Tripod Help - spotting scope

[bwp86]

I recently picked up a Kowa 884 spotting scope and am trying to figure out what tripod and head to go with. I want to make sure I get all of the parts needed for when it shows up. I’m leaning towards the innorel rt80c for the legs, but not sure what i need for the head. Any help would be appreciated.

I figure the tripod would be plenty stable for the spotting scope and possibly could double for shooting with a different head if I decide to do that sometime.

 

[theLBC]

I recently picked up a Kowa 884 spotting scope and am trying to figure out what tripod and head to go with. I want to make sure I get all of the parts needed for when it shows up. I’m leaning towards the innorel rt80c for the legs, but not sure what i need for the head. Any help would be appreciated.

I figure the tripod would be plenty stable for the spotting scope and possibly could double for shooting with a different head if I decide to do that sometime.

a regular fluid head (separate pan and tilt) might be better for spotting, but not for shooting.
if you need to do both with one head, you want a good strong ballhead.

 

[bwp86]

a regular fluid head (separate pan and tilt) might be better for spotting, but not for shooting.
if you need to do both with one head, you want a good strong ballhead.

Thanks. I’m not sure I’ll ever shoot off it…I’m mainly interested in it for the stability. My focus is definitely on the spotting scope.

 

[theLBC]

Thanks. I’m not sure I’ll ever shoot off it…I’m mainly interested in it for the stability. My focus is definitely on the spotting scope.

i would call doug at camerlandny.com if you want advice on the best value for spotting. sturdy legs won't help if you have a wobbly head.

 

[HaydenLane]

If you’re after a smooth, affordable head for glassing, I’d look at the Sirui VA-5. I haven’t used it with a scope that large, but it’s plenty stable with 65mm scopes for sure. Hard to beat for the price. I would not shoot off of it, fwiw.

 

[bwp86]

If you’re after a smooth, affordable head for glassing, I’d look at the Sirui VA-5. I haven’t used it with a scope that large, but it’s plenty stable with 65mm scopes for sure. Hard to beat for the price. I would not shoot off of it, fwiw.

I’ve read good things about the VA-5 head. It seems to be recommended a lot

 

[carbonbased]

Berlebach 553 is nice. A bit spendy. Spring loaded so no flop.

 

[raz175]

The Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W is very smooth and handles 85mm spotting scopes with ease. You can set just enough tension to hold the scope, but still be able to pan and tilt.