My KDC Granite Peak experience

[JeffRaines]

I know I posted awhile back asking for experience with this tripod... I figured I'd add my own in here for those searching. I'll probably update this in the future once I use it more.

Anyway, I received the package about 4 days after I ordered it. I actually placed the order on Friday and it was shipped extremely quickly(like within 2 hours). I opted for the 30" model at the suggestion of Terry. He also suggested the optics balancer, but I haven't purchased it yet.

My first impression is WOW this thing is lightweight. I haven't thrown it on my scale yet, but if it weighed 8oz I'd be amazed. With that said, I was scared of it being very shaky/unstable. My initial testing in my living room showed that my fears are likely unfounded - it seems rock solid despite its light weight. Of course, this is in my living room with no wind, so jury is still out on actual field use. For the record, I'm using it with Swaro 10x42 SLCs. The ball head seems to hold the binos in place well despite its small size.

Another thing that blows me away is the packed size. I'm coming from using a full size tripod - this thing is so compact in comparison.

It'll probably be awhile before I'm able to get it out in the field for a real test. I'll update this thread at least one more time when I've had a chance to use it in real world conditions.

edit - just went and put it on my scale - 7.9oz with a quick disconnect bino adapter.

 

[GarrettCrain]

Looking into this same tripod. Thanks for the info!

 

[GarrettCrain]

Can’t wait to hear how it performs

 

[tdhanses]

If you really want it to shine add an Outdoorsman panner.

 

[JeffRaines]

Can’t wait to hear how it performs

I cant wait to see!

Its a huge weight savings over my other tripod. Its over 2lbs lighter... gonna make a difference on my back for sure!

 

[MuleyFever]

I used one on an elk hunt a couple seasons ago. I took my regular tripod on my next hunt. The weight was nice but it is not convenient to use. It takes longer to set up and position correctly. The head doesn't work really well if you are making adjustments. I'm going to use it again but if weight is not a big deal I much prefer a regulate tripod.

 

[tdhanses]

I used one on an elk hunt a couple seasons ago. I took my regular tripod on my next hunt. The weight was nice but it is not convenient to use. It takes longer to set up and position correctly. The head doesn't work really well if you are making adjustments. I'm going to use it again but if weight is not a big deal I much prefer a regulate tripod.

I agree, if weight doesn’t matter I use my normal setup.

 

[tdhanses]

I cant wait to see!

Its a huge weight savings over my other tripod. Its over 2lbs lighter... gonna make a difference on my back for sure!

Mine weighs in at 11oz, still 2lbs of weight savings over my normal tripod and head.

 

[GarrettCrain]

I used one on an elk hunt a couple seasons ago. I took my regular tripod on my next hunt. The weight was nice but it is not convenient to use. It takes longer to set up and position correctly. The head doesn't work really well if you are making adjustments. I'm going to use it again but if weight is not a big deal I much prefer a regulate tripod.

Are the leg lengths adjustable at all? My main question is how well would it perform on a steep pitch or uneven ground?

 

[MuleyFever]

Are the leg lengths adjustable at all? My main question is how well would it perform on a steep pitch or uneven ground?

The legs are sections of rod with a bungee inside, like a tent pole. You can see it in the pi above. You can adjust by folding up one section to make it shorter. Adjustment is mainly done by moving the legs out and in to change the height. If you were on a slope you could fold up one or 2 legs for the uphill side.

 

[JeffRaines]

The legs are sections of rod with a bungee inside, like a tent pole. You can see it in the pi above. You can adjust by folding up one section to make it shorter. Adjustment is mainly done by moving the legs out and in to change the height. If you were on a slope you could fold up one or 2 legs for the uphill side.

Yeah thats why I'm holding out until I get it in the field on some scouting trips. Half of me thinks it won't be too bad getting it leveled, the other half thinks it might be a PITA.

I knew there would be some give and take though, I don't expect a full size/full featured tripod at 8oz. I'm just hoping the cons don't outweigh the weight savings.

 

[Farmerlentz]

Looks sweet keep us updated curious how it does outside

 

[GarrettCrain]

The legs are sections of rod with a bungee inside, like a tent pole. You can see it in the pi above. You can adjust by folding up one section to make it shorter. Adjustment is mainly done by moving the legs out and in to change the height. If you were on a slope you could fold up one or 2 legs for the uphill side.

Interesting. Thank you

 

[willfrye027]

I've been playing around with mine (33") for a few weeks now so ill throw in my two cents. First of all I was not happy to find a mysterious $21 extra charge on the actual invoice which I do not remember seeing while checking out. Emailed Terry and apparently this was for shipping. Still not too happy about that.

I have been using it with my conquest 10x42s and my new leica 10-15 duovids with a leica bino adapter. It does take a little bit of playing around with to get things perfectly steady, but if you have used shooting sticks before it is the same kind of movements. I have found sitting on my butt and getting lower to the ground gives the steadiest view, although with the 33" you can use it from a short chair/stool. When you pan/move around, it takes a second or two for the shake to disappear, unlike a full size tripod. In high wind, the thing is almost unusable for me even when using the strings to hang extra weight (that actually made it worse as the wind was catching my weight and moving everything around). I had a full size tripod there for comparison and it was fine in that level of wind. Without wind, the ball head works well and actually pans pretty nicely with the right tension.

Overall I think it will excel on a backpack hunt where glassing is important, but you are not necessarily scanning large areas trying to find game. Its going to save you around 2lbs, which is HUGE if you are an ounce counter like myself. If it was windy and glassing was going to make or break the hunt, I would want a full size tripod.

 

[chippewawarrior]

If you really want it to shine add an Outdoorsman panner.

^^^^This ^^^^
Under $10 using equipment I already have. I needed 2 reducers and a 1/4-20 stud. I was able to use my KDC RRS shoe saving weight over the Outdoorsmans. Wish I’d realized this sooner. The panner makes this setup so much better!

 

[Middleofnowhere]

I love the KDC tripod. My 30” are a little too short when sitting on a steep slope. I will be buying the 40”.

 

[Redwing]

Is this thing stable enough to rely on for a 5-7 day trip with lots of glass time? I haven't used one or even seen one in person, but I'm skeptical that it would approximate the stability and ease of use of a "traditional" tripod design. I LOVE the idea of dropping two pounds from the pack, but not if my binos are bouncing around in a wind.

 

[chippewawarrior]

Is this thing stable enough to rely on for a 5-7 day trip with lots of glass time? I haven't used one or even seen one in person, but I'm skeptical that it would approximate the stability and ease of use of a "traditional" tripod design. I LOVE the idea of dropping two pounds from the pack, but not if my binos are bouncing around in a wind.

What glass are you putting on it? More specifically what does it weigh?

For reference, my pic has EL Sworo’s 8.5x42. I used it for 7 days glassing for moose in Newfoundland (without the panner, that’s a fairly new revelation). No problems for me.

 

[ChrisAU]

Is this thing stable enough to rely on for a 5-7 day trip with lots of glass time? I haven't used one or even seen one in person, but I'm skeptical that it would approximate the stability and ease of use of a "traditional" tripod design. I LOVE the idea of dropping two pounds from the pack, but not if my binos are bouncing around in a wind.

How tall are you?

 

[GarrettCrain]

^^^^This ^^^^
Under $10 using equipment I already have. I needed 2 reducers and a 1/4-20 stud. I was able to use my KDC RRS shoe saving weight over the Outdoorsmans. Wish I’d realized this sooner. The panner makes this setup so much better!

What all is in this set up?
It looks like it's: KDC Tripod, Outdoorsmans panner, KDC rapid release shoe and Outdoorsmans bino adapter?