VORTEX OPTICS DAKOTA User manual

©Vortex Optics USA 2009
A
B
D
E
F
H
Ball Head with Quick Release Plate
C
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
G
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
A. Ball Head
B. QR Plate Tension Lock Knob
C. QR Plate Platform
D. QR Plate
E. QR Pin Lock Knob
F. Ball Head Tension Adjustment Knob
G. Ball Head Pan Knob
H. Ball Head Lock Knob
I. Center Column Locking Collar
J. Tripod Bubble Level
K. Variable Leg Release Button
L. Padded Upper Leg Section
M.Center Column
N. Accessory Hook
O. Flip-Lever Leg Lock
VORTEX DAKOTA TRIPOD
Congratulations on your purchase of the Vortex heavy-duty,
mid-size Dakota tripod.
1. Release the quick release plate by loosening the tension lock knob (B) and
sliding the quick release plate (D) forward until it reaches the pin lock.
2. Pull the pin lock knob (E) out and slide the quick release plate off the plate platform (C).
3. Thread the quick release plate onto the body of the spotting scope,
binocular, or camera and tighten the screw so the connection is secure.
4. Reattach the quick release plate by pulling the pin lock out and sliding the
plate back on until it is centered on the plate platform.
5. Secure the quick release plate in place by tightening the tension lock knob.
Using the ball head
To pan with the ball head (A), loosen the pan knob (G)
for smooth pan action; tighten to lock in place. To move
the ball head in any other direction, loosen the lock
knob (H) and adjust the tension of the ball head to your
desired setting by tightening or loosening the larger
tension adjustment knob (F). Lock the ball head in place
by tightening the ball head lock knob.
Use the quick release (QR) plate to attach a spotting
scope, binocular, or camera to the Dakota tripod.

©Vortex Optics USA 2009
O
K
Extending the leg length
Each tripod leg has four sections with padding on the upper section (L). To extend a leg,
release the flip-lever locks (O) and slide leg sections out to the desired
length. Press the flip-lever back down to lock a section in place.
Warranty and Service
This product is warranted to be
free of defects in materials and
workmanship for three years
after purchase. Vortex Optics
will repair or replace such
product or part thereof that,
upon our inspection, is found
to be defective in materials or
workmanship.
If you need assistance using your
tripod, please contact:
Vortex Optics
2120 West Greenview Drive
Middleton, WI 53562
800-426-0048
[email protected]
Adjusting the variable leg angle spread
Adjust tripod leg angles for ease of use in various
scenarios. Pull the leg
release (K) and adjust the
angle. Repeat with other legs
as needed.
Adjusting the center column
Change the position of the center column (M) to gain additional height. Unlock the
center column by rotating the collar (I) in a counter-clockwise direction. Maneuver the
center column to the desired height and lock in place by rotating the collar in a clockwise
direction. Stabilize the tripod in windy conditions by hanging a counterweight
(not supplied) from the center column accessory hook (N).
Using the level
Use the leveling bubble (J ) to gauge your alignment and allow for optimum viewing
and photography. The tripod will be level when the bubble is within the black circle.
Wrench set included.
Note: To adjust tension on the leg lock, release
the flip-lever lock and tighten the lever screw
with an Allen wrench.
Legs can be adjusted for a
low-angle viewing position.