Vortex Viper Spotter and Tripod set up???

[wisconsinteacher]

I have Vortex Viper 20-60x85 and a cheap tripod. When I tried using it last year, I really struggled due to the tripod. I was even at the point of selling it due to it being so hard to see through. I will it mostly from the truck for antelope out west and turkey/deer in WI. I'm looking at a Manfrotto MK190X3. Before spending the money, are there others I should look into or will this one help make the scope steady so I can look through it?

 

[Wildabeest]

I have the same scope and use the Vortex Pro GT tripod. I’ve not used anything else, so no comparative basis on what’s best, but I have no complaints with the Pro GT. If you’re going to be spotting from the truck, though, you may want to look into window mount options.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I have a window mount but with the angled scope, it is tough to use while sitting in the cab.

 

[406LIFE]

I've used the Summit, but on a larger scope its not sturdy enough. I'll be upgrading shortly.

 

[Wildabeest]

I've used the Summit, but on a larger scope its not sturdy enough. I'll be upgrading shortly.

I compared the Summit to the GT Pro at the store and there was a big difference in stability. Summit is designed to be ultra-lightweight, so there’s the stability vs. weight trade-off. 2lbs vs. 4.4lbs, but I opted for the latter.

 

[406LIFE]

I compared the Summit to the GT Pro at the store and there was a big difference in stability. Summit is designed to be ultra-lightweight, so there’s the stability vs. weight trade-off. 2lbs vs. 4.4lbs, but I opted for the latter.

Definitely two different tools. If you run an 80mm, the summit is just too light.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

The Manfrotto went up $90 on Amazon in the past 2 days!! Should have bought it at $265.