Backpacking Tripod Recommendation

[atmat]

Alright Roksliders, I need your recommendations for a lightweight backpacking tripod to hold the Wiser Nighthawk pan head.

Will support an ATS 65 and a set of 8.5x42 ELs. Would love to be able to shoot off it using one of my ultralight rifles.

I do want a middle post, even though I’ll try not to use it. Would like it to be about 55” without center post, so I can use my ATS while standing (without center post).

Would like it as lightweight but sturdy as possible. Currently leaning toward the Slik 634.

I currently have a Leofoto 324-C, but I’m going to return it. I don’t like having no center post. And I’m not in love with the ball head. But otherwise it’s super sturdy at only 59oz.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Really Right Stuff Ascend 14L is the only center post tripod I would use. It is 58"-66" tall and 3.19lbs/ 51.04oz. You can get it with a regular platform to accept regular heads. It is definitely not cheap but worth every penny.

 

[atmat]

Really Right Stuff Ascend 14L is the only center post tripod I would use. It is 58"-66" tall and 3.19lbs/ 51.04oz. You can get it with a regular platform to accept regular heads. It is definitely not cheap but worth every penny.

Is that the weight with the regular platform? I do like the Ascend — I just don’t like the cost.

Plus, that’s a full pound heavier than a Slik 634, which I struggle with. Do you think it’s worth the weight?

 

[IrkedCitizen]

Is that the weight with the regular platform? I do like the Ascend — I just don’t like the cost.

Plus, that’s a full pound heavier than a Slik 634, which I struggle with. Do you think it’s worth the weight?

Yes that is the weight with the platform. Weight with the integrated head is 3.38lbs.

I hunt/backpack with a RRS TFC-34L with BH-55SCLR and it weighs 5.98125 lbs according to RRS weights on their website. Throw on my Swarovski STS 20-60x65 HD and brings the weight to 8.9375 lbs. Does it bring the suck after a long day? Sure but I wouldn't pack anything different. I can swap between my binos, spotter, and rifle within seconds. Worth every penny and pound.

 

[atmat]

Yes that is the weight with the platform. Weight with the integrated head is 3.38lbs.

I hunt/backpack with a RRS TFC-34L with BH-55SCLR and it weighs 5.98125 lbs according to RRS weights on their website. Throw on my Swarovski STS 20-60x65 HD and brings the weight to 8.9375 lbs. Does it bring the suck after a long day? Sure but I wouldn't pack anything different. I can swap between my binos, spotter, and rifle within seconds. Worth every penny and pound.

Thanks for the feedback! Still not totally sure I can manage the RRS cost at $1100 more than the Slik 634.

 

[4ester]

Guess it really comes down to if you seriously want to mount a rifle on it.

The 634 is a great tripod for optics but not sure that’s my choice if wanting to shoot off it. The VA-5 head is another option for a head, will run some of the biggest optics out there smoothly.


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[atmat]

Guess it really comes down to if you seriously want to mount a rifle on it.

The 634 is a great tripod for optics but not sure that’s my choice if wanting to shoot off it. The VA-5 head is another option for a head, will run some of the biggest optics out there smoothly.


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I like the VA-5 head, but it’s a little heavy for my liking. After watching the S&S archery review between it and the Wiser precision, I think I’d prefer the latter.

It sounds like I may be asking too much of the Slik 634. If I have to give up shooting off it, I think that’s probably fine.

 

[Camera Land]

The Slik CF-634 is a fantastic tripod. Lightweight for the size. One of our most popular tripods

 

[atmat]

The Slik CF-634 is a fantastic tripod. Lightweight for the size. One of our most popular tripods

Is there a better tripod for my needs (outside of RRS)?

 

[Camera Land]

Keeping the weight down it is one of the best options on the market

 

[cullenz]

Agreed with above. It is hard to beat the Slik CF-634 for what you are describing. Good tripod for the weight and cost.

The Promaster XC525 is another good option, but the leg height isn't quite as tall as the Slik 634. It might be a little short for what you are needing

 

[Camera Land]

Promaster is excellent as well, however the last section is much thinner then the Slik

 

[4ester]

Promaster is excellent as well, however the last section is much thinner then the Slik

Had issues with the Promaster with play in the center column with bigger glass. Noticeable wobble that I couldn’t get out.


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[colt1776]

I’ve got a LS-254C right now that I have been testing and going to use to elk hunting in November that I really like and feel comfortable shooting kneeling out to 500 yards on it weights 40oz with spiked feet. I won’t be standing to glass off of so I don’t need the center column that comes with it. Shooting my 223 at 350-400 yards. The taller tripod is a LS-323c that is around 4.3lbs and tall enough to glass and shoot off standing.

 

[wingmaster]

I use the 634 and it's great, someday I'd like a heavier second tripod for shooting and truck glassing.