The Swarovski Spotting Scope Base is a useful gadget for ATS & STS series spotting scopes. The scope's foot slips quickly and easily into the Spotting Scope Base, and provides a larger, flared-out base that allows the scope to rest on any flat surface. It can be used as a substitute for a bean bag or mini-tripod.
Another advantage to keeping the base mounted to the foot is so that the scope foot does not snag inside the bag during removal from the bag.