Tripod recommendations

[The Dude]

I recently picked up a spotting scope and the tripod that came with it sucks. I'm looking for something decent to use for bench rest/prone as well as sitting. Any suggestions for one that won't break the bank? I'd love to get a Manfroto but can't justify the $. What say ye?

 

[CZfool68]

I have a compact Leupold that is designed for table top use. I am using it with a Vortex Razor 11-33x50 so it is a light scope to start with, but the tripod is very well made and sturdy. Folds up and easily fits in my rifle bag too. If it wotks for what you'll be doing I'd recommend it. It is perfect for bench use as far as height goes.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-compact-tabletop-tripod.html

 

[Button Pusher]

Look on ebay for used tripods, you can setup a search with $ limits to find one fast.
You can also find used studio lighting tripods at bargain prices.

 

[Bunsen]

I recently picked up a spotting scope and the tripod that came with it sucks. I'm looking for something decent to use for bench rest/prone as well as sitting. Any suggestions for one that won't break the bank? I'd love to get a Manfroto but can't justify the $. What say ye?

For the money this one is pretty hard to beat:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product...sfl_title_26?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

it is identical to this one as best I can tell:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product...fl_title_27?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2FI19G9IAJPA5

I will also say that "buy once, cry once" is something to seriously consider. I bought a then Bogen/ Manfrotto nearly 20 years ago and still use that tripod for both spotting scopes AND shooting off of with a pig saddle.

 

[Elenaidan]

I like Bogen and Manifrotto. They make some solid stuff. I use adjustable (friction and quick adjusting) heads to mount the scopes to the tripods. My favored quick adjust head is the Sirui K-20X Ball Head. It is small and does well with small loads. Keep in mind that the tripods I use are very stout, however the Ball Head is not. I can use the tripods as shooting rest with no problem. The scope I use is small (very small in comparison to the tripod).

 

[The Dude]

Well I ended up going with this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073RNGS3X/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like the size, but my next one I want to be taller. The minimum size of this one is perfect, but the max height I can't use for sitting in a chair and no table. No big deal for now. My biggest regret about this thing is its all plastic construction and feels like it can break quite easily. Live and learn I guess. I should've stuck to my buy once cry once philosophy. But at least now I know a little more about the size that I'm looking for.

 

[Jabroni]

Bogen manfrotto are worth it. I have a 3333 that Ive had since my concert taping days..the thing is a tank..its been puked on, covered in beer, tripped over, run over with a wheel chair, covered in tape, etc. and now I shoot at it (chrono mounts to it perfectly) and it still is rock solid.