Vanguard Mars 1 OS Tabletop Tripod with Detachable Window Mount

This little tripod is unbelievable. I don't think there is anything that is not adjustable on the unit. I bought this for use with a Minox MD50W Spotting Scope (a small angled scope) and I am easily able to sit comfortably and view at any angle for hours. Fully extended, the eyepiece on my scope is 25" off the ground and it is rock solid. I can even take the window mount off and turn it sideways and re attach to the tripod. Then I can pivot the base of the window mount 90 degrees (towards the ground) and rotate my scope so that the eyepiece is a mere 5" off of the ground. In this configuration, I can actually lay down with my head supported by a fanny pack and glass wildlife from a low profile without having to hold my head up. This same set up works good for long range shooting as well. I can shoot from the bench or prone, lean over, look through the scope, and spot the hit before the bullet arrives with ease. The window mount feature works well and the pan head is smooth in all directions (you can control the stiffness of the pan). It is nice that there is a quick connect base included for your device and the window mount is quickly separated from the tripod base. This makes the tripod base about 11" long when folded. In the product description it was stated, "Entire product is just over 14" when folded, and weighs less than one pound so it's ideal for packing for hunts or hikes." Let's just say that it packs smaller, but I think it weighs more like a pound & a half. Did I mention I bought this on sale and it only cost [..] with free shipping! In conclusion, I spent hours researching tripods for backpacking & hunting. I did not find anything nearly as versatile, study, or compact at ANY price. Bravo Vanguard! 5 stars!

It's a nice little tripod but, the window grip will not hold up a heavy lens like a 300/2.8 on the window of a car. However, it does fine with the tripod itself. The collar that grips the window is made out of plastic and cracks with over-tightening.

Satisfied with size and stability. Much better than Vangard VS-82 model that I returned. I spoke to a vangard rep and when I described the lack of stability of VS-82 model this was their immediate recommendation. They were dead on.

This is an ideal size for placing it in your backpack. It is strong and sturdy for the larger spotting scopes.

Great Tripod for my "KenKo" Binoculars.

Well built, strong.

Great product!