Scope carrier

[Boddie]

Hi Guys

Looking for the best means of easing transportation of a scope. Maybe some type of rucksack. I saw a guy wearing a type of rucksack scope carrier on a beach in Merseyside, and thought I'd quite like one. The legs were extended, but somewhat retracted, so he could just slide it off and then extend fully.

Any ideas / recommendations?

[solus]

I think this might be what you're looking for.
BirdGuides estore
Scopac

I haven't got one due to serious lack of finance but if I ever win that mythical lottery there's a very good chance one will be on my shopping list beacause I HATE lugging the tripod around on my shoulder! Apart from anything else, it slips off, hurts and makes me all crooked and cross! In fact, I'm far more likely to leave the thing at home (and then regret it) than I am to bother carting it very far these days.

[Boddie]

Thats the one.

Thanks

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Boddie

Hi Guys

Looking for the best means of easing transportation of a scope. Maybe some type of rucksack. I saw a guy wearing a type of rucksack scope carrier on a beach in Merseyside, and thought I'd quite like one. The legs were extended, but somewhat retracted, so he could just slide it off and then extend fully.

Any ideas / recommendations?

Ask John, he uses one.

I know that some have useful pockets, others have nothing for trinkets.

[John_M]

May be worth looking at some of the rucsac type camera bags; lots of these have tripod carrying facilities. I use a Tamrac adventure 7, but there are loads of other makes and designs available.

[Lancashire Lad]

One posssible option could be the LowePro "Trekker Daypack II" (About £60.00 when bought alone, but mine came with the Naturetrekker camera backpack).

It is a daysack type rucksack, (padded shoulder straps + waiststrap), which has a central webbing loop fixing at the top, and two sets of webbing strap fixings, located near top and bottom, on each side.

When not using the Naturetrekker, I have occasionally used the Trekker Daypack, carrying my D80/Sigma 180mm on a tripod with the neck of the tripod fixed by the top centre web, and two of the tripod legs fixed (retracted) at each of the lower two side straps.

When carrying the camera/tripod in this way it looks pretty similar to the Scopac item mentioned in the thread, but the beauty of the Lowepro is that it can readily carry several other accessories (plus lunch), and is good quality daysack in its own right.

If considering this as an option, I'd suggest trying before buying, as you might not like the fixings, or the fact that this sack doesn't have a padded backpiece.

Regards,
Mike.

[Boddie]

I have the Tamrac Expedition now but want something very light. I am not a birder as such so am looking to utilise the scope for big treks and hill walks and want to keep my weight down to a minimum.

I have opted for the Scopac.

Will let you know my thoughts.

Thanks all for your help

[Boddie]

The Scopac arrived today and on first inspection looks just the job. I went for the Scopac Lite, with a DigiPac which allows me to carry my car keys etc in. My tripod is the ultra light Gitzo Traveller carbon so its legs are very thin indeed so I had to make a few adjustments to some of the velcro parts with a pair of scissors but the attachments seems very sturdy and the whole unit seems comfy.

I am to tackle Winter Hill tonight with it all on, so thats 4 miles in total, and I'll let you know how I get on.

[Boddie]

Well 4 miles later and I can honestly say that this is one of my favourite purchases. The distribution of weight is fine and it was comfortable throughout the walk. The tripod was just as secure as when attached initially. I can not find anything negative about this product at all and the DigiPac is great for putting a few items in. Mine houses a poncho and a hide mount.

If you have a scope this is a must buy.

[solus]

Originally Posted by Boddie

The Scopac arrived today...

Wow! That was quick.

Glad you like it.