Universal mounting system (tripods, etc.)

[CShooter92]

I'm not entirely sure if this is the proper place for this but I'll give it a shot.

I currently own a small Vortex Summit tripod for backpacking my spotting scope around for hunting. Problem is, it has a different baseplate than my window mount for my spotting scope and then if I want to attach my Camcorder to film, I have to move the base plate around between optics and camera. It's really a mess honestly and I'm looking to simplify.

Is there a universal mounting system that uses one baseplate style? That way I could just put baseplates on my camcorder, spotting scope, and anything else I want and easily just switch them between a tripod and window mount?

I fully understand I may need to purchase a new tripod or window mount or both to make this work.

 

[Diver160651]

It used to be what was generally called Arca Swiss - But most MFGs just copied Arcas' offerings kinda closely. It is not "really a standard". Using QRs and plates listed as Arca Swiss compatible will still work for your needs.

A lot of people I know have switch over to the same system but is a Standard written by RRS. It is a 1.5" dovetail. These plates work with most Arca QRs, but many plates listed as Arca compatible, are a hair to narrow for the RRS QRs.

The reason we've switched to the RRS Tripods and Heads, is because these are being used as gun supports and it is the very best system currently out there. I run several different tripods with ORs, Spotters, Binos, PRLF and rifles (even my PCP), They all have a 1.5" dovetail for the exact reason your asking.

 

[Olen_4504]

edit:

what he said ^^^^^^

 

[mrtoyz]

^^^^ THIS
A lot of systems out there are not “directly” compatible or transformable to ARCA but they can be modified.
Take your summit for example. You can screw your QR plate to the bottom of an ARCA clamp and VOILA!
RRS is the best solution of these clamps, plates etc., believe me, been there tried that...

 

[flyer]

There are several styles, Arca Swiss has two types, Manfrotto at least three and I think Gitzo has one. Hell, I've got a clamp and a few plates for mounting a camera on an F14, I would use it for a rifle but it's a bit much.

All have pluses and minuses, just find one that works for you, buy several plates and stick with it.

Arca has gained popularity in the shooting crowd and remains fairly popular in photography but it's not perfect for every application.

 

[_Windrider_]

Isn’t the RRS dovetail also pic rail compatible as well? Another bonus

 

[flyer]

RRS/Arca is not Picatinny rail compatible.

There is a "standard" called NATO rail which seems to have nothing to do with NATO but copied the profile of the STANAG rail (what everyone else calls Picatinny) but without slots.

I would rather use real Picatinny anywhere that I could use NATO rail.

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

@flyer @TacticalDillhole was saying is our new clamps are dual standard. So you can grab onto Picatinny and our RRS 1.5" Dovetail with the same clamp. Our new Anvil-30 ballhead has the clamp milled into it as well.

 

[mrtoyz]

I think Dillhole might have been referring to the new RRS SC-LR plate that is RRS/Arca plate and pic rail compatible.

 

[mrtoyz]

Mike beat me to it! Lol

 

[CShooter92]

So what I'm getting out of all of this is that I'm likely going to need to purchase a new head for my current tripod and window mount. It's probably easier to just switch every system I have and buy a new RRS tripod and leveling head (Do I need a ball head with a leveling head?)

My window mount is the version that just has the thumb screw that threads right into the spotter, camera, etc. Is there a QR head that would screw into this and then I put the baseplate on the camera & spotter?

Sorry for the likely easy questions, I just have no experience with tripods or gear like this.

 

[Diver160651]

So what I'm getting out of all of this is that I'm likely going to need to purchase a new head for my current tripod and window mount. It's probably easier to just switch every system I have and buy a new RRS tripod and leveling head (Do I need a ball head with a leveling head?)

My window mount is the version that just has the thumb screw that threads right into the spotter, camera, etc. Is there a QR head that would screw into this and then I put the baseplate on the camera & spotter?

Sorry for the likely easy questions, I just have no experience with tripods or gear like this.

RRS - no you do not need a ball head with the leveling base if you configure it with the QR. Another very slick option as mentioned by MPHReallyRightStuff is the Anvil30 with integrated Apex. It combines leveling head performance with near ball head articulation. It has two other very nice bi-products, super compact and dual mounting on either the 1.5” dovetail or a pic rail.

If your rifle can take a full length rail like the 419, HRD-Gear rails paired with the new RRS bipod adapters you end up with a crazy solid and flexible system. Again mentioned and shown thumbnails in Mike's post.

As far as the spotter goes, there are a ton of adapters, but at some point things can get cluttered and heavy.

To you have a picture?

 

[mrtoyz]

So what I'm getting out of all of this is that I'm likely going to need to purchase a new head for my current tripod and window mount. It's probably easier to just switch every system I have and buy a new RRS tripod and leveling head (Do I need a ball head with a leveling head?)

My window mount is the version that just has the thumb screw that threads right into the spotter, camera, etc. Is there a QR head that would screw into this and then I put the baseplate on the camera & spotter?

Sorry for the likely easy questions, I just have no experience with tripods or gear like this.

You could mount these RRS plates on most anything

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

thats our BQDS, has a flush mount in it as well.
http://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/BQDS-Plate-for-Quick-Detach-Strap-Swivel

 

[mrtoyz]

Lol! Shoulda said the part number, sorry.
Every time I turn around RRS is making something else I need... bastards! It’s a conspiracy

 

[CShooter92]

This is the window mount. The Skyline tripod I'm not too impressed with the head on it so I want a new head anyways (Likely new tripod too). So is there a clamp that would screw onto this window mount, then I could just use a Std. 1.5" Dovetail bracket on both my camera and spotter?

 

[Diver160651]

Oh thats easy, just add the QR plate (this is the coolest new offering from RRS but overkill) to connect your mount to a plate like mrtoyz showed. Note that the shelf on the BQDS helps keep the spotter from twisting loose, but you need a raised area or edge close to the 1/4-20 mounting hole on your spotter.

If you need to skimp anywhere skim on this window mount... But your life will change with an RRS shooting setup -- will work for your spotter and PLRF too.

Here is a cheepo solution for the window mount a small, light screw knob QR plate for $16

 

[MPHReallyRightStuff]

I use this for a window mount/multi-purpose mount. Thanks for the plug diver!
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Travel-Clamp-Kits?quantity=1&custcol34=1&custcol24=1

 

[Diver160651]

I use this for a window mount/multi-purpose mount. Thanks for the plug diver!
View attachment 6933338

Mike do you have a link to that? I also sent you a PM..

@Stpilot12 do you have the next few match dates? I think were are also going to run a 2 day team challenge, that will be fun.. like to get feedback on the idea and see if you are interested.

 

[Stpilot12]

@Diver160651 I dont have the dates... Would love to shoot the team challenge with you. Ill give you a call tonight.