Easy to pack, stable tripod for shooting

[CoopTroop85]

I have little to no experience shooting off a tripod. Tried it once with a buddy, and I was blown away by how easy it made to shoot while not prone. I think I'm convinced that it's the way to go, especially helping my kids have better hunting experience. My buddy has a RRS tripod that's way out of my budget. Here's my criteria for what I would want for a shooting tripod to hunt with:
1. Less than 25 inches total collapsed length and around or under 3.5 lbs (ease of packability)
2. Stability/Rigidity: Ability to hold an 8lb total weight rifle using an arca plate, 6.5 creedmoor recoil
3. Total cost of tripod and head under $700

I've looked a bunch online, but hard to tell which will fit my wants best without being able to see any or try any in person. I'm leaning towards the Aziak Front Country Tripod. Anyone have experience shooting off of it compared to other tripods? What has been your experience? Any others I should consider?

 

[hereinaz]

Criteria for solid shooting tripod, IMO.

No center column
Larger leg diameter
Fewer leg sections
Solid ball head

Their weight ratings can be useful, but not definitive.

Your total packable length is going to limit options. I went to strapping my tripod onto my pack and use a two section inverted tripod.

Look at Leofoto at that price range. They have imitated RRS so you can find something like your buddy has maybe. The MH ball heads (motorcycle handle) have a good tension for glassing and solid lock for shooting.

 

[Jake Larsen]

I have little to no experience shooting off a tripod. Tried it once with a buddy, and I was blown away by how easy it made to shoot while not prone. I think I'm convinced that it's the way to go, especially helping my kids have better hunting experience. My buddy has a RRS tripod that's way out of my budget. Here's my criteria for what I would want for a shooting tripod to hunt with:
1. Less than 25 inches total collapsed length and around or under 3.5 lbs (ease of packability)
2. Stability/Rigidity: Ability to hold an 8lb total weight rifle using an arca plate, 6.5 creedmoor recoil
3. Total cost of tripod and head under $700

I've looked a bunch online, but hard to tell which will fit my wants best without being able to see any or try any in person. I'm leaning towards the Aziak Front Country Tripod. Anyone have experience shooting off of it compared to other tripods? What has been your experience? Any others I should consider?

Are you already glassing off a tripod? If so, that’s a big consideration. Ideally you can find a solution for adapting your rifle into the same system you’re already using for glassing. Less total weight to pack up the mountain…


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[CoopTroop85]

Are you already glassing off a tripod? If so, that’s a big consideration. Ideally you can find a solution for adapting your rifle into the same system you’re already using for glassing. Less total weight to pack up the mountain…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not glassing off a tripod, planned to maybe use it for glassing in some cases but wanted it primarily for shooting. Not really considering it for glassing.

 

[Kurts86]

A Leofoto LS-324/323 are going to get most of your requirements except weight. I don’t think you will find a stiff enough 3.5 lb tripod without spending RRS money. If you bump into the 4-4.5 lb range you can get adequate stiffness at a much lower price point. For $700 you could swing an RRSs Anvil 30 and a holiday sale Leofoto legs.