Is the RRS Ascent 14 w/ Anvil-30 Head the Way to Go?

[InkedElkSlayer]

I searched/read about a dozen previous threads and this Really Right Stuff combo was mentioned a few times.

I currently have a Slik 624C for glassing with 15s and a spotter. I am looking to upgrade to a setup that I can not only glass/spot from, but will serve as a solid shooting platform as well. I would like to be able to glass with 15s from the tripod, then to quickly transition to shooting from the tripod. Weight is a factor, but I understand I’ll need to add a little from my current Slik.

For those with experience glassing, spotting and shooting from a RRS tripod…
What configuration would you recommend for backcountry hunting if you were starting from scratch?
Is there a better head option than the Anvil-30?
Do you have a specific arca mount you would mount on the stock?

 

[hereinaz]

The Anvil 30 is amazing for shooting but sucks for glassing. You can not set tension.

I run the Leofoto MH motorcycle handle ball head because it can set tension and glass with my 15s. For shooting it locks as tight as the Anvil.

I like having a long handle to “drive” the rifle and head.

RRS tripods are amazing and the best.

 

[NeedleCrook]

I’ve been using an ascend 14L for a couple years now with the anvil 30. Before that I had the anvil on a leofoto ls324c I think. But it’s the only head I’ve ever used. I wasn’t used to a pan head or anything. It’s been great. But this year I added a Tricer lp to the mix. I still keep the anvil attached to the tripod, but when I’m glassing I attach the Tricer, which has a built in ARCA plate on the base, to the anvil and glass, then I can quickly take it off and lock in a rifle. It’s also nice because i don’t need to worry about leveling the tripod. I can just level the anvil then grid with the Tricer lp.

You can ditch the bottom of the center post to shav me some weight. Or not do the long version. But I do enjoy having the option to glass standing.

 

[NeedleCrook]

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[hereinaz]

Yup, a small pan head works great on top. I have one that I use sometimes. Small Rig makes a nice one that I use.