up?

Quite a few companies make them, but Magpul and Larue made Manfrotto's quasi-famous in the gun world. Manfrotto's probably the one you are thinking of. They do make good stuff. I have a 322RC2 and a 494RC2 for my 190CXPRO4. I use it literally every day for either spotting, photography, shooting off of, or holding my iPad. If you have an iPad and a tripod, but no tripod adapter for your iPad, you only have half an iPad. A whole new world awaits you.

 

[allie]

hello,

Whats a good tripod and head for a spotting scope these days? im thinking monfrotto but just not sure which model tripod and head to go with. can somebody help?
thanks

 

[KillShot]

hello,

Whats a good tripod and head for a spotting scope these days? im thinking monfrotto but just not sure which model tripod and head to go with. can somebody help?
thanks

Personally, I wouldn't buy the Manfrotto tripod. The tripod from Home - PRECISION RIFLE SOLUTIONS, LLC is rock solid and at a fraction of the price you'll pay for a Manfrotto.

 

[sentry1]

+1 On the Precision Rifle Solutions tripod, which is the Slik Sprint Pro II, if I recall correctly. I got mine through PRS to get the custom saddle they make, which is very good quality. They were responsive to all my inquiries as I tried to decide what I wanted, and got the gear shipped fast once I made my decision.

 

[mattsnuked]

I like the Vanguard with the pistol grip combo, it can articulate almost prone.

Amazon.com: Vanguard Alta Plus 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head: Electronics

 

[DT1]

These threads seem to usually evolve into PRS vs Manfrotto discussion. I have both and each have their place depending on your needs.

First, as has been mentioned, PRS doesn't mfg tripods, they use Slik Sprint tripods for their very fine and popular shooting cradle systems. If you get one of the PRS systems, the tripod can do double duty either with the cradle or in conjunction with your spotting scope. I've used them with my spotting scope in matches that require you to carry your stuff with you from stage to stage and they are very light weight and handy in this type role. They can also be purchased seperately from places like Camera Land (a Hide sponsor) or any of the large camera equipment outlets for around $79 or $89.

Manfrotto tripods are somewhat larger and heavier but, as you'd probably imagine, provide more stability, particularly when used with your spotting scope. They also give you more height adjustment options. The 190 is the most popular model and can also be purchased from Camera Land, B&H Photo etc either individually or as a kit that includes a pistol grip ball head. These combos are very nice for field use of the tripod/spotting scope. Depending on which model 190 you get, the kits usually cost from around $225-$325.

It sounds like the OP's primary use will be with his spotting scope. In that case, and if you "don't mind buying nice stuff", I'd go with the Manfrotto kit.

 

[DT1]

Here's the Slik, Manfrotto190/322CR Kit and a Manfrotto with some high dollar optics mounted on it (submitted by a member on another thread). You can type in "tripod" or "Manfrotto" into the search engine and read and look at pictures of this stuff for hours.

 

[mcmillanman5]

These threads seem to usually evolve into PRS vs Manfrotto discussion. I have both and each have their place depending on your needs.

First, as has been mentioned, PRS doesn't mfg tripods, they use Slik Sprint tripods for their very fine and popular shooting cradle systems. If you get one of the PRS systems, the tripod can do double duty either with the cradle or in conjunction with your spotting scope. I've used them with my spotting scope in matches that require you to carry your stuff with you from stage to stage and they are very light weight and handy in this type role. They can also be purchased seperately from places like Camera Land (a Hide sponsor) or any of the large camera equipment outlets for around $79 or $89.

Manfrotto tripods are somewhat larger and heavier but, as you'd probably imagine, provide more stability, particularly when used with your spotting scope. They also give you more height adjustment options. The 190 is the most popular model and can also be purchased from Camera Land, B&H Photo etc either individually or as a kit that includes a pistol grip ball head. These combos are very nice for field use of the tripod/spotting scope. Depending on which model 190 you get, the kits usually cost from around $225-$325.

It sounds like the OP's primary use will be with his spotting scope. In that case, and if you "don't mind buying nice stuff", I'd go with the Manfrotto kit.

Great post, I think this pretty well sums it up.

 

[Quarter Horse]

I have a Manfrotto 3001B Tripod with a Manfrotto 3265 Pistol Grip head. The combination has been in use for more than seven years without a problem. I also use a 20-60x80mm Elite but it's old enough that it still says Bausch & Lomb. My Elite weighs 4lb.s 2oz.s and the pistol grip head will hold it firmly at a 90 deg. angle. They've been in and out of trucks, up and down mountains and used for the spotting scope, cameras and as a rest. Good stuff.

 

[Shooter45]

As just stated, the PRS and Manfrotto are some of the most popular. The PRS is great for the price along with their cradle but I ended up getting the Manfrotto Neotec 458B tripod and the Hydrostatic 268mgrc2 head. This is much more than I planned on spending but I found great prices on ebay for it, they were near 50% off retail prices. To me it's worth paying a little extra in the end and getting what will fit your needs best, it'll last you a lifetime.

Now, with the Neotec tripod, it has a very fast feature for adjusting length which is instant. You are not fidgeting with the latches on a standard tripod. It is also capable of holding any of my rifles with it's weight limit.

The Hydrostatic head has been able to hold all weight I've put on it. I've tried the "pistol" grip heads and broken them and heard nightmares of breaking them after stalks when they were needed.

Again, this was much more than I had ever expected on paying but after using some at work and seeing what works it is well worth the money invested for a one time purchase.

 

[scudzuki]

After half a dozen trips to the range with the Zeiss/Manfrotto carbon tripod and fluid head, I am absolutely convinced I bought the correct product.
With a Bushnell 20-60x80 spotter, I can set the locks to a friction level where the scope will not move under its own weight but several ounces of pressure on the handle moves the POA smoothly right where I want with no overshoot required, drag it where I want it, no games, rock steady even in gusty wind.

Joe