Tripods are (literally) the foundation that supports the high magnification spotting scopes offer. Too often buyers do not accord this truth importance it deserves.
FACT: In terms of performance and image quality, you are better off buying a $750 spotting scope and putting it on a $250 tripod and head than buying a $2,100 spotting scope and putting it on a $90 tripod. What ever you do; no matter what you are spending DO NOT SKIMP ON THE TRIPOD.
We stand by, and highly recommend the Manfrotto and Gitzo brand tripods. We favor them for their intelligent, utilitarian, whistle and bell free simplicity. If you look in the hands of dedicated birders, these are the two brands you will find nine times out of ten.
We carry a number of makes and models (call if there is a specific model you want) but we are pleased to recommend these three carefully chosen instruments first, because they excel in the birding arena and second, because they cover the range of price points from very reasonable to gulp.
NOTE: Tripods do not come with heads. These heads are sold separately to accommodate your choice and your scope cannot be mounted on the tripod without purchasing a head. Note that the tripod heights and weights listed do not include the head; add those to get the total height and total weight (excluding your scope) of the selected tripod legs and head. A straight scope adds about two inches while a scope with an angled eyepiece adds from four to over five inches to the working height.
Warranty: Limited Warranty on all Bogen Imaging-distributed products is one year from date of purchase with the following exceptions:
Manfrotto: 2 Years + 3 additional years when you register online, or by sending in the registration card.
Gitzo: Limited Lifetime warranty.
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