Rob Williams
Well-known member
Now, I'm about to make a confession. I have a scope, but it rarely gets used as I much prefer using my image-stabilised binoculars. However, the major reason is that whenever I try to use it I just have so many problems.
I have an Opticron scope and a Velbon tripod; I also have a hide clamp, but that's another story.
My main problem is that I fix my scope to the quick release plate and then insert it into the shoe of the tripod head. I have tightened up the qr plate screw as much as I can. Then, within seconds, there is a huge amount of play in the connection and the scope will now wobble from side to side, as well as vertically. As you can imagine, this makes keeping an image stable, or even in the scope view, well-nigh impossible; and as for focussing...! Oh for a stable image. When I use the hide clamp I connect the scope directly to the head and that is nice and firm. The problem here is that the central column to which the scope is attached has to rotate to allow panning of the scope; this action undoes the tightness of the screwfit and introduces wobble into the whole procedure again.
The result is that I rarely take the scope out, but when I do make the effort I want to throw the whole lot out of the hide window in frustration. Do I ditch everything and invest in new equipment or what? I would like to sort it as this autumn I am going on my first ever organised foreign bird trip and I feel that a scope will be invaluable.
Any tips for a frustrated and totally useless scope user?
I have an Opticron scope and a Velbon tripod; I also have a hide clamp, but that's another story.
My main problem is that I fix my scope to the quick release plate and then insert it into the shoe of the tripod head. I have tightened up the qr plate screw as much as I can. Then, within seconds, there is a huge amount of play in the connection and the scope will now wobble from side to side, as well as vertically. As you can imagine, this makes keeping an image stable, or even in the scope view, well-nigh impossible; and as for focussing...! Oh for a stable image. When I use the hide clamp I connect the scope directly to the head and that is nice and firm. The problem here is that the central column to which the scope is attached has to rotate to allow panning of the scope; this action undoes the tightness of the screwfit and introduces wobble into the whole procedure again.
The result is that I rarely take the scope out, but when I do make the effort I want to throw the whole lot out of the hide window in frustration. Do I ditch everything and invest in new equipment or what? I would like to sort it as this autumn I am going on my first ever organised foreign bird trip and I feel that a scope will be invaluable.
Any tips for a frustrated and totally useless scope user?