Whats out there for tabletop tripods?

[317millhand]

Finally broke down a bought a good spotter. Swaro HD. Now im in need of a tripod. This is something that I know nothing about, so Im trying to find out whats out there. Mostly will be shooting from a bench or prone and the spotter has the straight eyepiece. I dont mind spending a little money here.

 

[Pointblanktx]

Re: Whats out there for tabletop tripods?

Im curious about this as well since I am also looking for one.

 

[BeteNoire]

Here are my favorites

I have two systems that I like now. First is the tripod system from Tactical Tripods This is a nice system with a lot of flexibility. Second is the TSPod from Tactical-Precision For the TSPod, I just got a 1" dia piece of aluminum bar stock and threaded it with 3/8-24 tap to make a 10" riser. Then I got the Ray-Vin spotting scope head from Creedmor sports. TSPod is super compact and very low for prone shooting.
Cheers!!

 

[300LW]

Ashbury QEL? Pricey if you buy new but you can occasionally find good deals on ebay. I picked up three a few months ago for around $200 each. Haven't used them much but so far I like them.

 

[sail2468]

I used a Bushnell Shooters Stand 783011 in the military and it held together. I have one now that I bolted a Manfrotto quick release to. They are cheap and they work well for prone and bench work. My go to is a Manfrotto 055CX. It is full size but it is light and you can configure it for prone all the way to standing and offset it to a bench.

 

[Jhnmdahl]

I've had good luck with Manfrotto stuff as well, and usually use a full-size tripod without the legs extended if I'm prone or on a table. The do make tabletop versions, though - check out:

http://www.manfrotto.us/photo-tripods-table-tripods

John

 

[phreakmode]

Slik Mini Pro V. I bought one several years back and I was concerned about it's ability to hold any weight or survive general use when I first got it. I no longer have those concerns, it has performed very well for me. I keep one in my field pack and between spotting scopes, LRFs, Kestrel holders and cameras is has proven itself quite valuable to have on hand.

http://www.slik.co.jp/slik_com/CMS-MINI_PRO_V.html

I do not believe I have a photo of the tripod specifically, but for size reference you can see it lashed to my pack in this image

 

[ZiaHunter]

Burris makes a nice inexpensive bench tripod for spotting scopes. It has windage and elevation adjustments which are handy for centering the target through the scope. Also has a window mount option which is nice when using from a vehicle.

 

[Nysios]

I absolutely love my PRS Tripod. I have the Medium QD tripod. Its about 6" at its lowest though so may not work for some bench setups. www.precisionriflesolutions.com

 

[808H200321]

I like Manfrotto because I'm able to spend a little bit more now then when I was in the military...but many less popular brands (the ones with average industry ratings) have been just as durable and functional for me...especially if it's only for bench/prone style shooting....

 

[808H200321]

Off topic, but had to say nice looking weapon!

Slik Mini Pro V. I bought one several years back and I was concerned about it's ability to hold any weight or survive general use when I first got it. I no longer have those concerns, it has performed very well for me. I keep one in my field pack and between spotting scopes, LRFs, Kestrel holders and cameras is has proven itself quite valuable to have on hand.

http://www.slik.co.jp/slik_com/CMS-MINI_PRO_V.html

I do not believe I have a photo of the tripod specifically, but for size reference you can see it lashed to my pack in this image

 

[Comber]

I'm using a SLIK 450S.

 

[physhphude]

I have not had good luck with the SLIK which is the same as the PRS tabletop tripod I believe. I have found it to be pretty poor quality. Mostly plastic, the adjustments dont hold, and anything over 20x forget it.

I haven't found a suitable tabletop tripod yet. I just use a manfrotto or gitzo with legs spread out.

 

[Bounce]

I don't understand the logic of getting a cheap tripod and head on which to mount a $2000+scope. Also table top models offer no versatility. I like The Really Right Stuff tripods with no center post and a pan head. Pricey? Yes, but it will drop down to about 6 inches and you can use your scope for great photos and celestial wanderings. It will also last a lifetime.
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