Hi guys: Need your suggestions. I have the biggest Vortex spotter with the 85mm Obj. GREAT scope, however I discovered on last falls antelope hunt that the window mount I have just wasn't steady for the large spotter. I was wondering what others were using for their heavy spotters from the truck window. Thanks!
Window Mount for Spotting Scope?
- Thread starter stevevan
- Start date
Steve, I had the same issue with my big spotter. Could not find a fix. Ended up using my heavy duty tripod I can stand behind for the big boy and the smaller scope off a window mount when it made sense. I put an adaptor on the window mount that matches the tripod, can snap both spotters on various tripods/window mounts, works well. But if someone has a window mount solution, I'm all ears.
xphunter
Member
With big spotting scopes as you have mentioned, I have used my tri-pod (legs straight/not opened up) and have sandwiched them between the door and the side of the front seat. This may or may not work for you, but it lets me keep one set-up for both vehicle and field use.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
See this thread for my favorite solution:
http://www.eastmans.com/forum/showthread.php/8464-Favorite-Spotter-Window-Mount?highlight=window+mount
http://www.eastmans.com/forum/showthread.php/8464-Favorite-Spotter-Window-Mount?highlight=window+mount
xphunter
Member
I have a Gitzo G2180 counter balance fluid head. I have it set up with a quick release so I can go directly from my Gitzo tripod to window mount. I'm pretty sure I have a Monfratto window mount base that my Gitzo head attaches to. Photography guys use similar setups for monster lenses on window mounts which probably weigh a lot more than the largest spotting scopes. I can switch from my window to tripod in a matter of seconds....which is really nice for species similar to antelope where I spend a lot of time hiking and driving around looking through my scope.
Hi Guys: Thanks for all your suggestions. I went in the direction of Manfrotto, I found a new window mount at a good price on ebay. I also found a used 3130 head on ebay that was listed in "good working" condition. Unfortunately I won the auction. When it arrived and I opened the box I was, well lets say disappointed. Handle was broken "only 10" left from a 14" handle. Bracket/assembly where handle is connected to head was broken and missing. This was not from shipping. Of course I contacted the seller and no response (seller had experience on ebay). I have ebay working on my behalf and ebay does cover the purchase price, however it's obvious this seller had devious intentions. I'm sure it will work out but experiences such as this are a reminder that not all of mankind is honorable. I've used Ebay quite a bit in the past and this is my first bad experience and hopefully the last. I will get a replacement head (NEW) 3130 as that seems to be a great solution for my want to find a strong window mount for my heavy spotter. Next search is for a matching tripod for the 85mm Vortex.