What tripods are people using for their spotting scopes when back packing? I am using the SLIK travel tripod, it is light, but the quality is not the greatest,

thanks

I also used a SLik 50 in the past. Quality is definately not the greatest. I ran into a mfg at the SCI show in Reno that offers a quality light weight tripod. Outdoorsmans is the name. Made out of machined aluminum weighs 2lbs with max height of 44" Has a pistol grip head that has a milled flat side that you can use for a rifle rest and you can order a bino adapter for almost any bino. Not cheap my order came to around $620. Life time warranty and the quality is definately there. I was sold the minute I saw it at the show and tried it out. 1-800-291-8065

I bought a Ray-vin this winter, but have yet to really test it out in real hunting situations. It is made well and seems durable.

www.ray-vin.com

My SLIK weighs 1 pound 6 ounces , are there any other in this weight range?

I use this http://www.manfrotto.com/page2051.html
heavier than yours but it's great quality and you can lay, sit, kneel, or even stand with it.
Manfrotto 718B Didi Mini, it's not cheap either ($120US) but you get what you pay for.

I will be very interested in responses to this. I have tried several "light weight" tripods and am not satisfied. I definitely dont want to carry a tripod heavier than my scope (2lbs), but need more stability.

Decided to resurrect this old thread to see what light weight tripods for spotting scopes folks are using now. What does yours weigh and do you like it?

Look at the Gitzo GT-531. It's 1/2 the normal size but well built and .9 lbs. Add a RRS BH-20 and you have a really, really light and great setup (and out a lot of $$).

quote:

Originally posted by bhtkevin:
Look at the Gitzo GT-531. It's 1/2 the normal size but well built and .9 lbs. Add a RRS BH-20 and you have a really, really light and great setup (and out a lot of $$).

Thanks for the tip. I ended up with a Gitzo GT 0531 for more height. Sometimes I will use the spotting scope in brush and the lowness of the GT 531 would have been a problem. I also went with a slightly heavier ball head in the Giottos MH1302-655 to handle the spotting scope wihout slippage. The combo is fairly light but sturdy enough to handle the task. I'll let you know in a year how it handles the Brooks Range.

Snipepod.com

My 32" bipod weighs 5 oz. The tripod a few oz more.

Alan