Hey guys I finaly got my new spotter ( vortex razor hd 16 x48x65) which I mite ad is quite a sweet rig, also thanks to bb for talking me into the angled eye piece, I was pretty skeptical but after a few times of use it is much easier on the neck you were very correct. Now im looking for a good tripod/head for it, im wanting to get a combo tripod that the heads will change out so I can use it for my gun and scope and save some weight on my back pack , iv seen bog pod makes one but not sure bout the quality of the performance of the scope head. any body tried this rig , know someone that has , or have a better idea??
Tri pod for gun rest and spotting scope
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hoshour
Veteran member
I haven't tried the Bog Pod. I did see another brand at Gander Mountain along the same line.
I made my own a couple years ago for the tripod I already had. I just bought a cheap monopod and unscrewed the yoke, then screwed it onto a quick change plate for my tripod head.
I have a quick change plate for the spotting scope and one for the rifle. They pop on or off with the press of a lever. I keep the yoke on as the default because usually when I need the spotting scope I have the time to change it whereas with a shot opportunity I want to have things ready to go.
I made my own a couple years ago for the tripod I already had. I just bought a cheap monopod and unscrewed the yoke, then screwed it onto a quick change plate for my tripod head.
I have a quick change plate for the spotting scope and one for the rifle. They pop on or off with the press of a lever. I keep the yoke on as the default because usually when I need the spotting scope I have the time to change it whereas with a shot opportunity I want to have things ready to go.
that's a pretty good idea im having some of the same thoughts, the quick change plate ur talkin bout is it one size fit all on how they mount onto the scope or are there several different sizes? I just don't want to end up ordering a plate or tri pod and it not fit my vortex.
DryFlyGuy
Active Member
If you purchase the outdoorsman tripod with the pistol grip, it will do both. There is a bevel on the side of the pistol grip. The grip folds over to a ninety degree and you use the bevel as a gun rest.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
We use a Manfrotto tripod for our big binos and spotting scope. The last few years we have used the tripod to shoot over as well. We just pull the spotter, flip the pan head handle up and nest the forearm of the rifle in the "V" between the pan head and the handle. I'd like to improve on that, but so far it has been a solid performer.
frogman43
New Member
frog man, does the pan head with the pistol grip for the spotter work good? im a bit skeptical on how it looks!!
You may have already purchased a tri pod but, if not, Camofire has/had a carbon fiber Vangaurd model for under $200 with a nice pan head. I picked one up and it's a solid, lit weight piece. Really impressed. I was also able to locate extra quick release plates for about $20ea through optics planet and a nice Y yoke for shooting on Amazon for about $5. So all in just a touch over $200 for a carbon fiber tripid that will easily double as a shooting rest.
Here is the link. If you call or email them I bet they would still sell you one even though its not the deal of the day.
http://www.camofire.com/forum/hunting-deals/vanguard-alta-253ct-carbon-fiber-tripod-with-ph-21-pan-head
http://www.camofire.com/forum/hunting-deals/vanguard-alta-253ct-carbon-fiber-tripod-with-ph-21-pan-head
I have the bogpod version and it works pretty well for a quick look at a critter with plenty of time. I have both the shorter and full length models with both spotter heads. I use them around home in the pop-up blinds for bucks, but don't take them on long hikes anymore. I find that it is to slow and noisy to set up in a hurry for shots. I don't like that the legs can be pulled out to far and become impossible to put back in. I had to send the taller one in to the factory and have a leg replaced because of that. I want to be able to extend my tripod legs while keeping my eye on whatever game I am wanting to glass or shoot, not have to look at my tripod to line everything up giving the critter a chance to move off. Also the Bogpod heads don't pan real smooth and can't be locked to prevent side to side movement. That is a big drawback to me on long glassing sessions.
I have the Promaster T525P tripod and 6160 head that I carry now for glassing that I really like. For shooting I use the Stoney point rapid pivot bipods and am a big fan. The sitting/kneeling model goes high enough that I can shoot with my rifle 40" from the ground. This lets me get over sage or other vegetation when needed. The prone model can also be carried and snapped onto the gun quick, but I just use my pack for prone shots. When I want to go light I carry the shock cord model, it is just a little over 5oz (with the 3rd leg removed) while the other version I use is about 11oz. To me the little extra weight of the bipod is offset by the speed it can be deployed. I like that I can snap it onto the gun during a stalk and set it for a shot really quick if needed, less to try to carry and manage at the key moment.
I have the Promaster T525P tripod and 6160 head that I carry now for glassing that I really like. For shooting I use the Stoney point rapid pivot bipods and am a big fan. The sitting/kneeling model goes high enough that I can shoot with my rifle 40" from the ground. This lets me get over sage or other vegetation when needed. The prone model can also be carried and snapped onto the gun quick, but I just use my pack for prone shots. When I want to go light I carry the shock cord model, it is just a little over 5oz (with the 3rd leg removed) while the other version I use is about 11oz. To me the little extra weight of the bipod is offset by the speed it can be deployed. I like that I can snap it onto the gun during a stalk and set it for a shot really quick if needed, less to try to carry and manage at the key moment.
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