Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod

I was looking for a tripod that could hold a heavy spotting scope without shaking a few months ago. I'm using high-end optical equipment; My previous tripod, on the other hand, was unquestionably the weak link - Even a smidgeon of a breeze revealed this. Regardless, I wasn't sure how much money I'd need to keep my spotting scope running - So I went to Amazon and bought the Vortex Optics Pro GT and the Vortex Optics Pro GT Plus.

Treasure Wallace

| May 10, 2021

I purchased this item so that it could be attached to my rifle via a quick detach connector. The only concern I had was whether the adjustment pieces could support the weight of my 10-pound AR-style rifle. It easily achieves the goal of 15. Plastics, aluminum, and steel are all used to great effect. It's a significant improvement over a typical cheap tripod. When the first one arrived, I bought a second one, as well as extra quick release adapters, so I could quickly swap it out with my spotting scope, sand bag mount, and direct rifle mount. It's pricey, but if you've ever owned other tripods, you'll understand why once you get it.

Hailey Lowery

| Jun 22, 2021

In a 5 mph wind, my spotting scope vibrates at 60X. Although putting a weight on the hook helps, it still moves. What I despise the most is how difficult it is to adjust the tension on the handle so that you can fine-tune your aim. When the up and down movement is smooth, the pan (or left and right movement) feels as if it doesn't want to move until it does. When you're trying to photograph a subject, it's extremely inconvenient. I'm now looking for a tripod that is a little more expensive.

Harris Grimes

| Mar 26, 2021

Find something else if you want to go birding or watching wildlife. Because the tilt head/mount has a limited range, you can only look at subjects at a certain level or higher in the field. You must remove the scope with its mount and turn it around in the holder if you want to look lower. Furthermore, the control handle for moving the scope around is awkward, and it's difficult to understand why there are so many positive reviews after using this tripod in the field for a long time and experiencing constant frustration.

Zaylee Sosa

| Apr 02, 2021

A thicker plastic was used to make the release lever. It's a nice tripod that's been well-made. The reasons for refusing to give a five-star rating are as follows: The stars are insignificant. My main gripe is with the quick release lever. For such a well-made tripod, I believe a heavier plastic could have been used for this part without significantly increasing the cost. In the past, I've used a less expensive Manfrotto tripod with a much heavier plastic lever that never caused me any problems. Following the use of the Vortex tripod (in conjunction with the Vortex Razor HD 16-inch camera), I don't think the lever should be an issue with a 48x65 spotting scope, but I have the impression that I could break it if I was too rough with it, whereas the heavier plastic on the cheaper Manfrotto tripod does not. It is recommended in the manual that you do not carry your optics/camera/etc. while connected to the scope. I'm out birding with my tripod and scope, and I've never seen anyone carry their scope and tripod separately, then stop to connect everything, scan the area, disassemble, and repeat. It is necessary to be quick. Despite the dubious lever, I conducted some safety testing and found that the scope appears to be secure. br>br>The pan/tilt handle is another feature I'm still getting used to. I used to have two separate locks for pan and tilt, which allowed me to lock the tilt while leaving the pan lock open, allowing me to scan freely left and right. Pan and tilt are controlled on this tripod by twisting the handle, which also serves as a lock. I can see how this would make things easier to use, but I'm still getting used to the fact that these aren't two separate features. On the plus side, if you twist the handle just enough, the scope will not tilt while the lock is loose enough to allow you to pan without changing your vertical axis. Overall, I'm happy with the tripod, but if Vortex could send me a heavier plastic quick-release plate, I'd be even happier. a button to release I'd happily switch from the stock lever to that, making this a 5-star review. stars.

Stormi Lara

| Dec 24, 2020