I found a Vortex Hi-Country on sale for like $67 so thought I'd try it this season. For the money its a superb tripod. Have only had it out for 2 trips so far, but I pulled the bottom section out for even lighter weight and its been working like a champ. I weighed it at 29.5oz without the bottom section (1.8lbs) and the factory ball head. Worked great for me with binoculars and my spotting scope. Its just not rated for anything more than a spotting scope weight wise (and I wouldn't recommend shooting off of it).
Prior to purchasing that I was casting some serious eyeballs at the bog pod series. If you end up using it id love to hear how it did.
