Tripod straps (1 Viewer)

[John P]

I need a more efficient way of carrying my scope and tripod, currently using a homemade affair which I can use in a couple of different ways. The method used when the scope is likely to be in use at very frequent intervals involves having the strap over one shoulder only and it's forever slipping off.

I found this old topic and have requested and received a PDF version of the brochure. I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask of those who actually use one.

The Speyside Sling shows a strap around the centre column right just under the head, is there any reason why this cant be positioned further down for better balance when the tripod legs are extended?

Is there a lot of bounce in the neoprene strap? I can see that being a possible problem with the weight involved.

Has anyone got a "Karisling" rather than a Speyside sling? Just wondering how easy it is to *reload* the tripod & scope after use, looks like it might be a bit of a fiddle.

 

[JohnnyH]

I need a more efficient way of carrying my scope and tripod, currently using a homemade affair which I can use in a couple of different ways. The method used when the scope is likely to be in use at very frequent intervals involves having the strap over one shoulder only and it's forever slipping off.

I found this old topic and have requested and received a PDF version of the brochure. I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask of those who actually use one.

The Speyside Sling shows a strap around the centre column right just under the head, is there any reason why this cant be positioned further down for better balance when the tripod legs are extended?

Is there a lot of bounce in the neoprene strap? I can see that being a possible problem with the weight involved.

Has anyone got a "Karisling" rather than a Speyside sling? Just wondering how easy it is to *reload* the tripod & scope after use, looks like it might be a bit of a fiddle.

Hi John,

I use the Optech strap with my Manfrotto & Nikon ED50 which attaches via quick release clips under the head & around the legs. It works very well with this combination as the scope is very lightweight, not sure which scope you're using, if it's a big scope I think you'll find that the weight will pull the scope down. Best to try & find a shop where you can try them, maybe a back pack type carrier such as the Mule or Scopac would also be worth considering.

Cheers,

John. :eat:

 

[GarnockFocus]

I need a more efficient way of carrying my scope and tripod, currently using a homemade affair which I can use in a couple of different ways. The method used when the scope is likely to be in use at very frequent intervals involves having the strap over one shoulder only and it's forever slipping off.

Hi John

I have been using an Optech strap for 7 months now and it works out fine.
Very strong and comfortable, my tripod (Helios T-1) is about 2.5kg with an Opticron IM80 and it takes all this with no strain.

I got mine used on ebay for about £7.

I see new on ebay they are getting £20, I do not know if this is the normal shop prices!

Optech on ebay

 

[4John]

I need a more efficient way of carrying my scope and tripod, currently using a homemade affair which I can use in a couple of different ways. The method used when the scope is likely to be in use at very frequent intervals involves having the strap over one shoulder only and it's forever slipping off.

I found this old topic and have requested and received a PDF version of the brochure. I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask of those who actually use one.

The Speyside Sling shows a strap around the centre column right just under the head, is there any reason why this cant be positioned further down for better balance when the tripod legs are extended?

Is there a lot of bounce in the neoprene strap? I can see that being a possible problem with the weight involved.

Has anyone got a "Karisling" rather than a Speyside sling? Just wondering how easy it is to *reload* the tripod & scope after use, looks like it might be a bit of a fiddle.

Hi John P

Sorry I can't answer your questions, but I'd like to thank you for your post.
I've just started looking for an alternative to the 'fully extended legs, scope on top, column resting on the shoulder' technique that I find works well for wetlands but is no good for mixed habitat. I found the Manfrotto and OpTech straps from a Google today, so your link to the old posts, and the comments there are very useful. I'll be calling for a Mondell brochure tomorrow.

 

[John P]

Hi John P

Sorry I can't answer your questions, but I'd like to thank you for your post.
.

It's always nice to be of some help, even if inadvertently.|=)|

I'm trying to avoid the Optech, it's not really vastly different to what I already use. The Mondell system looks to be just what I want, I just need some feedback as per my original questions.

It rather looks like I shall have to pick the phone up and actually talk to someone. :eek!:

 

[IanF]

I need a more efficient way of carrying my scope and tripod, currently using a homemade affair which I can use in a couple of different ways. The method used when the scope is likely to be in use at very frequent intervals involves having the strap over one shoulder only and it's forever slipping off.

I found this old topic and have requested and received a PDF version of the brochure. I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask of those who actually use one.

The Speyside Sling shows a strap around the centre column right just under the head, is there any reason why this cant be positioned further down for better balance when the tripod legs are extended?

Is there a lot of bounce in the neoprene strap? I can see that being a possible problem with the weight involved.

Has anyone got a "Karisling" rather than a Speyside sling? Just wondering how easy it is to *reload* the tripod & scope after use, looks like it might be a bit of a fiddle.

Hi John,

I missed this thread until Norman pointed me towards it today. I've had my Mondell harness for 3 yrs now - it's seen and still sees a great deal of use and for me is the most efficient and comfortable way of carrying a scope. With the strap slung across your body and the weight at your hip you hardly notice the scope is there. I did buy the waist belt as well but soon stopped using it as the harness on it's own is enough.

I think it's the Speyside Sling - around a 6" section with buckle attached to the tripod and the sling itself. I have the strap positioned just below the tripod head and with the scope attached the balance is very good - hands free. You can slide the strap down the column if you want the legs extended, but to be honest I just leave it in place with the legs extended and keep a hand on the tripod head/handle - if you are standing still, even hands free the feet don't touch the ground but if wandering over rough ground they catch if you don't have a hand on the head/handle.

The neoprene strap does have some bounce but it's more a cushion to any bounce rather than causing a problem. I've carried the scope/tripod several miles at a time without the weight/support being an issue.

Have you been in touch with the Mondell's yourself for the pdf? If so then it may be worth posting details on thread as I've had several queries from members who have tried to contact them but could gain no reply.

Personally I don't like the back pack harnesses and to my mind the Mondell is a much better way of carrying a scope.

 

[normjackson]

Thankyou John and Ian for sharing this information.

Guess it's time now to hunt for a cheque book and try to find a tape measure which will go round my waist or hips "whichever is greater". Hmm.....


Edit : Realise now don't need hip/waist measurement for Speyside Sling. Breathe out...

 

[John P]

Thanks for that Ian, yes I've got the brochure from Mondell and spoke to them today regarding the queries I had.

I'll attempt to attach the PDF files here in case anyone else wants to take a look, there are two, one is the brochure and t'other is a printable order form and price list.

 

[IanF]

Thanks for that Paul :t:

I see they've had a few more ideas and greatly expanded their range!

It's definitely the Speyside Sling that I'm using with the neoprene strap. I like it a lot for it being simple and esy to use/access the scope, but I'm a bit dubious about some of the other designs.

 

[John P]

Thanks for that Paul :t:

I see they've had a few more ideas and greatly expanded their range!

It's definitely the Speyside Sling that I'm using with the neoprene strap. I like it a lot for it being simple and esy to use/access the scope, but I'm a bit dubious about some of the other designs.

That's OK Dave,|;|

It's the Speyside sling I've ordered for myself. I did consider the Karisling because it looks as though it keeps the scope horizontal but the two extra clips to undo put me off; and I felt it might be a bit tricky to reload it.

 

[IanF]

Oops! Sorry - JOHN!

 

[John P]

I had an email from Chris Montgomery today in which he asked me to update the PDF files in my previous posting; there are apparently a few minor changes and typo corrections.

The new files are attached to the original post.

 

[normjackson]

Posted order Thursday or Friday (can't remember) received Speyside Sling this morning (the following Wednesday). Do cheques clear that quickly? Excellent service.

Regarding balance so the assembly hangs level, I suppose the trick it to test where the centre of gravity of your your scope/tripod combo is (or tripod alone if you want to use it to carry only that) and check whether there's tripod column there for it to attach. If not, check you don't have to make excessive column or legs extensions to get the centre of gravity somewhere suitable; assumimg you don't want to end up six feet wide.

Glad it was sent already assembled; did a sketch to record how straps went round buckles before undoing them to attach to scope (a tip there for my fellow thickies 8-P ). Looks like it will be just the ticket :t:

 

[trealawboy]

I have a Mondell Speyside Sling (neoprene) and accompanying waist belt that I'm happy for a fellow BFer have for the cost of postage only.

PM me if you're interested.

Apologies to anyone who's just bought one, as I've only just picked up on this thread.

 

[trealawboy]

I have a Mondell Speyside Sling (neoprene) and accompanying waist belt that I'm happy for a fellow BFer have for the cost of postage only.

PM me if you're interested.

Apologies to anyone who's just bought one, as I've only just picked up on this thread.

No longer available. Offer taken up by a BFer.