Binocular tripod recommendations

[makemikemike]

Hey there! New to this site, but eager to hear any tripod recommendations to pair with a pair of new Kaibab 18x56’s (bought two sets new for a deal, plan on posting the second set in the classifieds once I reach the 7/10 threshold). Primary use won’t be for hunting, but for general glassing as a nature enthusiast so still need to be able to pack and carry on hikes. Thanks and appreciate any input!

 

[Brooks]

I’ve had a few tripods but the one I bought from Cameraland last year is the one I like the best. SLIK CF 634. I like everything about it and use it a lot. Holds my 12x50’s and my Swaro 65 spotter great. Call Cameraland and mention you are a Rokslide member for a nice discount.

 

[makemikemike]

Thanks! I’ve heard of folks mentioning someone named Doug at Cameraland on forums before so I may give them a call!

 

[nobody]

If you don't need ultra compact, but still relatively lightweight, I would recommend the Slik 733/633 series. 733 is a bit beefier than the 633, so which one you pick would be up to you and depend on how lightweight you need, as well as how critical standing stability is.

For a head, if you'll be using a spotting scope at all, the Sirui VA5 head is really hard to beat. Not remotely ultralight in any way, but it's a solid head and is buttery smooth.

If you're trying to really keep weight down and you'll NEVER use a spotting scope, give the Smallrig CH10 (Amazon) head a try. It's got a loyal little following here on the 'slide, I've been impressed and very happy with mine. At only 8 ounces, it's a great ultralight option. But don't expect to put an 85mm spotter on it while standing up.

 

[makemikemike]

Thanks! I don’t have a spotting scope at the moment, so could probably go with the Smallrig.

Anyone like/dislike any of the tripods Vortex puts out?

 

[GSPHUNTER]

I know a few guys who have the TRICER GTP-1 and they love it.

 

[JS.Fletch5]

I got a Sirui with a VA-5 from Gohunt. A little large but insanely smooth and stable. They often have discounts and mail-in rebates.

 

[nobody]

Thanks! I don’t have a spotting scope at the moment, so could probably go with the Smallrig.

Anyone like/dislike any of the tripods Vortex puts out?

My backpacking tripod is a Summit Carbon II. Not tall enough to use while standing. It's super lightweight, and I swapped the head as I dislike the 2 way pan head they come with. I got a SCREAMING deal on it, otherwise I wouldn't have purchased it. It's a decent little pod though, no issues with it. But there's better out there for less money.

My dad uses the Ridgeview Carbon from Vortex. Again, at full retail, not my first choice, and I don't like their head for use with binos. But it's actually a really sturdy tripod, it's impressed me. Just steep pricing for what you get. If it was $250 I would say go for it, but at $500 it's not much of a value proposition.

Their aluminum High Country II tripod is pretty good for what you pay. Again, swap out their head. But for $150 it's a solid option for sure. My cousin in law has one and I've been impressed with it.

If you're willing to go aluminum instead of carbon fiber, your options open up tremendously in regards to value per dollar spent.

 

[Rusty Shackelford]

I’ve had a few tripods but the one I bought from Cameraland last year is the one I like the best. SLIK CF 634. I like everything about it and use it a lot. Holds my 12x50’s and my Swaro 65 spotter great. Call Cameraland and mention you are a Rokslide member for a nice discount.

Is there an aluminum equivalent to this? I'm in the market this year myself.

 

[JDMBEND]

Tricer has a new tripod that will be available soon. Definitely worth a look. I pre ordered one.

 

[westco24]

I saw you mentioned hiking. I was lucky enough to get a goat tag couple years ago so heavily researched tripods. Ended up with Field Optics Research FT6229C. There are lighter tripods (oem weight 59 oz), but this one converts into trekking poles / poles to pitch a tarp shelter / shooting sticks. Tall enough to glass standing and durable.

 

[Mag_7s]

Does anyone have any experience with the Blackovis alpine pro carbon tripod? Seems like a decent enough tripod for my application but i dont know of anyone who has them for a review. Thoughts/concerns?

BlackOvis Alpine Pro Carbon Fiber Sitting Tripod w/Panhead

Weight: 2lbs. Arca-Swiss Compatible New and Improved for 2025!

www.blackovis.com

 

[Jacob Chapman]

I preordered the Tricer BC-glassing tripod. Excited to test it out, super light

 

[westco24]

I've only seen the BO Alpine Pro and Treeline at hunting shows. Looked like great quality and really good features for the price.

 

[mcseal2]

The Promaster 525T served me well but I mostly use a Slik 634 now if I might want to glass standing, and a 624 if I won't need that much height. The Promaster has a removable leg that can be handy as a trekking pole, or to support a tarp or shelter. I almost always have 2 trekking poles now so I go a few ounces lighter with one of the other tripods.

 

[nobody]

Does anyone have any experience with the Blackovis alpine pro carbon tripod? Seems like a decent enough tripod for my application but i dont know of anyone who has them for a review. Thoughts/concerns?

BlackOvis Alpine Pro Carbon Fiber Sitting Tripod w/Panhead

Weight: 2lbs. Arca-Swiss Compatible New and Improved for 2025!

www.blackovis.com

Good tripod. FWIW, I'm 90% sure it's just a re-branded/slightly modified Vanguard model with a swapped/modified head. Not a bad thing, I'm personally a HUGE fan of their store brand stuff like clothing and such. Just make sure you're not paying a premium for the Blackovis branding.

 

[Mag_7s]

Good tripod. FWIW, I'm 90% sure it's just a re-branded/slightly modified Vanguard model with a swapped/modified head. Not a bad thing, I'm personally a HUGE fan of their store brand stuff like clothing and such. Just make sure you're not paying a premium for the Blackovis branding.

It seems to fit the the bill for my purpose. I'm not one that finds value in really high end tripods and heads for glassing with binos and I rarely ever pack a spotter. I can't argue that tripods like outdoorsman and the like are way better, handle more weight and are butter smooth but for 2lbs, this looks like a good backcountry companion.

 

[nobody]

It seems to fit the the bill for my purpose. I'm not one that finds value in really high end tripods and heads for glassing with binos and I rarely ever pack a spotter. I can't argue that tripods like outdoorsman and the like are way better, handle more weight and are butter smooth but for 2lbs, this looks like a good backcountry companion.

It would probably serve you well honestly, there's nothing wrong with the setup. Just compare it against the Vanguard models it seems to be a clone of, because you might be able to save a few bucks buying the Vanguard version over the Blackovis version.

 

[MD97756]

Surui 024sk with the va5 head. Not a lot it won’t do for the $$$$