HELP Choosing a tripod + head

[bowrunner81]

Currently I have a Sirui carbon tripod with a VA5 head and the whole setup is too heavy so I never take it with me. I want to upgrade to something light enough so I’ll bring it along on hunts and specifically rifle elk or rifle mule deer. I won’t bring it on an archery elk hunt. I have binos and am getting a new spotter this year but will probably try to get a lightweight one. I have also never shot off of a tripod but I like the idea of being able to after some practice. If you could recommend a tripod and head setup, I’d like to hear what people would choose. Under $500 total would be great and I like the idea of spending $300-400.

 

[stephane]

Aziak BC lite and Tricer LP is what i have for a lightweight glassing setup. Works great for my binos and Swaro ATC.
If you’re looking to shoot off it you need a separate ball head, or look into the Wiser Ridgewarden, which is a new hybrid head that allows glassing and shooting. It’s new on the market but seems to have good reviews.

 

[diverc18]

Another vote for the Tricer lp head.Not great for shooting of a tripod but can be done in a pinch. I have been happy with my Tricer BC. But as stated above the Aziak Backcountry Lite gets a lot of love for a good reason.

 

[bowrunner81]

This might be a dumb question, but is the reason you want a ball head to shoot off of because you want finer adjustment to get on target? And do you lock down the ball when you shoot or leave it loose?

 

[270-300]

I started years ago with a vortex high country 2 tripod. I figured id get an inexpensive light one to start with and work my way up. Well i cant justify $600 for a carbon fiber tripod that weighs 4x as much. The high country has been super stable for me. It has a hook to use weights, i never need to. Even in the wyoming wind with my kaibab 15x56.

Heres a view of how stable it isin 30 mph wind. I was just holding the cell phone so there is some shake in the video.

 

[elsb0048]

I believe it's to enable levelling the rifle.

Try shooting off your VA-5 and you'll feel the struggle (at least I did when I tried last week...)

This might be a dumb question, but is the reason you want a ball head to shoot off of because you want finer adjustment to get on target? And do you lock down the ball when you shoot or leave it loose?

 

[Raiderfry]

If I remember correctly the VA5 to tricer will save you almost an entire pound. I was running the same setup and changed out the head to a tricer lp.

 

[bowrunner81]

That’s good to know. Maybe I should start with the head

 

[Big Sky Guy]

That’s good to know. Maybe I should start with the head

Did you try anything yet? I have your same setup and I was shocked when I weighed just the head. I’ll take it in but usually only if I have a buddy to split the tripod and spotter or if it’s not an overnight trip. I think swapping the head makes the most sense to start with but was curious if you tried anything yet?

 

[7mm-08]

I recently purchased an Aziak Vantage Pan Head from S & S Archery. At 6.4 ounces it is light. I paired it with my Aziak Backcountry Lite tripod, which I've had for a year, and couldn't be happier. I can live with a 27-ounce setup that is under $500. If the setup is too heavy, it stays at home and is of no use in the field (where it needs to be).

 

[Big Sky Guy]

Has anyone tried modifying their tripod and trekking poles to work together sort of like the Spartan ascent? I’m curious if I could just cut off two legs of my Siriu and then make a magnetic or all thread type connection. Honestly if it worked I would consider doing the third leg with another trekking pole to have as a backup as I’ve had them break on me before. I like my Costco cork handled trekking poles.