WTB: Tripod for 65mm Vortex spotter

[TexRed]

I just purchased the Vortex Viper 15-45x65 (angled) and am now looking for a good tripod. Any suggestions on what I should look for? Im on a budget and can't spend more than $200 but would like to keep it well under that if possible. I am more concerned about stability rather than weight. If anyone has one that they are looking to part with or are upgrading and not using their old one I'd be interested in making a deal.

Thanks!

 

[Matt Cashell]

Hi TexRed,

Welcome to Rokslide!


Cameralandny is a Rokslide sponsor and this is an excellent stable tripod of moderate weight:

http://www.cameralandny.com/tripods/bogen.pl?page=bogen190xprob

 

[TexRed]

I would be needing the tripod and head. What type of head is best for a spotting scope?
The site said the spotter weights right at 4 lbs. Do I need to look for a tripod that is rate for double that? or is there a general rule of thumb to go by when looking? Where I live doesnt have anywhere that I can piddle with them so I am going stictly off recommendations

 

[tipsntails7]

I have the exact same spotter, and I currently run the summit SS by vortex. It's super light, pretty cheap and Wes great as long as you don't have the legs maxed out, has a ball head which I actually prefer. I've been very happy with it. I have an angled spotter and use it sitting or kneeling 99 percent of the time. If I had a straight eye piece or used it standing more, then I would suggest you go in a different direction.

 

[ElkNut1]

Yes, the Summit SS Tripod will support the Viper HD 65 Spotter. It's a lightweight (1.8#) packable Tripod with the ball head. Vortex has a New Summit coming out early Spring, this one has the pan-head design with the same solid as a rock SS design. It will weigh 2# -- Personally I really look forward to getting that one or two! (grin) It will easily support the 85 Spotter so the 65 would be even better! The unit will fold to 13" & open to 54-1/2". It will be right at 129.00.

ElkNut1

 

[Chad44]

I have the exact same spotter, and I currently run the summit SS by vortex. It's super light, pretty cheap and Wes great as long as you don't have the legs maxed out, has a ball head which I actually prefer. I've been very happy with it. I have an angled spotter and use it sitting or kneeling 99 percent of the time. If I had a straight eye piece or used it standing more, then I would suggest you go in a different direction.

+1
I like this a lot. Goes high enough to stand up with and low enough to lay down with. Can't ask for more in a sub 2 lb spotter.

 

[Ray]

Slik mini pro II can be found less than $80. It comes with a small ball head with a quick detach plate. With an angle spotter you can use it standing up unless you are really tall.

 

[TexRed]

I am 6'3" so I would need a pretty tall tripod to use while standing. I bought the angles scope in hopes that that would allow me to use a shorter tripod. As far as heads go; what is the benefits/drawbacks to pan heads and ball heads?

 

[tipsntails7]

pan heads are said to be easier to grid an area with because they will stay on plain and "Pan" from side to side, where ball heads are just that, a ball in a socket that can move fluidly in multiple directions at once. i personally like ball heads better, for me i have no problem panning with them when the tension is set right, and its much easier for me to get on target with the ball head if a partner or i spot something with the binos. i beleive pan heads are more stable and are considered to be a more robust conection there for being more durable but i personally cannot speak to this.
on a side note i am 6'2" and if you really want to use the tripod standing up your going to need a much sturdier unit then the Vortex. i personally hate standing and using my spotter but that is just personal.