I'm almost 6 feet tall, and the listed height of my tripod is 60 
inches, with center column fully extended.  That's 12 inches shorter 
than my height, and I found it totally inadequate when using a 
straight scope.  When I bought an angled scope, the tripod was fine.

When I was shopping, I found that the low-to-moderately priced (and 
low-to-moderate weight) tripods only go up to 60".  I couldn't 
afford the taller tripods (they do exist) and didn't want to carry 
the extra weight.

For your situation though, you need a taller tripod.  I'd recommend 
you go with the 6" shorter specification, get a tripod with the legs 
made out of that lightweight composite material, and look into 
different size heads for the tripod, because the length of the head 
also adds height. (Mine had a built-in head that was not very high.)

Just my two cents,

June Tveekrem
Columbia, Howard Co, MD
tweekiebird AT toadmail DOT com


> Hello all-
> I'm buying a new tripod and i'm having trouble getting a straight answer 
> online. I'm 6' 2'' and i can't figure out how tall the tripod needs to 
> be for a straight scope. One site says 6 inches shorter  then your 
> height, others say 12 inches. Also, most websites and companies list 
> "maximum height", i'm assuming this includes center column fully 
> extended? Instead of plodding along like i completely understand, tall 
> people out there, what is the listed height of your tripod?
> Thanks
> Ben Weinstein