Is this the ultimate birdwatching tripod series?

A spotting scope can deliver 60x magnification or more, but that magnification also makes vibration and poor tripod control much more noticeable. The tripod therefore affects how steady the view feels, how easily you can find and follow birds, and how comfortable the scope is to use over longer sessions.

The VEO 5 Spotting Scope Tripod Series is designed to deliver the ultimate birdwatching experience through:

• Design: Smooth 2-way pan head designed for spotting scopes
• Full sized: Up to 141cm without the centre column, 167cm fully extended.
• Compact:  Folds to 58cm and 9.25cm diameter
• Field ready: Silent, easy clean leg locks and retractable rubber/spiked feet
  
• Choice: aluminium or carbon fibre
  

TRIPOD HEAD:

The VEO PH-28 2-way pan head is CNC machined from aircraft grade aluminium to deliver a precise fit and smooth operation on spotting scopes up to 8kg, while CNC machined for precise fit and smooth operation.

The Arca compatible top plate allows a growing range of spotting scope feet to be slotted straight in without a quick release plate for maximum stability. If your spotting scope needs a quick release plate, the head includes a compact Arca compatible QS-55P quick release plate for any spotting scope, with a non-twist spring pin that ensures your spotting scope always faces the right direction and minimises the risk that the connection loosens in use.

To control all the movement, there is a single telescopic handle with a comfortable textured grip that makes it easy to use, even in wet conditions or wearing gloves. Simply loosen the handle and you have free vertical and horizontal movement. Tighten the handle and all movement is locked.  All this with just one hand, leaving the other hand free to keep the focus sharp, or optimising the zoom. 

TRIPOD LEGS:

The head sits on the solid chassis of a 26mm VEO 5 tripod.  This is a full sized tripod with a traditional centre column that can extend up to 141cm without the need to extend the centre column, or up to 167cm with the centre column, making it ideal for spotting scopes with both straight and angled eyepieces.

Despite the great working heights, this tripod is also designed to be compact so that it's easy to carry between locations, whether that's from your car to a hide, or further afield. The 4-section legs fold down to 58cm and the hexagonal centre column allows the legs to fold in tight to create a slim 9.25cm diameter that makes it easy to pack or carry in hand. 

The hexagonal centre column is deliberately shaped with curved edges so it can still fit traditional hide clamps which are designed around round centre columns, with a split design that allows the lower section to be removed for lower-angle use and a modest reduction in carrying weight.

In the field, the twist locks and the three easy set leg angles (23°, 50° and 80°) can be deployed silently to ensure you don’t startle your subject with an unexpected click as you get into position. The leg locks are also designed to be easy clean, making it simple to maintain the tripod, even after use in the most challenging of conditions, and to ensure that it remains a long term companion to your spotting scope.

The tripod also includes a retractable rubber to spiked metal feet so it can be used on any surface, and a retractable hook at the base of the central column to add ballast and maximise the tripod's stability.  

All this, including the head, weighing from just 1,920g, and includes a luxury padded tripod bag with a shoulder strap to protect the tripod and make it easy to carry. 

MODELS AVAILABLE:

The VEO 5 Series comes as a complete 26mm spotting scope tripod kit:

• VEO 5 264AO aluminium kit or
• VEO 5 264CO carbon fibre kit

Or for maximum stability you can purchase a 30mm tripod, with the head separately:

• VEO 5 304AT aluminium tripod only or
• VEO 5 304CT carbon fibre tripod only

This allows you to choose and fit the head that best suits your use:

• VEO PH-28 - Recommended head designed for a spotting scope, or
• VEO PV-14 - A lightweight and compact Arca compatible video style head
• VEO PV-18 - A solid Arca compatible video style head
• Or any head from any tripod brand

TRIPOD SPECIFICATIONS:

TRIPOD HEAD SPECIFICATIONS:

IN SUMMARY:

Compact, tall, stable, with a head that's specifically designed for a spotting scope, or a choice of tripod only so you can personalise your system. The VEO 5 Spotting Scope Tripod Series is designed to deliver the ultimate birdwatching experience.

Frequently asked questions:

Why do I need a tripod for my spotting scope?

With up to 60x magnification, the slightest wobble can move you off your chosen subject and due to the narrow field of view it can be hard to get back. A tripod maximises the stability and ensures you get the best experience with your spotting scope

What are the key features I should look for in a tripod for my spotting scope?

Look for a tripod with a smooth 2-way pan head, enough working height to use your scope comfortably without excessive centre column extension, and enough stability for high-magnification viewing. Then balance weight and folded size against how far you normally carry it.

How tall should a spotting-scope tripod be?

It should let you view comfortably with the least possible centre column extension. Straight scopes generally need to sit closer to eye height which makes it easier to measure the height you need, but angled scopes can normally be positioned lower, but there are more variables that make an objective measurement harder, such as eyepiece angle and spotting scope height. As a guide, position the eyepiece at a comfortable height and measure from the base of the spotting scope.

Is carbon fibre better than aluminium?

Carbon fibre normally reduces carrying weight and can offer useful vibration-damping characteristics, while also feeling less cold to handle in winter. The carbon tubes themselves do not corrode, although the tripod still contains metal components that need normal care, particularly after coastal use. Aluminium normally offers better value when the additional weight is acceptable.

How much load capacity do I need?

Choose a tripod and head with rated load capacities that comfortably exceed the combined weight of your spotting scope and any accessories you want to attach. Then assess stability separately as a higher load rating does not automatically mean a steadier tripod.

What type of tripod head is best for a spotting scope?

For general birdwatching, a smooth 2-way pan head because it allows controlled horizontal and vertical movement while you follow birds. We would recommend a Spotting Scope Style Head as it is usually the most intuitive choice, but you can also use a Traditional Video Head. 

Do I need an Arca compatible tripod for a spotting scope?

No, but it is convenient if your spotting scope has an Arca style foot because it should attach directly to the clamp on the head. Other spotting scopes can be fitted using a suitable quick release plate which will normally be supplied with the head, though we would recommend a plate with a non-twist spring pin.

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