Lightweight tripod for binos

[smokinbobf4]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a really light shorter tripod to glass from with my binos? I have a pro master xcm 525c with a va5 head already that I like but I got it because of the height and was thinking I could use it standing. I am 6’3” and although it does reach, it is very unstable with it extended that far. So I am wondering if I could could some weight by getting a shorter one as I basically only use it for sitting on the ground and occasionally from a chair but not often.


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[tdhanses]

This one works good for binos or small 50mm spotters, not bad at 1.1lbs.

Amazon.com : AOKA 28in/1.1lb Lightweight Compact Carbon Fiber Tripod with 360° Ballhead Travel Mini Tripod for Mobile Phone and Compact Mirrorless Cameras : Electronics

Amazon.com : AOKA 28in/1.1lb Lightweight Compact Carbon Fiber Tripod with 360° Ballhead Travel Mini Tripod for Mobile Phone and Compact Mirrorless Cameras : Electronics

www.amazon.com

That said I’ve gone back to my slik 624 and run a RRS ball head. The Aoka did fine I just want more stability and height adjustability. I need to weigh it but probably close to 2.5lbs.

Here is the head I use https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BPC-16, also have an Outdoorsman panner quick attach on the tripod.

2.386lbs for the Slik 624, RRS head and OD panner.

 

[nobody]

Summit Carbon II

Built for backcountry hunters, it collapses into a compact, packable size. The detachable center column adds flexibility for taller shots or low-angle glassing, delivering support for the toughest hunts, all without weighing you down.

vortexoptics.com

Just picked up one of these about a month and a half ago. I replaced the 2 way pan head and put a fluid head on it and I'm still sub 3 lbs (about 2 lbs, 12 oz with my aftermarket head). Plenty steady with my binos and spotters and super lightweight and compact to carry on my pack. Highly recommended!

 

[smokinbobf4]

Thanks! I will check those out!


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[Hatchet Jack]

gitzo mountaineer series off ebay can usually find one around $300 bucks. rock solid and not made in china

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

My Slik Pro 635 CF with Jim White 2.0 head is 2.6 pounds. Usable for up to SLC 15s and a STX 65.

 

[Drenalin]

You could just drop some leg sections from your 525. It’s extremely easy and you can always put them back on later. If I remember right, you can get 5-6 ounces out of it dropping the lower two legs sections. Then add a lightweight head like the RRS mentioned above.

 

[smokinbobf4]

You could just drop some leg sections from your 525. It’s extremely easy and you can always put them back on later. If I remember right, you can get 5-6 ounces out of it dropping the lower two legs sections. Then add a lightweight head like the RRS mentioned above.

That’s not a bad idea!


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[bigbuckdj]

im interested in this, i have a 525C and just bought one of the slik 824 special from cameraland. in my very limited experience, the light ones arent stable at all with the center post fully extended. i just got the 824 so id have some stability at height if i want it even with a heavy spotter. its super stable but 22 oz heavier than the 525. i was thinking about putting the shorter center post in the 525 and taking a leg section out to just make it a light weight sitting tripod like youre describing.

 

[bigbuckdj]

Here’s some data points on the 525

This is with the bottom leg sections removed, and the center post swapped for the little aluminum one

The foam is like a half ounce so it would be 27.5 plus whatever rubber end caps you get

I’m not sure if the aluminum center post is worth it

I think it still gets a pretty good height, and it’s probably significantly more stable than it would’ve been at full height before. Hope this helps.


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[bigbuckdj]

Here’s some data points on the 525

This is with the bottom leg sections removed, and the center post swapped for the little aluminum one

The foam is like a half ounce so it would be 27.5 plus whatever rubber end caps you get

I’m not sure if the aluminum center post is worth it

I think it still gets a pretty good height, and it’s probably significantly more stable than it would’ve been at full height before. Hope this helps.


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After messing with it a bit, i think I would remove another section of legs and put the carbon center post back in. Me likey.

 

[smokinbobf4]

After messing with it a bit, i think I would remove another section of legs and put the carbon center post back in. Me likey.

Honestly that might be closer to what I am looking for. Thanks for the info. Another question, as I haven’t taken one apart before, is how do you get feet on the bottom after removing a few sections?


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[bigbuckdj]

Honestly that might be closer to what I am looking for. Thanks for the info. Another question, as I haven’t taken one apart before, is how do you get feet on the bottom after removing a few sections?


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i was just going to buy some rubber feet that are the right diameter and slip them on. i put a caliper on them if you remove the lowest section its .729" and the next one up is .845. I am going to order some caps, ill let you know which i get. if they fit well it might be useful info for other.

 

[smokinbobf4]

That would be great! Thanks!


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[Middleofnowhere]

Kramer Designs Granite Peak Tripod.
I have one and it’s great.

 

[Drenalin]

i was just going to buy some rubber feet that are the right diameter and slip them on. i put a caliper on them if you remove the lowest section its .729" and the next one up is .845. I am going to order some caps, ill let you know which i get. if they fit well it might be useful info for other.

Closest fit I could find was these 7/8 caps at Lowes. They're a touch loose, so I added a dab of silicone to keep them on. You might also be able to heat them up to get them more form fitting. I've tried trekking pole caps on another tripod too, and rubber bypass caps also work. Ultimately though, I haven't found anything that's a perfect fit.

Rubber Caps

 

[bigbuckdj]

Thanks for the tip. I ordered these 21mm end caps last night. I’ll reply back and let everyone know how they fit. I’m pretty pleased with the height and weight, I’ll probably use the money I save on legs to get the little rrs ball head. This would be under 30 oz with that. uxcell 10pcs Rubber End Caps 21mm ...=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7XSG67S74ZHYT36TJ7WA


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[smokinbobf4]

That rrs head kind of has me interested also. Just having different options for when weight is more of a concern


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[bigbuckdj]

Yeah I didn’t think this would work but it’s super sturdy at that height and really light with the aluminum. It’s only like 13” long folded over. It’s super modular and you could switch all this real fast if you wanted.

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[Drenalin]

Another head option, but more expensive, is the Wiser Precision Nighthawk. It's a 6.1 ounce pan head!