Advice for first spotting scope (+ tripod) (1 Viewer)

[Elkhornsun]

Most of the tripods made for use with scopes are more expensive and less stable than ones for still photography. One gains nothing with a fluid head that is going to cost more and weigh more than a regular pan/tilt head. The fluid head is important for people shooting videos where smooth pans are critical.

An alternative to a scope is higher power binoculars. With 12x50 binoculars I have far less need to carry a scope and tripod in the field. Where scopes are great is with a group where many people can share a scope and the scope isolates the subject in the scene.

 

[Hermann]

Most of the tripods made for use with scopes are more expensive and less stable than ones for still photography.

That's not true. All the Gitzo tripods, all the Manfrotto tripods and so on are just that - tripods. They can be used for all sorts of things, and they don't care whether you put a camera or a scope on top.

One gains nothing with a fluid head that is going to cost more and weigh more than a regular pan/tilt head. The fluid head is important for people shooting videos where smooth pans are critical.

Wrong again. How much field experience to you actually have using scopes in the field?

An alternative to a scope is higher power binoculars. With 12x50 binoculars I have far less need to carry a scope and tripod in the field. Where scopes are great is with a group where many people can share a scope and the scope isolates the subject in the scene.

No. 12x50 is 12x magnification. And that's it. With scopes you can use far higher magnifications - and in many situations you need more magnification. A lot more magnification. High power binoculars are NOT an alternative to scopes.

Hermann

 

[2Gunns]

I was hooked reading this thread wondering what you were going to purchase 🤣🤔🧐😎👍

 

[mookbav]

Hi 2Gunns,

Not sure you were asking me?

Anyway, this is was I bought:

• Opticron MM4 77 ED + SDLV3 for €1299
• Leofoto LS-323C
• Leofoto BV-10 (second-hand)
• Opticron Universal Smartphone Mount usm-2
• Bynolyt Telebackpack

I later bought the Kite Universal Adapter
kite-optics-universal-smartphone-adapter

and it's a lot easier to use. But I don't do too much digiscoping anymore.

best
Mook

 

[2Gunns]

Hi 2Gunns,

Not sure you were asking me?

Anyway, this is was I bought:

• Opticron MM4 77 ED + SDLV3 for €1299
• Leofoto LS-323C
• Leofoto BV-10 (second-hand)
• Opticron Universal Smartphone Mount usm-2
• Bynolyt Telebackpack

I later bought the Kite Universal Adapter
kite-optics-universal-smartphone-adapter

and it's a lot easier to use. But I don't do too much digiscoping anymore.

best
Mook

No I was just enthusiastically reading and enjoying your decision making process is all.

I have purchased a tripod with fluid head, Sirui w VA5 and scope, Kowa 55a newest Gen. Should be here in a few daysand am contemplating on a larger scope the 66a instead lol... I haven't even gotten the first one, to that end my first one.

I'm also excited to get into digiscoping as I thought fairly solid about a Nikon p1000 with the ultra zoom thingy but then thought mehhhhhh too much to lug around and I like to just sit out and enjoy the nature.

That's all thanks. I hope you're enjoying!

 

[Dyrlege]

No I was just enthusiastically reading and enjoying your decision making process is all.

I have purchased a tripod with fluid head, Sirui w VA5 and scope, Kowa 55a newest Gen. Should be here in a few daysand am contemplating on a larger scope the 66a instead lol... I haven't even gotten the first one, to that end my first one.

I'm also excited to get into digiscoping as I thought fairly solid about a Nikon p1000 with the ultra zoom thingy but then thought mehhhhhh too much to lug around and I like to just sit out and enjoy the nature.

That's all thanks. I hope you're enjoying!

I've had my identical Sirui for some years, and it's great (and light), and best of all: lovely to use.
Per

 

[mookbav]

If you walk/bike around a lot, I would recommend sticking with the 55.
I find my scope + tripod I have to be a bit too heavy to take with me on longer walks. Instead I take binoculars and my Sony Rx10 iV.

I recently met a guy who was very happy with his Nikon ED50 and a very lightweight tripod. He takes it with himn on every walk.
I peeped through it and I was definitely not disappointed.

So now I am thinking about going for a lighter combo ...

 

[Dyrlege]

If you walk/bike around a lot, I would recommend sticking with the 55.
I find my scope + tripod I have to be a bit too heavy to take with me on longer walks. Instead I take binoculars and my Sony Rx10 iV.

I recently met a guy who was very happy with his Nikon ED50 and a very lightweight tripod. He takes it with himn on every walk.
I peeped through it and I was definitely not disappointed.

So now I am thinking about going for a lighter combo ...

I got the ATC. Does an eminent job.
Per

 

[2Gunns]

I've had my identical Sirui for some years, and it's great (and light), and best of all: lovely to use.
Per

Thank you very much

 

[Elkhornsun]

Overall the Vortex products are excellent but I am not a fan of the bottom end with their Diamondback models. Check the bhphotovideo website and you can find reviews by customers who have bought and used the various scopes.

I find the scope specific tripods to be grossly overpriced and instead use ones for cameras and have a Arca-Swiss plate attached to my spotting scope. I would not hesitate to buy a used scope from a private party in my area so I could try before buying.

Placing a WTB post is also a good approach as people "moving up" to a Swarovski want to sell their current scope and are lucky if they get 50% of the purchase price.

A 65mm will weigh half as much as a 85mm and so less support is needed from the tripod. An exception is when it is windy as the scope presents a lot of area to the wind and can move around on a less stable tripod.

If one is going to be using the scope within 100 yards of their car or house the weight of the scope or the tripod is not important.

 

[Dyrlege]

Thank you very much

I assume you too have the hook at the bottom of the centre tube: great for hanging extra gear/ bag etc on, especially when its windy😃
Gives you extra stability.

 

[2Gunns]

I assume you too have the hook at the bottom of the centre tube: great for hanging extra gear/ bag etc on, especially when its windy😃
Gives you extra stability.

I will know soon enough! Yes the model I have has the hook at the bottom