I will soon be buying my first spotting scope, probably a 65MM scope.

I'd like to get some advice for selecting a tripod. I'll mostly be using it for elk and mule deer hunts.

Thanks!!!

Manfrotto (I believe it's sold as Bogen in USA) is the way to go.

At the truck a window mount and a tripod (any brand is OK) that goes up to 65+ inches in height and will hold at least 10-15 lbs. I have a Manfrotto 055 CF.

I like being able to stand up at the truck and glass so it has to extend 65" or more. The holding capacity will get you a tripod that is stable. The lower capacity ones will be flimsy when fully extended. Keep in mind that this tripod will probably be heavy and not something you want to hike up the mountain with.

Aluminum in this class will weigh 5-7 lbs, carbon fiber will weigh 3-5 lbs. Add 1-2 lbs for a pan and tilt head. Ball heads are available too, but I don't think that they work as well for glassing. YMMV. Some guys like them.

For on the mountain, I use a Slik compact 2. It is cheap, but weighs nothing and supports my 65mm scope just fine. It is short, though, so it works best for glassing while sitting.

There are a lot of brands, and most are decent quality. Manfrotto, Slik, Giottos, Benro, Gitzo, Induro are a few. Be prepared for sticker shock if you look at carbon fiber.

Jeremy

Another vote for Manfrotto. Also look at the Dolica line. I use a TX570 as my travel tripod. It is a good cross between travel convenience but is sturdier than most full frame models. It also converts to a monopod which I use quite a lot.

If I was after a backpackable tripod, a carbon is the way to go but as farbedo said, they are pricy.

Just avoid the Chinese knockoffs that you can find on Amazon. They look promising and are low priced however, they are complete junk.

Try and find a unit with "fluid head". They are smooth a silk. Typical heads are quirky. They are ok once you dialing your target but if you want to pan an area get a fluid head.

EZ

I have a couple Manfrotto's for photography. Heavy, but quality. The fluid heads are fantastic for video work. These are specific to the equipment I use. I have no experience with their lighter models. Their fluid heads that I have used are very nice.

I use a cabelas carbon fiber tripod. It's light, reasonably stable given the weight.

There is tradeoff between weight and stability and ease of use. Fluid heads weigh a bit more than a ball head.

I use two different tripods for the spotting scope. The Cabelas and I bought a used SLIK that is heavy as a brick. No fluid head but you can lock it on target and take pictures through it and step away and let someone else see what you are looking at.

It stays in the ranch house to watch the river bottom, and the Cabelas goes with me on hunts.

Just picked up an Outdoorsmans tripod and pan head. Not cheap, but a really nice unit. Not to heavy either.

quote:

Originally posted by Andre Mertens:
Manfrotto (I believe it's sold as Bogen in USA) is the way to go.

When the time comes, I'm gonna opt for the Manfrotto 190CXPro3. Not really concerned about the weight, but carbon fiber does a better job of dampening vibration.

I have an older Celestron and a Questar both with Maksutov-Cassegrain arrangements....I want a ground type tripod that is sturdy and portable light..up to 18-24 inches max.

Check out the outdoorsman tripods. I live in the dfw metro area you are welcome to look at mine. They have multiple configurations available.