Gosky Tripod -Travel Portable Tripod for Spotting scopes, Binoculars, camcorders, or SLR Cameras (Pro Model (61-inch))

This isn't the cheapest tripod available, but neither is it particularly expensive - what you get is excellent quality for the money. It's strong anodised aluminium construction throughout provides for a reasonable maximum load capacity of about 11 pounds, which makes it suitable for heavier items such as spotter scopes.This review is based on using the tripod with a spotting scope weighing about 4Ib. The tripod arrives fully assembled - but you may need to check that the pan-head coupler is fully tightened to the center post before use, as mine was very loose on delivery. The Tripod, which comes with a decent quality weather-proof bag with strap, folds down to a portable 24 inches. It's 5 and a half pound weight is heavier than some, but this contributes towards the tripod's sturdy build and overall stability, and I personally don't find the weight an issue as regards it's portability. The Tripod extends from about 23 to 61 inches (with legs at their standard approx. 50 degree position). The legs are foam covered which is great for handling in cold conditions; and each leg is terminated with a thick rubber foot that provides for a perfectly stable platform : and the base of the center column houses a hook for attaching additional weight to help stabilise the tripod in windy conditions. Each leg has 3 individual sections, each adjusted by good, firm flip-locks, and they raise the tripod to a height that will usually obviate the need to use the sliding center column, which is better for stability. However, if the center column is used, it is a good quality, rigid 1 inch diameter post that is easily adjusted via a large tension thumb/finger knob - there is no cheap center ratchet winder here! The angle of each leg can be adjusted via a sturdy 'pull out/push in' clip at the top of each leg, allowing for 3 independent leg positions of approx. 25, 50 and 80 degrees, providing a very flexible unit (for example, with the legs retracted and locked at the 25 degree mid point position, you have a large but very stable 'tabletop' tripod with a height if 17 inches - extendable to about 26 inches via the center column). The rigid, 365 degree 3-way pan-head provides very smooth horizontal and vertical adjustments - however, I found the vertical panning handle somewhat 'spongy' in use, requiring very firm tightening in order to keep the scope's image centered. This took a little while to get used to. The tripod requires the use of a Quick-release plate (which is provided, containing a quater inch screw thread), which is attached to the camera or scope, and allows for quick removal of the optics. I found that I needed to ensure that the plate release lever on the tripod is manually pushed hard over after attaching the scope in order to prevent the plate loosening up - the plate doesn't actually detach if it's loose, but pushing the lever fully tight will prevent any issues. The pan head contains a small but useful spirit-level, which can be used in conjunction with the small bubble-level on the top of one of the legs for leveling the tripod and optics if required. There is also a very small compass on the top of one of the other legs which may come in handy, but I personally require a magnifying glass to read it! - but the thought's there! In conclusion, I find this to be a very well made, lightweight and extremely versatile tripod that is suitable for spotting scopes, cameras, binoculars and camcorders (load capacity relevant), and it has a very acceptable price point. I am delighted with it, and I am sure you wont be disappointed.

I bought this Gosky tripod to use with Hawke Nature Trek spotting scope . The tripod is strong ,well built and has a sturdy feel to it . Easy to fit scope to it using quick release plate . The quick release plate holds my scope to tripod and feels solid and secure . I contacted Gosky service to order spare extra plate for my camera ,so I can change equipment easily. Gosky service replied promptly and sent spare plate as requested . Good product and great service .

A very good tripod. I bought a sturdy tripod for a quite heavy scope and needed one that was stable and difficult to knock over as children are around. So far it's great. My only issue with this tripod is that when I attach the foot plate to my scope, it works loose in time . Not quite sure how to overcome this. Otherwise it's a great tripod and very sturdy. I like the built in level and compass, just well thought out.

It’s a tripod I really felt secure with knowing it supported my 4 kilo Binoculars easily.I did have a small problem with the clip but a quick email to customer services and a new clip was sent out immediately. Pan and tilt are very smooth to operate and very stable images achieved which is important when viewing the night sky. To sum up I am very happy with my tripod having tried other brands.A great purchase with superb support.”Thanks Alan in customer service”

I found the product extremely stable and excellent rugged quality! Easy to use, together with a protective case and carrying strap made every thing about the tripod just what the user could want! Well done Gosky, I will not hesitate in recommending your products to my friends and family.

The overall quality is excellent. Very sturdy, height adjustments are very good, and will hold my Gosky Spotting Scope very firmly when I use it for Target shooting on the range. Now the bad part. The Pan Head coupler has a screw which is supposed to stop the Pan Head from turning, this is useless and needs redesigning. Also, one of the very small Allen screws is jammed in the Lower Pan Head Coupling part. The tripod did look to me as though it had been sent out already and been returned for the same reasons.

Excellent tripod for the price. Very stable.

A little heavy, but very stable

Cercavo un treppiede stabile e robusto per il mio cannocchiale Gosky 20-60x80 e questo lo trovo ottimo.

Brilliantly compact and sturdy. Fantastic for whale watching on a monocular viewer. A great buy.

Ist OKAY

Ce trépied est idéal pour l'utilisation sur le terrain car il est léger .

This review is for: "Gosky Tripod -Travel Portable Tripod for Spotting scopes, Binoculars, camcorders, or SLR Cameras..." I purchased this to provide a sturdy, full-height platform for a scope. Used it to see the recent beautiful conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, and also for identifying birds at a considerable distance. One absolutely needs a tripod for using scopes, especially at higher magnifications. This tripod is extremely sturdy, highly and easily adjustable, but light and portable. Without a very sturdy tripod, that holds the scope in position, it would be impossible to see the planets and their moons. I was thrilled to be able to see Jupiter and its moons and Saturn and its rings! To be honest, the images were very smal but it was a thrill and joy to be able to clearly see something that is so far away. I also set the tripod up on quite an uneven surface but the differentially adjustable legs made this easily possible. I have not tried the tripod with anything but a telescope but I think it would work very well for a camera, camcorder, binoculars etc. I will try it on a camera and update this review if needed.