tripod for spotting scope while shooting prone

[Candiru]

I have a Nikon variable power straight spotting scope for which I'm having a hard time finding a tripod that will work from the prone position. Ideally, it would be nice to find a tripod that would permit mounting the scope so that I could just lean left from a prone position (I shoot High Power Rifle) and check my impacts. The Manfrotto 709B macro camera tripod I bought doesn't hold the scope high enough, but a full-sized camera tripod even at its lowest setting holds the scope too high.

Does there even exist a tripod that will hold a straight spotting scope at the right height for prone shooting?

 

[Rembrandt]

Not sure if this will help, it's a Leupold tri-pod that has a Manfrotto pistol grip. Modified the center shaft of the tri-pod by cutting a couple of inches off, gets it lower to the ground. I like the pistol grip locking feature for the quick positioning. Gets the scope down low enough for prone viewing.

 

[skinewmexico]

Get a Creedmoor catalog. Or Sinclair.

 

[Furncliff]

Try this: http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-optics-tripods.html


If that's not quite right, call them. Their CS is pretty good.

 

[taliv]

creedmore is good stuff. champion shooters in new albany oh is likely to have cheaper stuff

 

[hps1]

This is the type scope stand you need for position rifle shooting. I made one out of 1" angle iron and used 1/2" pipe for upright. The downside is that I had to make the mounting head also which has elevation mechanism. This was a bit harder than making the tripod. This stand works in all positions, prone, sitting and standing.

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/store/product.php?productid=16251&cat=267&page=1

A 45* eye piece is much better for prone (and works well for sitting and standing, as well); much more natural head position than the straight eye piece.

Regards,
hps

 

[skinewmexico]

http://www.jarheadtop.com/stand_photos.html

 

[Jim Watson]

I have a Champion's Choice stand that is better than any photo type tripod, but the Creedmoor and Jarhead are probably better because of the offset that keeps the base farther out of the way. And the Jarhead costs less.

 

[Matt-man]

Don't forget to look at the stand from Ray-Vin.

 

[Swampy]

Candiru,

There is a big reason that every serious Highpower shooter has a spotting scope with a 45 degree eyepiece..... I think you have re-discovered that reason.

Best,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[dmftoy1]

+1 on the Ray-vin ...very nice piece of work. Standing off-hand -> Prone no problems.

 

[Candiru]

There is a big reason that every serious Highpower shooter has a spotting scope with a 45 degree eyepiece..... I think you have re-discovered that reason.

Too true. However, this scope is what I have so I need to make the most of it.