Scope Tripods for 300 or less (1 Viewer)

My main tripod is a manfrotto that is some 10 years old. It's working OK and I do have two plates for it. I can with some delay use it for scope and camera. I have to carry a back back and stick the scope there for the extra long photos.

I also carry a cheap angled scope sometimes and have a Vanguard tripod for that. It might work for the camera, though I would be hunched over. The camera is a Canon zoom so I can use the angled viewer in the back. The tripod is very light but other than that a bit wimpy.

Looking at this Vortex tripod for possible third. Maybe I get some tax refund this year. Would spend max 300 for that.
https://www.eagleoptics.com/collections/tripod-kits/products/vortex-skyline-tripod-kit

68 inch height but straight scope at 64 inches height is enough. Panning is most important.

Other tripods to look at (once I get the 300)?

Link is not working, so it is a
Vortex Skyline Tripod Kit
TRI-VT-SKY-1
$299.99
4 reviews

The $149 model got good reviews there also:
Vortex Pro GT Tripod Kit
TRI-VT-PRO-2
$149

The link worked for me Tero.

Another you might consider is this Opticron/Manfrotto combo. I use it with the MM3/MM4s often.

Traveler 3 section carbon legs:

http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/xfs_tripods.html

700 RC2 head:

http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/panheads.html

The combo sells for right at $300. 3.75 lb total weight

Nice to have the option to get an extra plate right away.

Best value on the market is the new Promaster Specialist series. We have a carbon fiber, the SP528C that has an amazing fluid head, 1 year no fault warranty and has a maximum working height of 80", yes 80. The normal price is $359.99 but as a member of this forum we can do it for $299.99
Here is the link. Call me at 516-217-1000 if you are interested or have any questions. We also carry Sirui and Manfrotto. Both have options in your price range as well

Here's the link:
http://cameralandny.com/spec-sheet.html?catalog[name]=ProMaster-SP528CK-Professional-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Kit-with-Head---Specialist-Series-%238132-Tripods-%26-Monopods&catalog[product_guids][0]=1450123

Thanks
Joel

I ended up getting the Vanguard: Vanguard Alta 264AO as my back up tripod. It will work with both of mys copes. My brother in law is coming to visit and we could use the two scopes but it did not get here yet. The pan head is what I am most curious about.

and still my favorite for keeping my Pentax 80mm rock steady....

https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/the-birder-tripod-manfrotto-128-rc-quick-release-head/

The Vanguard is here. I will be using it with my 65mm Pentax scope some, as the Manfrotto I have is heavier and is getting a little cranky as far as folding and unfolding. I have adjusted the clamps lately to get it to stand still.

The pan head on the vanguard is set up for left hand to adjust the head and for your right hand to adjust focus on your scope. I actually do it the other way, though I am right handed. The lever screwed in stops angle and panning both, so you do not get to leave the height adjusted and then be free to pan and leave it unattended. That is what I do on the Manfrotto.

Of course, I can bring both tripods and one scope and decide if I need to hike and take the lighter Vanguard.

With my Celestron 65mm I think I will stick to the old Manfrotto as it tends to tip backward more easily. That scope is angled so I need only two segments of the legs to unfold it to use. The unfolding is the main work with the Manfrotto, which I leave fully extended if just "car birding" alone. It can stick into the back part of the car with seat folded down.