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…


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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.

 

[Dust Rider]

Spartan Ascent Tripod. Mountain version is 3 lbs 2oz. It is rated up to 300 RUM.
It is a great hunting tripod and very versatile. Legs can screw off to become hiking poles or bipod, and has tool kit in center column. We have a lot of kills with mine and it goes on every hunt.
edit to add: buy used and you can make budget

 

[SDHNTR]

You are asking for two mutual exclusive things

 

[hereinaz]

You are asking for two mutual exclusive things

?

 

[justinspicher]

I have been using a Spartan Sentinal bipod for a couple of years now for both glassing and shooting. The ability to have one tripod that I can use for both glassing and shooting, as a taller bipod, monopod and trekking poles is hard to beat. I bought mine on sale for under $300, shipped from Spartan. I bought a mountain ascent on sale as well about a year ago, but I don’t care for it as much.

 

[Kurts86]

?

Cheap, Light and Strong. Pick 2.

He basically said he wanted all the attributes of an RRS tripod at half the cost.

Also stable and packable are largely opposing characteristics with shooting tripods.

 

[hereinaz]

Cheap, Light and Strong. Pick 2.

He basically said he wanted all the attributes of an RRS tripod at half the cost.

Also stable and packable are largely opposing characteristics with shooting tripods.

Yeah, I track with that. Portable means more parts and smaller leg sections so it’s not as strong. RRS is crazy stable for the weight…

 

[ATL]

A few years ago I picked up a Leofoto Ranger LS-284C with the LH36 ball head. I chose this over the next larger one, I believe the 364? I had them both for a time being and could not tell much of a difference while shooting. Both allowed me to be accurate to at least 500 yards in the seated position, did not see the point of going larger than the 284.

I am 5’10” and can shoot off the 284 standing to 300 yards well. If you are much taller than me the 284 will be too short, but I would expect to be seated for most shots so may not be an issue for most.

The 284 is definitely a compromise, not as stable for shooting “long range” but covers 95% of my expected shots, is light enough to carry long distance, and use for glassing too. Any larger and I think I would leave it home or not trek as far from camp/truck.

Another use I have found for the 284 is assisting with propping up a tarp for camping a night if I am going light as possible. I can leave the trekking poles behind if I wish.

For reference my primary rifle is 10# with a full length Arca rail for direct mount to the ball head.

Only photo I have of using the 284 tri-pod is from a natural ground blind while hunting deer in KY a few years ago. If you have any questions let me know.