advice on tripods

[Ad D]

need a good sturdy tripod for my scope, but its a mine field, any advice

[Sylvia and Mick]

I swear by Slik D2 tripods for use with spotting scopes - very study. Bought our first one 20 years ago and is still working fine, did invest in a new one 2 years ago as I like them that much, they are not light but also not too heavy. Good thing is that they come as a one piece unit so you dont have to buy the head at extra expense -they retail between £95 and £110.  

For photography I would go for Manfrotto or giotto these can also be used for spotting scopes and if you want lightness carbon fibre models are available but the prices are alot higher and you will need to buy the appropriate head at an extra cost.
Hope this helps

[Jamie]

personally I dont like the leg fastenings on the Slick's. I currently just use Manfrotto tripods but the Giotto tripods that are comming out now seem to be getting very popular,

[IanF]

Same with me. I've always prefered Manfrotto tripods for sturdiness and design. The 055 range is very good for scope use or with camera. Worth looking at the maximum heights as well when comparing brands/models.

I use it with the 128RC head (you don't need a plate with a Swarovski scope) though the 701 is very popular as well as is the 501 if a little heavier.