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.

 

[PathFinder]

Aziak, Slik 632 or 633 for the tripod.
The Tricer LP is good if you don't want to shoot clipped in. Wiser BT-20 is slightly more compact and functions both as a ball head for shooting and a pan head for glassing. The Tricer is harder to dial in ideal tension, but handles quick pan movements better. The Wiser is easier to dial in ideal tension.

 

[elsb0048]

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.

Seems like for something like this you'd be wanting to look more at something like the wiser precision 3rd leg deal rather than doing a bunch of cutting on your poles & tripod

 

[Big Sky Guy]

Seems like for something like this you'd be wanting to look more at something like the wiser precision 3rd leg deal rather than doing a bunch of cutting on your poles & tripod

Seems like several trade offs with that setup. Likely the lightest way to go but from what I gather there is some things to be desired with stability and also setup.

I just emailed Sirui to see if I can just purchase these connectors to experiment with.

 

[elsb0048]

Seems like several trade offs with that setup. Likely the lightest way to go but from what I gather there is some things to be desired with stability and also setup.

I just emailed Sirui to see if I can just purchase these connectors to experiment with.

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If they won't sell em next best thing could be to buy a used aluminum sirui on eBay and cut it to pieces. I've seen em in the $50 range

Check out mountain Smith boomstick trekking pole. It's got a threaded thing on top already so could be in an easy button for an early try out