Manfrotto Pixi Mini for spotting scope

Hi- just purchased a 62mm spotting scope and looking for a cheap tripod to try it out. Longer term I’ll invest in quality item but am thinking of trying the Manfrotto Pixi Mini as a lightweight tripod to get going. The spotting scope is less 920grms. I’ll use for cellphone if it doesn’t work.

Any thoughts or comments

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Originally Posted by Forestry

Hi- just purchased a 62mm spotting scope and looking for a cheap tripod to try it out. Longer term I’ll invest in quality item but am thinking of trying the Manfrotto Pixi Mini as a lightweight tripod to get going. The spotting scope is less 920grms. I’ll use for cellphone if it doesn’t work.

Any thoughts or comments

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I think it won't have enough height above the ground, and also the spread diameter of the legs wont provide a stable enough base for the long heavy spotter.

Neet little tripod but only really suitable for small light action cams or to mount a cell phone camera too i reckon.

This would be more suitable for purpose. I use one of these for my Canon superzoom camera to film LR shots

https://www.harveynorman.co.nz/camer...CABEgLCjPD_BwE

Thanks GWH that looks a more versatile option. I was going to rest on a rock when Thar hunting after using the binos to find animals but your right that glassing Stags in the tussock might just end up looking at grass....

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Originally Posted by Forestry

Thanks GWH that looks a more versatile option. I was going to rest on a rock when Thar hunting after using the binos to find animals but your right that glassing Stags in the tussock might just end up looking at grass....

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Yes i often find you need to extend the legs to get a bit of height.

That tripod i linked to is the lighest weight unit i could find without going to very expensive carbon tripods.

I had one very similar to the linked one. Was fine when brand new, but rapidly fell to bits even when looked after.

Look for a Slik mini sprint or similar, hugely more durable.

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Originally Posted by GWH

Yes i often find you need to extend the legs to get a bit of height.

That tripod i linked to is the lighest weight unit i could find without going to very expensive carbon tripods.

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I have the same but find the ball and socket really niggly to get right. I think they gave a geared version that costs a little more but alot easier to adjust for super zoom stuff

You will need something a bit sturdier and with adjustable legs. Something like this is going to be a lot more useful. https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/befr...ta4cam-config/ or even this tiny one... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3268...archweb201603_

One with a pan and tilt head is better than a ballhead - bigger ballheads are more controllable, but smaller ones tend to slip or 'drift' before you can get them to lock.

Photographer's motto: For the sharpest photos, use the heaviest tripod your assistant can carry.