"Good" $50 Tripods?

[Jack321]

Hey guys, so I've been checking a bunch of previous threads trying to find a needle in a haystack....I realize what I'm asking might not exist but I'm going to ask it none the less for my dad.

Long story short, were doing our first elk hunt this September in MT and my dad's not a "gear junkie" like I or my brother and he's not going to be spending tons of days in the field as my brother and I are getting into backpack hunting. I'm also a big believer in "buy once, cry once." So while I have no issues paying $$ for quality GOOD gear, my dad isn't. He's looking at price and "it just needs to work."

But I'm trying to find a tripod and smooth head for him around $50-75 for glassing with his Redfield 10x42 binos. Nothing fancy but functional.

I'm all ears.

Again, I know I'm trying to find a needle in a haystack, but hey, why not at least ask?!

 

[sndmn11]

You might be best served at that price getting some trekking poles and sticking one in the ground.

 

[P Carter]

Amazon.com : Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum 4-Section Tripod Kit with Ball Head, Black (MKCOMPACTLT-BK) : Camera & Photo

Amazon.com : Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum 4-Section Tripod Kit with Ball Head, Black (MKCOMPACTLT-BK) : Camera & Photo

www.amazon.com

 

[Geewhiz]

I have been using this tripod for the past 10 years. It’s fairly light and plenty strong, and folds up smaller than a lot of the carbon fiber ones. Honestly I would probably buy another one when mine craps out. I did put a benro fluid head on it but I used it for 5 years with the factory head as well.

 

[Firestone]

Slik used to make a few at a really affordable price. I used to have one I can't remember the model though

 

[ericacymcdonald]

You can find a silk sprint on ebay around 50, anything else in that price range is a gamble

 

[grappling_hook]

You can find a silk sprint on ebay around 50, anything else in that price range is a gamble

Or new on Amazon with free shipping for $60.

https://www.amazon.com/Sprint-Aluminum-Tripod-SBH-150DQ-611-875/dp/B00JJ2Z4LA/ref=asc_df_B00JJ2Z4LA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312066954908&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5405993879047931989&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9034064&hvtargid=pla-568534583969&th=1

 

[SkiParkGuy]

I’d keep an eye out in the classifieds. You can always resell it after the hunt and shouldn’t loose too much.

 

[Jack321]

View attachment 301076
I have been using this tripod for the past 10 years. It’s fairly light and plenty strong, and folds up smaller than a lot of the carbon fiber ones. Honestly I would probably buy another one when mine craps out. I did put a benro fluid head on it but I used it for 5 years with the factory head as well.

Would you consider the ball head to be smooth?

In my mind I would value a smooth ball head for glassing.

FYI for comparison I have a Slik 634 carbon fiber with a Suriu VA-5 head that I use personally that I like.

 

[Geewhiz]

Would you consider the ball head to be smooth?

In my mind I would value a smooth ball head for glassing.

FYI for comparison I have a Slik 634 carbon fiber with a Suriu VA-5 head that I use personally that I like.

Compared to your VA-5 I would say for sure not as smooth, but for glassing with cheaper 10x42's it would be just fine. Getting a nice head alone isn't gonna happen for $50 let alone a tripod and head.

 

[chutinlead]

Accessories

Check out the refurbished vortex tripod here. At $70-75 they are a little more, but are at least a known name.

 

[Jack321]

Accessories

Check out the refurbished vortex tripod here. At $70-75 they are a little more, but are at least a known name.

What's the difference between the high country vs Summit SS-P?

 

[chutinlead]

I honestly don't have either, but it looks like the high country has a ball head and the summit has a pan head. Also looks like the summit packs down smaller/shorter

 

[Dos Perros]

$105, but I can vouch for this one:

Amazon.com : Benro SLIM Aluminum Lightweight Travel Tripod Kit (TSL08AN00) : Electronics

Amazon.com : Benro SLIM Aluminum Lightweight Travel Tripod Kit (TSL08AN00) : Electronics

smile.amazon.com

 

[BRTreedogs]

Would you consider the ball head to be smooth?

In my mind I would value a smooth ball head for glassing.

FYI for comparison I have a Slik 634 carbon fiber with a Suriu VA-5 head that I use personally that I like.

Not even close to comparable.

Maybe check into renting from Rent guns and gear.

 

[Jack321]

Not even close to comparable.

Maybe check into renting from Rent guns and gear.

Yeah, I knew they wouldn't be even close. I'm just trying to find something that will suit my dad's needs: Cheap and functional.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I have a Vanguard forsale.
I wouldn't call it smooth but its usable.

Sold - Vanguard 264Ao Tripod

Good condition for what it is. An entry level tripod, may be some dings its been used. Comes as pictured with head and 1 plate, bag. Price drop to $100 shipped venmo or PayPal. I have a window mount that matches and takes the same plate it interested. P

www.rokslide.com

 

[Jack321]

I have a Vanguard forsale.
I wouldn't call it smooth but its usable.

Sold - Vanguard 264Ao Tripod

Good condition for what it is. An entry level tripod, may be some dings its been used. Comes as pictured with head and 1 plate, bag. Price drop to $100 shipped venmo or PayPal. I have a window mount that matches and takes the same plate it interested. P

www.rokslide.com

Appreciate the offer, but he went ahead and grabbed one of them Summit's from aaoptics.