Spotting Scope Tripod Recommendation

Sako300 · #1 07-11-2023, 01:39 PM

Hey all, looking for some advice on a tripod for the Vortex Razor 65mm spotting scope I just picked up. Intend to use it for sheep hunting this fall. Been looking at the Vortex tripods but seeing as I have zero experience with tripods in general thought I would ask.

Appreciate any feedback!

MountainTi · #2 07-11-2023, 01:51 PM

https://www.precisionoptics.net/Revi...ic-rs-2053.htm

Fwee6 · #3 07-11-2023, 02:33 PM

How much money you want to blow?!

This is what Yukon sheep-guru Greg McHale peddles...

https://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/

Article here: https://www.gregmchaleswildyukon.com...pod-selection/

koothunter · #4 07-11-2023, 02:35 PM

Sirui are decent for a reasonable cost. Look at Precision Optics in Quesnel BC. Omer will help you get what you need.

waldedw · #5 07-11-2023, 04:49 PM

Just depends on what you want to spend, they run from $200 to $2,000 depending on what you get, I got a very good one at McBain camera about 10 years ago that was just over $200, light aluminum extendable legs and very stable, has served me well.

Joe Btfsplk · #6 07-11-2023, 04:58 PM

I have one you can pick up in Edmonton for free gratis. I know nothing about it, but since it came from a place where the tenants got evicted, I don’t think it is high end. However, use it and see what features you would like in a better quality unit. Chuck it out or give it away when you are done!

Jjolg123 · #7 07-11-2023, 05:36 PM

RRS is top of the line, love their mount for shooting off the tripod but hate it for glassing with binos but their stuff is top notch. I dont use the gear the way i used to and downsized to slick 634 tripod with tricer lp head, Aziak bino mount and have not missed a beat. Very seldom have i found myself wanting my old setup which was easily 1000 more. I also attached a arca plate to my tikka stock so it goes right onto said tripod and mount

Sako300 · #8 07-12-2023, 09:35 AM

Thanks for the feedback - was not aware that tripods could lead to such a rabbit hole as well...thought that was only for the spotting scope ha. Looking to stay around $500.

wallz · #9 07-12-2023, 11:51 AM

I have the Revic Hunter model. Great tripod and does what it needs to do.

The backpacker would be a bit smaller, but perfect for the sheep packing.

DiabeticKripple · #10 07-12-2023, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallz

I have the Revic Hunter model. Great tripod and does what it needs to do.

The backpacker would be a bit smaller, but perfect for the sheep packing.

I like that you can shoot off the hunter one. The backpacker only has a 8.8lb rating so I’m not sure if I’d be putting a rifle on that.

MountainTi · #11 07-12-2023, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiabeticKripple

I like that you can shoot off the hunter one. The backpacker only has a 8.8lb rating so I’m not sure if I’d be putting a rifle on that.

You can shoot off the backpacker just as well

DiabeticKripple · #12 07-12-2023, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainTi

You can shoot off the backpacker just as well

Oh sweet!

wallz · #13 07-13-2023, 09:12 AM

I just looked again.

The head is rated for 33 lbs, and the tripod 8 lbs. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot off it, maybe not fully extended, but non the less I probably wouldn't shoot off any tripod fully extended.

twitchjig · #14 07-14-2023, 07:53 AM

I run a Gitzo its phenomenal

Lostinthewoods · #15 07-16-2023, 07:46 PM

Check out leofoto for tripods and a sirui fluid head. I run that and under 3lbs for both and I spent under 450! Most camera places stock them, got mine local in Calgary.

creeky · #16 07-17-2023, 01:31 PM

X2 on the Leofoto.

I had been on the lookout for a used 5 five section Gitzo when the product manager @ TCS suggested the Leofoto LM 365 C.

Gitzo is 2-3 times the price of the Leofoto and their incredibly close on build quality & specs.

One year in now tossed in trucks, sleds, pack boxes and backpacks I can confidently say the Gitzo equivalent is not 3 times the tripod the LM365 is.

Creeky...

Sako300 · #17 07-18-2023, 09:29 AM

Thanks for all the feedback, much appreciated!

Mr. Twister · #18 07-26-2023, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creeky

X2 on the Leofoto.

I had been on the lookout for a used 5 five section Gitzo when the product manager @ TCS suggested the Leofoto LM 365 C.

Gitzo is 2-3 times the price of the Leofoto and their incredibly close on build quality & specs.

One year in now tossed in trucks, sleds, pack boxes and backpacks I can confidently say the Gitzo equivalent is not 3 times the tripod the LM365 is.

Creeky...

I guess I just keep way better care of my stuff. Sure, you may have found it to be durable, but I have the Gitzo traveler it can pack down very small and gives you a wide range of height and uneven ground set ups. The ball head swivel mount was why I went with Gitzo. I have had it for 8 years and it's still phenomenal. It's sad to think you had treated your piece poorly and then tell everyone to stay away from it. I guess i just like to buy nice stuff and keep it that way. I'd never consider the above mentioned brand. Works great to shoot off of because of stability.... no head aches when spending hours behind a spotter because the head and tripod are rated and weighted very well.

Redneck 7 · #19 07-26-2023, 07:21 PM

I'd get a Leofotto from Amazon. Honestly the best budget tripod you can buy, with a ball head it's 450 if I remember right. Was comparing one to my leupold tripod at a match last year. Half the price and literally the same. Both 3 leg sections, carbon Fibre, ball head is strong enough to shoot off with a rifle.

jaylee0286 · #20 07-26-2023, 08:14 PM

I just use my $150 Nikon camera stand. Does the job...

mattyv · #21 07-26-2023, 08:18 PM

I’ve had a gitzo 1541t for over 6 years and it’s still in great shape. Look after your stuff and it will last. Picked mine up on Kijiji for much cheaper than new…I’d suggest the same-look on FB Marketplace/Kijiji and you can often get a deal.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

creeky · #22 07-27-2023, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Twister

I guess I just keep way better care of my stuff. Sure, you may have found it to be durable, but I have the Gitzo traveler it can pack down very small and gives you a wide range of height and uneven ground set ups. The ball head swivel mount was why I went with Gitzo. I have had it for 8 years and it's still phenomenal. It's sad to think you had treated your piece poorly and then tell everyone to stay away from it. I guess i just like to buy nice stuff and keep it that way. I'd never consider the above mentioned brand. Works great to shoot off of because of stability.... no head aches when spending hours behind a spotter because the head and tripod are rated and weighted very well.

Whats up with the sarcasm, I never advised anyone to stay away from Gitzo?

FYI just recently sold my 9yr old Gitzo Traveler and Really Right Stuff BH 30 ball head before it became plum wore out (pay for the Leo) , it doesn’t owe me a single penny.-been around the world, shot off’v, pack boxes, saddle horse tripod scabbard ya da ya da.

I shoot demanding video commercially in wilderness areas and although I look after my gear I can’t afford to baby it when it’s time to punch the red record button.

Of all the tripods I own, a heavy (12lb) $8000 Sachtler is my bomber go to, the Traveler (replaced w Leo) is my lightweight compromise and at 2-3 times less the cost of an equivalent Gitzo.

Creeky....

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