Leupold Alpine CF-425 Tripod

[Snowhunter11]

Leupold Alpine CF-425 Tripod​

Just curious if anyone has any
experience or thoughts on this tripod for glassing? I realize it is a ball mount and may need to be upgraded for fluid motion glassing?

 

[Azhun]

Have only had 15x56s on mine. I love it. It’s a stout product that I don’t worry about when packing externally on my pack

 

[atmat]

It’s not a good purchase.

It’s very lightweight and the ball mount is small, leaving much to be desired. It’s also a re-branded Leofoto with 2x the price tag. For that reason alone it’s not worth having.

 

[Snowhunter11]

Any idea what would be equivalent in weight/size in another brand? Just curious if others are using something similar

 

[atmat]

The Alpine is very light (2 lbs). You could run a Slik 634 (2 lbs) and get a Wiser Precision pan head (or SmallRig) and be just a couple ounces heavier with a much nicer product.

 

[Snowhunter11]

Thanks I will look into that setup. Anyone have thoughts/experience on twist locks vs flip locks?

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Thanks I will look into that setup. Anyone have thoughts/experience on twist locks vs flip locks?

My Manfrotto has the flip locks and my Slik has the twist locks.

No material differences between the two styles that I've found.

 

[atmat]

Thanks I will look into that setup. Anyone have thoughts/experience on twist locks vs flip locks?

Generally think twist locks are easier and quicker. I would not go the flip lock route again myself.

 

[Snowhunter11]

I had some cheap trekking poles in twist and the locks were garbage. My new leki are flip locks and I love them. I will just go to the store and play with a few. I imagine you get what you pay for just like everything else. Thanks all for your input.

 

[dewert]

I like flip locks and find them quicker but they seem to be heavier. All the super light tripods use quick locks.

 

[atmat]

I like flip locks and find them quicker but they seem to be heavier. All the super light tripods use quick locks.

Define super light? Slik’s weigh <2 lb with twist locks….

 

[Snowhunter11]

Currently thinking

Leofoto LSR-284C Rapid Ranger Flip Lock Tripod Legs Carbon Fiber CF 4 Section​

Benro s2 pan head

All in the under $400 if they go back on sale.

Plan is for them to support 10x42 leupold binos. And Kowa TSN-663m prominar spotting scope.

I realize better items may exist just on a budget at this point in life with the family. Money spent on spotter seems to make more sense then tripod. Am I wrong?​

 

[Snowhunter11]

3.7lbs tripod and pan head combination