Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

farmbo · Dec 26, 2011

Im more than a little bit green on this stuff so bear with me. Somewhere I came across a tripod that was able to adjust from standing to ground level. I would like to see some pics if possible and your opinions.

popndrop · Dec 29, 2011

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Manfrotto makes a few models that can do it.

DT1 · Dec 29, 2011

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

I'm a big fan of Manfrotto tripods as well. I have two aluminum 190's. I cut the legs down on one of them with a pipe cutter to make it more handy and left the other stock. They can both be used standing and at ground level.

They come in both aluminum and carbon (more expensive but lighter) and are very versitile with many height and position options. You can also get one with a center column that adjusts horizontally giving you even more options.

You can pick up kits that include the tripod and a head from many of the camera and on line photo houses. Camera Land is a great source and they're a vendor here on SH.

Here are a few pictures of the 190 (not mine)

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pyplynr · Dec 29, 2011

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

www.precisionriflesolutions.com

Daniel is a great guy to do business with. He goes by "platypus" on here.

SCOTTx88 · Jan 3, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Manfrotto. Works great standing too, i'm 6-4 and its not a problem getting high enough.

kombayotch · Jan 3, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro... extremely versatile tripod. Here are a few of the ways it can be configured:

Fits nicely in the side pocket of my Eberlestock F4...

kombayotch · Jan 3, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Here it is with the homemade rifle rest. The rest has a strap that secures the rifle to it and straps on the back to mount it to the molle on a pack. I took a pieced of 4x2x0.25 aluminum channel, drilled and tapped it for the Manfrotto adapter plate. Also put holes for the alignment pins on the plate. Then I wrapped closed-cell foam over it and made a cover out of OD Green Cordula. The channel and the foam were chosen so that my A5/T4 fits snugly in it.

Standing, sitting, kneeling, semi-prone on uneven terrain... the possibilities are endless. But yes, it works very nicely from a standing position for shooting over waist-high vegetation, fences or other obstacles.

Expensive tripod, but it's light, solid and will do anything you would ever need a tripod to do.

Aries64 · Jan 3, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: farmbo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im more than a little bit green on this stuff so bear with me. Somewhere I came across a tripod that was able to adjust from standing to ground level. I would like to see some pics if possible and your opinions. </div></div>
I use a Gitzo GT1550T with the Gitzo G2285MB Adapter Plate. The combined weight of the two is only 2.51 lbs., so its' very light in comparison to most other tripods including other quality carbon fiber units from Giotto and Manfrotto. The Traveller Series tripods' feature 180 degree-folding legs that allow fold-up into very compact sizes, making the Travellers' ideal for backpacking and travel. The GT1550T folds down to 14.1", is very stable, and can be used sitting, standing, or prone. The GT1550T's minimum height is 8.66", maximum height with Center Column "Up" is 57.48", and maximum height with Center Column "Down" is 49.21". If I have the Center Column installed I usually raise it a max of 2/3rds' of it's height for better stability and/or hang a bit of weight from the hook at the bottom of the Shaft. The only problem with Gitzos' is the high price tag.

If weight and compact size are less of a consideration I would look at a carbon fiber Giottos or Manfrotto tripod and matching Head. The Giottos and Manfrottos' aren't as light or as compact as the Gitzo Travellers' and they have larger footprints when used prone, but they'll typically cost a LOT less and do almost the same things. Look at the four-section, carbon fiber Giottos MG-8240B MG Classic Carbon Fiber & Magnesium Tripod , the four-section Giottos MT-8241 MT II Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod, the three-section carbon fiber Manfrotto 190CXPRO3, and the four-section carbon fiber Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 then add the head of your choice. All of them can be used sitting, standing, or prone.

I used to have an angled Zeiss 65T FL, and the GT1550T handled it with no problem. Then after buying and evaluating an Optolyth S80 Compact alongside my 65T FL I sold the Zeiss in favor of the Optolyth. The Gitzo GT1550T and Optolyth S80 Compact work great together for sitting, standing, or prone use. The MIL Reticle in the Optolyth 30X WA Eyepiece rotates 360 degrees, so you can always orient the reticle to be "square" with the target, even after rotating the spotting scope within it's Collar.

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + Gitzo G2285MB Adapter folded and ready to travel:

I applied some foam grips to the upper sections of the legs to protect them from scratches and deaden sound. The foam grips are
long enough to fit over and cushion the aluminum ferrules, so I pulled the grips over them as you can see in the photos below:

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + Gitzo G2285MB Adapter with Foam Grip material, folded:

Optolyth S80 HD Compact & 20-60X Eyepiece next to Zeiss Diascope 65T FL & Zeiss Vario 15-45X/20-60X Eyepiece:

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + G2285MB Adapter and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece (GT1550T's Center Column removed for prone use

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + G2285MB Adapter and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Here the scope is
set-up to the Left of the shooter/spotter. The spotting scope has been rotated to the Right within it's Collar, while the Eyepiece's
Reticle has been rotated to the Left to remain "square" with the target area:

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + G2285MB Adapter and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Here the scope is
set-up to the Right of the shooter/spotter. The spotting scope has been rotated to the Left within it's Collar, while the Eyepiece's
Reticle has been rotated to the Right to remain "square" with the target area:

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + G2285MB Adapter and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Center Column raised for seated use:

Keith

Dogtown · Jan 3, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Good stuff, guys

cfulback32 · Jan 7, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

As already suggested, the Manfrotto 190XPROB and 055XPROB are excellent options. If you are over 6 feet tall and would like to use the tripod standing without having to extend the center section (not extending the center section makes things a bit more steady) then you should go with the 055. Otherwise they are pretty similar.

Both are available in carbon fiber options for a bit less weight, but the fairly large price increase for the fairly small weight decrease was not worth it for me.

The tripod head that is in a lot of these pictures in this thread is the Manfrotto 322RC2.

Here are some more pics, 055XPROB and 322RC2:

LARMIKE · Jan 14, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Look on Creedmoor sports website and you will find several Hi power type scope stands that can be adjusted from low to high and in between.I think you will be happy with the quality over the camera based tripods. I have both but the heavier hi power types will support the scope a little better in my opinion.

ORD · Jan 14, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

I too have a Bogen/Manfrotto 055XPROB (and a shooting buddy of mine uses the little brother 190XPROB) and I highly recommend them along with a quality tripod head like the 322RC2 grip head for ease of use/adjustment. The 055 will ground as low as around 7" or so depending on which head/scope you mount) and reach well over 5' in height without the center column extended. I prefer the 055 to the smaller 190 just because it is a little "beefier" and when I'm using it, I am generally not too worried about it being the ultimate statement in weight savings/portability (mine runs around 29" long when collapsed, with the head attached, and weighs just under 6lbs).

JC Steel · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

manfrotto all the way

Lazlo · Jan 23, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Tag - just picked up a Manfrotto 550XPROB.

hrt4me · Apr 8, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

good info, thanks!

pdice · Apr 25, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scottx88</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Manfrotto. Works great standing too, i'm 6-4 and its not a problem getting high enough.

</div></div>

Same here, 6' 2" and the manfrotto is hard to beat for price/performance. BTW, I really like that position and I haven't tried it yet.

A14 · Apr 25, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

I also like the manfrotto

lennyo3034 · Apr 26, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Vanguard Alta Pro 163/4/5 tripods are another option.

AnschutzNerd · Apr 28, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Another vote for the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro.

Solid... is the one word definition of it.

Get a gear head if using it for target shooting.

AnschutzNerd

lizzardking308 · Apr 28, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Check out the PRS tripods. They are a great piece of kit and won't break the bank. I'm running a large one and it's very versatile.

Aries64 · Apr 30, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: farmbo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im more than a little bit green on this stuff so bear with me. Somewhere I came across a tripod that was able to adjust from standing to ground level. I would like to see some pics if possible and your opinions. </div></div>
I posted in this thread about four (4) months ago, and at that time I was using a Gitzo GT1550T with the Gitzo G2285MB Adapter Plate (combined weight of only 2.51 lbs.), so very light in comparison to most other tripods including other quality carbon fiber units from Giotto and Manfrotto. The Traveller Series tripods' feature 180 degree-folding legs that allow fold-up into very compact sizes, making the Travellers' ideal for backpacking and travel. The GT1550T folds down to 14.1", is very stable, and can be used sitting, standing, or prone. The GT1550T's minimum height is 8.66", maximum height with Center Column "Up" is 57.48", and maximum height with Center Column "Down" is 49.21". If I have the Center Column installed I usually raise it a max of 2/3rds' of it's height for better stability and/or hang a bit of weight from the hook at the bottom of the Shaft. The only problem with Gitzos' is the high price tag.

Anyway, I recently upgraded the ballhead to a Really Right Stuff BH-30 LR Compact Ballhead. All RRS BH-30 Heads have silky-smooth 360-degree panning and lock solidly. The Panning Base is laser-engraved with hashes every 2.5 degrees, with numbers every 15 degrees. I really wanted a high-end ballhead when I first bought the Gitzo GT1550T tripod but didn't but I didn't want to fork-out the extra $200.00+ over the price of the G2285MB Adapter Plate I initially paired with my GT1550T tripod. But the fact of the matter is if you want the highest quality, compact, capacity, and Panning for a Traveller you're looking at $300.00+ with a single Plate.

I had gone back and forth between the RRS BH-30 LR and Gen 2 Markins Q3T, but in the end I went with the BH-30 LR because of RRS's quality. RRS ballheads really are the best. In fact, RRS quality is so high that owners of Markins and other ballheads often install RSS Clamps on their non-RRS ballheads. The BH-30 LR weighs 4.4 oz. more than the Gitzo G1077M ballhead and Gitzo G2285MB Adapter I was using, but capacity of the BH-30 is 15 lbs, compared to the 4.4 lbs. of the Gitzo G1077M ballhead. Also, although the stem on the BH-30's ball is taller than the Gitzo 1077M's stem, the B6 plates that I use with the BH-30 LR are approximitely .10" shorter than a Gitzo GS5370C Plate, so the OAL height specifications are nearly exactly the same as when I was using the lower-capacity, non-panning Gitzo 1077M + G2285MB combination.

Below are some photos of the Gitzo GT1550T Traveller with the Really Right Stuff BH-30 LR Compact Ballhead (combined weight of the two is only 2.88 lbs.). The GT1550T's minimum height is 8.56", maximum height with Center Column "Up" is 57.38", and maximum height with Center Column "Down" is 49.11". If I have the Center Column installed I usually raise it a max of 2/3rds' of it's height for better stability and/or hang a bit of weight from the hook at the bottom of the Shaft. Again, the only problem with Gitzos' is the high price tag.

I think Manfrottos' are probably the best for performance/price, but what sealed the Gitzo GT1550T Traveller for me was that it takes up a lot less space on the ground when using the scope prone than a Manfrotto 55PROB or Manfrotto 190PRO (horizontally-mounted Center Columns on the 55PROB and 190PRO tripods stick-out a lot, and are confining in-between benches and other shooters).

Also, something that some people like to point-out is that the carbon fiber version of a tripod is a lot more expensive than it's aluminum sibling (the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 at $320.00 versus the Manfrotto 055XPROB at $160.00 is an excellent example), and that the weight savings isn't worth it. While the weight savings may or may not be "worth it" to an individual, something that is always overlooked is that carbon fiber dampens vibration and shock much better than aluminum. Aluminum tends to resonate. Pick the right tripod and head and it will work well for a variety of activities, increasing your return on investment.

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller Tripod w/MTB Grip Foam + Really Right Stuff BH-30 LR Ballhead folded and ready to travel:

Really Right Stuff BH-30 LR Ballhead:

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece (GT1550T's Center Column removed for prone use

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Here the scope is set-up to
the Left of the shooter/spotter. The spotting scope has been rotated to the Right within it's Collar, while the Eyepiece's Reticle has
been rotated to the Left to remain "square" with the target area:

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Here the scope is set-up to
the Right of the shooter/spotter. The spotting scope has been rotated to the Left within it's Collar, while the Eyepiece's Reticle has
been rotated to the Right to remain "square" with the target area:

Gitzo GT1550T Traveller + RRS BH-30 LR and Optolyth S80 HD Compact w/30X WA MIL Reticle Eyepiece. Ready for seated use:

Keith

VJJPunisher · Apr 30, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

free promo tripod from opticspecialist, manfrotto head, DLOC-M rail adapter

juniors · May 1, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Manfrotto 458B Neotec Pro. This is one of the best tripods you can buy, in my opinion of course! Awesomely fast and easy to use the 458B has the innovative Neotec rapid opening and closing mechanism-just pull each leg downwards to open and automatically lock it in any position with no screws knobs or levers to tighten or loosen. Then to fold it back up again press the mechanism release button and push the leg closed. Combined with the 458B's high load capacity great min-max height range and its full range of professional features this makes it the ideal tripod for location work under pressure. The 458B has a built in carrying handle; a two-section center column for low angle or normal shooting and four set leg angle positions. "Upside down" leg construction also stops the worst of the mud you're standing in from ending up inside the tripod. This is the best system I have found for 13+ lb rifles while standing, sitting in a chair, or kneeling. Tripod can be used prone, shooting or spotting.

_Shay_ · May 1, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Slink tripods work for me. Remove the center post and get as low as you need to, and as high as you need to.

LRJammer · Jul 11, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

I found this thread looking for insite into a new tripod for my Vortex 20-60 x 80 mm spotter (my first spotter.) After putting it on a cheap ass wal mart tripod, I realized the importance of a quality tripod and head. Picked up the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 3 way pan head. The difference is phenominal! This is one hell for stout tripod and I couldnt be happier with it.

JohnnyC · Jul 12, 2012

Re: Tripod for ground level/ standing positions ?

Don't forget the Sniper Ops Tactical Compact Tripod one as well.

http://tacticaltripod.com/3x_More_Utility.html

I like the simplicity of the design and the fact that you really only have to carry what you'll use. If you'll be standing, bring more rods, if not, leave them at home and don't worry about the extra weight. It's super low profile as well. It's not super fancy, but for taking it out in the hills it's not a bad option.

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