tripod and scope whilst on the move

[Blackdogjnr]

Hi gang,

haven't been on here for ages, got a new job and my life is not really my own these days!

I have the day off though so looking forward to spending some time catching up on the posts etc......

Just a quick one really...
I've just bought my first spotting scope and tripod.

I'm wondering how you guys carry/transport your gear when out birding?
Do most people just carry it on their shoulders? I know there are expensive rucksacks that accommodate tripods etc, but I was wondering if there were any hints or tips as to the best, hassle-free way to lug your gear around a reserve.

I think carry cases are great but can't be doing with unpacking them and repacking them between sites and hides etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as always

[solus]

There is no hassle-free way!

If you don't take the tripod etc., you'll wish you had, and nine times out of ten if you do take it you'll end up cursing the thing!

Personally, I carry mine on one shoulder but if it's a long walk I end up aching, sore and fed up with it. My 'scope has one of those "stay-on" waterproof cases so when I set up, all I have to do in unclip the covers over the lens and eyepiece (press-studs) and focus wheel (velcro). I have seen (and admired!) the backpack-style tripod carrier but can't justify the expense at the moment although if I was to do a lot of birding that involved a lot of walking it would probably be much better for me. As it is, I'm lazy so try to do as much birding as possible as close to the car as possible!

[Adam Cheeseman]

Personally I always shoulder arms, so that I can just swing it up into position as quickly as possible. This does of course have its downside in crowded areas such as Titchwell's well trod path to the beach for example.

Cheers,

Adam

[diggleken]

if youre not used to a scope, i would always use a tripod, attached to the scope, with legs shortened, ready to set up with legs extended when needed quickly.
Carry on shoulder ready.
That said, I rarely use a tripod now for my scope - its a strange thing, but you get used to resting it firmly on an object - theres always something - and getting good views, even when whizzing it up to 60x in a wind.
It sounds impossible I know, but after many years, it works, really, as you get the hang of it. Dead easy in hides.
Honest.
And you can wander longer and more freely in the hills with more space for other clutter such as camera and bins.
Cheers and good birding
Ken

[Jenny W]

Originally Posted by diggleken

i would always use a tripod, attached to the scope, with legs shortened, ready to set up with legs extended when needed quickly.

Thats how I've always carried mine, on my shoulder with a simple tripod strap. Works for me.

[nigel_b]

Over my shoulder with pipe lagging (held together with 50mm camo tape) for cushioning. Yes its a pain, no I wouldnt be without my beloved scope.

[sometimes]

Over my shoulder for me, grooves in both now!
I do have a monopod for my photography, not tried it with the scope yet, but it may make a halfway house?

[Hobjob]

I clip mine to my rucksack - which one I use varies according
to camera gear, weather, packed lunch etc.

Weight then taken by proper padding - much more comfortable.

I don't like things round my neck, so bins get clipped to opposite
side of rucksack.

[sometimes]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

I don't like things round my neck, so bins get clipped to opposite
side of rucksack.

So what happens when something flies out of the bush near you - and aren't you concerned you may bash your bins on some gate post or tree?

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by sometimes

So what happens when something flies out of the bush near you - and aren't you concerned you may bash your bins on some gate post or tree?

Life is risky

They do get the odd bang, but have survived so far.
Worst is when I plonk things down on sand ........