Tripod for Konus 20-60x100 spotter?

[dfrosch]

Just picked up a Konus 100 spotter from ebay. Open box was about $100 less than retail. Now I need to find a tripod that'll support it. I think it's listed at over 5 pounds.

Don't want to spend too much, want a budget model. But would rather buy once and cry once. Saw some good reviews for Zomei and Slik.

Anyone else have a big heavy spotter on a tripod?

Thanks in advance,
Dana

[yobuck]

Depends on the use you have in mind.
Weight isn't much of an issue even with the large spotters.
Height can be an issue as in standing as opposed to sitting while using it.
Also using it for scanning while hunting will require a smooth working head as opposed to herky/jerky.
Unless your looking for a very lite packable type tripod, id be looking at used on Ebay.
Huskey makes a very durable one with a good head and sturdy legs that you can adjust high enough to stand behind.
Also Bogen/Monfroto makes a large selection of good ones that can also be bought used on Ebay.
The 3001 model tripod with a 30/30 size head will hold the largest spotter, and can be packed, but you wont stand behind it.

[cowtownup]

I use the scope stands this guy makes... They are great and reasonably priced also... If the spotter is as heavy as you mention, it may be a little top heavy if you have it way up high on this stand. Are you going to use it sitting or standing or in the prone position?

http://www.newhighpower.com/scope-stands.html

[dfrosch]

I'd probably be sitting while using it, either in a deer stand or at the range. But there may be a time when I'm standing. Prone isn't likely, but might happen.

[PhilC]

I carried a Slik 880 all over Japan when stationed there in the early 80s and still have it. I searched for a replacement recently and the Slik U212 looks exactly like my 880 which had no problem with my medium format and 35mm cameras, motor drives, and long lenses. Concerned about weight, always place the one leg in front and in line with mounted optic.

That linked stand looks awesome but you can find a U212 for less than half the money including shipping. Manfretto is a great head but the one on 212 will work just fine too.

[dfrosch]

... Concerned about weight, always place the one leg in front and in line with mounted optic...

I'm guessing that when using this technique, you have to be careful about panning?

[yobuck]

If panning (as in glassing), is going to be a major part of the use, then the head will play a more important role.
Range use as a rule means pointing it at the target where it remains, and the head need not be a smooth working one.
Panning on the other hand means constant moving, and therefore a smooth working head is more important.
Some regular type heads are smoother working than others, even among the same model, but as a rule the fluid heads are the smoothest.
A cheap tripod will ultimately be money wasted if you plan on using it for serious glassing.
A $100 will for sure get you a good used tripod on Ebay, and ive bought them for less than half that a few times.

[dfrosch]

I found a Slik U212 on ebay that no one else wanted to bid on. Got it for ~$33 shipped. Will let you know how it works.

Thanks again for your input.

[PhilC]

I'm guessing that when using this technique, you have to be careful about panning?

No, if you're panning you're hands on and behind the optic. My comment was intended more for static position shooting and your concern the spotting scope may be nose heavy. I don't think you'll have any problems at all. Great price on that 212!

[dfrosch]

... Great price on that 212!

Yep. Figured it was a deal even if I had to use it for parts.

[zeroforhire]

Nice deal on that slik

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