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Bought 1st scope, where to find cheap tripod? (1 Viewer)

T

tealboy1

Well-known member
I bought one of the Bressler 15-45x60 spotting scopes mentioned on this board and realize the camera tripod won't fit so need to buy a small tripod. Where can I find an inexpensive and simple stand to get me started with my first scope? And, what do I need to look for to make sure it fits and attaches properly? Besides the camera tripod, I've never owned or used a spotter. See below for tripod that I own in case it can be used. I think shorter is better for me but some ability to extend is of interest
 
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Unless this one can be made to work easily

Not sure if this one can be modified to work
 

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The quick release plate seems to be missing.

Is it on your camera?
Without it it won't work.

Charity shops have tripods, but you must get the qrp.
 
tealboy,

I posted some tripold suggestions over on the spotter thread in the spotting scope forum. Not sure if that is inexpensive enough for you but I hesitate to recommend anything much less as there seems to be stability issues with the ultralight and ultra inexpensive tripods paired with a spotting scope.
 
You need a decent tripod with a scope. if there is any wind a cheap tripod will mean it's pointless having a scope!
Especially if you are doing seawatching.

Cheers
 
Original PaulE said:
You need a decent tripod with a scope. if there is any wind a cheap tripod will mean it's pointless having a scope!
Especially if you are doing seawatching.

Cheers
Click to expand...


Indeed....or at high power!

One I have bought often, at local surplus optic shops
or at EBay, is the Sony VCT-20a:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...t-20a.TRS0&_nkw=tripod+sony++vct-20a&_sacat=0

Works well for 60mm or smaller spotters.
I use it for 400mm/f/8 (63mm) telephoto->spotter conversions
and the Celestron Travelscope - 70 (wonderful richfield scope
with a horrible tripod included)... the Sony usually just needs a cleaning.
They sold millions for the zoom VCR recorders of the 70s and 80s.
There must be an equivalent for the UK.


Other that that, the most expensive tripods ($40-50 at the local
Target or Walmart in NewEngland) at the cheapo stores can do well...

It's the $12-$25 units that make life horrible for a spotter...
 
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tealboy1,
That is quite amusing.

P.S.
If you hang a thick sock or bag filled with pebbles or sand from beneath the top centre of the tripod it will be more stable.
 
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I see a lot of old tripods where the camera shoe is lost.
It's nice to see one being found!

If it's still too jiggly at 40-60x, you might want a
burlier tripod. It does look a little spindly.
 
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