go to lightweight tripod and head

[rockwind1]

what's the general consensus on this. i've been using an older vanguard alta 225ct carbon with a super cheap magnus 3 way fluid head. looking to update. like my vanguard though

 

[sneaky]

Lots of guys are running Promaster XC525C or Slik 624 or 634 tripods with a variety of heads on them

 

[luke moffat]

Velbon ultra maxi m with manfrotto 494 ball head on it. Been using that setup for roughly 5 years now with a Zeiss 85mm spotter on it. Works for my uses. Folds up to like 14" and extends tall enough for me to use standing up if using it in tall brush.

 

[BIGHORNtracks]

I don't think there is such a thing as a consensus.

Everyone has something they use, either they like it or they don't.

I can only speak from my experience, I have never found a set of legs that weighed under 2 pounds that was worth anything.
Legs like the Gitzo GT1555 Traveler, series 1, carbon legs are a decent bet at 2.3 lbs. But, they are not cheap.

I have become a fan of the Really right stuff brand. The lightest offering they have is a 2.6 lb tripod.

As far as the head issue, there are lots of lightweight options, but what type of head are you interested in?
Are you going to stay with a fluid or fluid like head?
Is weight and compact size going to be priority over all else?

Luke M stated he is using a ball head. Think about it, a ball head is more compact, has less mass, less parts and pieces.
Compared to a fluid like head, or a 3 way pan tilt, a ball head is going to be lighter and more compact.

And there is the budget issue.
If you cant spend the money on the set up you want, maybe you are better off using what you have, or changing the head until a later date.

One thing is for sure, there are thousands of opinions out there. And, you usually get what you pay for.

 

[handwerk]

I have the same tripod as Luke and have been very happy with it (using a swaro 80 MM ) for a head I'm using the vanguard PH-111.

 

[dotman]

I have an old no longer made carbon rocketfish, cost me $40. I have compared it to my buddies slik and find it very comparable. I use a vanguard ph-111. This combo has done well over the years.

 

[RdRdrFan]

I have an old no longer made carbon rocketfish, cost me $40. I have compared it to my buddies slik and find it very comparable. I use a vanguard ph-111. This combo has done well over the years.

I'm betting I use the same Rocketfish. I like it a lot. I've got an Outdoorsmans micro pan head on top of it.

 

[littlebrotherC]

Subscribed

 

[dotman]

I'm betting I use the same Rocketfish. I like it a lot. I've got an Outdoorsmans micro pan head on top of it.

I bet we do . My next upgrade is exactly that head.

 

[Fjelljeger]

Just ordered a Promaster XC525c with Benro S2 head form S&S Archery. Waiting for it to be delivered. It will be for an ATX 65mm. Can't wait to try it all out in a couple of weeks in the Bitterroot.

 

[Dos Perros]

Just ordered a Promaster XC525c with Benro S2 head form S&S Archery. Waiting for it to be delivered. It will be for an ATX 65mm. Can't wait to try it all out in a couple of weeks in the Bitterroot.

Please let us know what you think of the Benro head.

 

[Fjelljeger]

Please let us know what you think of the Benro head.

You got it

 

[mtnkid85]

Ive been quite pleased with my Slik 624 and Manafrotto 494 head. I think thats about the lightest you can get and still support a 80mm spotter.

 

[Fjelljeger]

Please let us know what you think of the Benro head.

So far the Benro S2 is working fine. It handles the Swaro 65mm ATX with ease. The controls are probably very good for the money ($76) as they are easy to use and adjust with little effort. Besides the weight of the head (18oz) the only thing that I don't like is the length of the control arm. You can position it straight down when you place the tripod in a side pocket but I wish the overall size was shorter. I will be using it this year for sure and maybe next year upgrade to an Outdoorsmans Mirco Pan head ($200 more than the S2).

 

[dotman]

So far the Benro S2 is working fine. It handles the Swaro 65mm ATX with ease. The controls are probably very good for the money ($76) as they are easy to use and adjust with little effort. Besides the weight of the head (18oz) the only thing that I don't like is the length of the control arm. You can position it straight down when you place the tripod in a side pocket but I wish the overall size was shorter. I will be using it this year for sure and maybe next year upgrade to an Outdoorsmans Mirco Pan head ($200 more than the S2).

You will not regret that upgrade!! I'm going to do a write up after this season on the micro, have had it a week and it flat out rocks. Haven't weighed it yet but I bet it is close to the listed 7.5oz. Works just fine with my 82mm but if I used my scope more then reg pan would be my choice at only 4oz more then the micro.

I use my binos 80% of the time so don't feel the need for the reg pan head. I have both the micro and reg, will be selling the reg.

When I get a chance I'll put both on the scale. From my week with them the quality of construction is amazing!

 

[sr80]

I settled on a promaster XC325C and plopped a vangaurd PH 111v on top.

 

[dotman]

The outdoorsman micro pan head weighs 7.55oz and the std pan head weighs 11.20oz on my scale.

Here they are side by side, both are compact.

 

[sneaky]

how much do they charge for extra plates for the outdoorsman heads? can't find that info anywhere on their site seems like

 

[Ryan Avery]

https://outdoorsmans.com/collections/tripod-accessories/products/outdoorsmans-adapter-plate

Their site is a little confusing.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Looks like $17, and yes, their site is not the easiest to navigate.