New tripod question

[jeremyks]

Im looking for a new tripod. I would like to stay around 3.0lbs or less and be able to glass while standing. Also must have flip locks on legs not twist. Here are the two I have found. Any other ones out there I should consider?

Swarovski CT Travel carbon fiber
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/712810-REG/Swarovski_49071_CT_Travel_Carbon_Fiber.html
or
Outdoorsman Tall tripod
http://outdoorsmans.com/product/outdoorsmans-tall-tripod/

 

[muleman]

Take a look at the Manfrotto 190CXPRO. I have used this tripod with a 700RC2 head for several years. It however might be too short to stand and glass for you.
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190...WFII/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1407435762&sr=8-8

 

[boom]

I'd get the outdoorsman. Ran across a guy using one and it is pretty awesome. Too rich for me. For if I have a tpod out and set up, I'm staying for awhile. I'm sitting. I've rarely stood behind any optics.

 

[jeremyks]

Boom,
Its a rare occasion I stand but sometimes the cover (trees etc...) just don't allow for me to sit.

 

[boom]

^^ damn good point.

 

[Jeff Martin]

Have you looked at the Slik Pro 624 CF? They are very popular on this site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srKi4GeQ5Rc

 

[bbrown]

It will have to be the Slik 634 to reach standing heights and the new style if your stuck on flip locks. Good news is they are a bit cheaper than the old style with twist locks and I think they are still under 3lbs but they did go up in weight.

 

[jwb300]

I've got the Swaro CT - solid as a rock and super easy to user. The DH101 head is great too. But... It's bulky and kinda heavy.

 

[jeremyks]

Thanks I didn't know Slik made them with flip locks now.

 

[LaHunter]

Staying at 3 lbs (head included) and being able to comfortably glass while standing may be tough to find.
I've had the Promaster 525 carbon fiber tripod (with twist locks) for about a year and a half and no problems at all. It is too short to comfortably glass while standing however.
I have never read any negative posts about the Slik tripods either and there are lots of positive reviews. What is your primary reason for wanting flip locks?

 

[jeremyks]

I'm trying to stay around 3.0 without head. I currently have a outdoorsman med tripod and a slik model( don't remember the number off the top of my head) with twist locks. I personally just like the flip locks better. Seem to be a little easier and faster for me. I have a 95 stx scope I'm going to be using on this tripod so being sturdy is very important.

 

[muleman]

I'm trying to stay around 3.0 without head. I currently have a outdoorsman med tripod and a slik model( don't remember the number off the top of my head) with twist locks. I personally just like the flip locks better. Seem to be a little easier and faster for me. I have a 95 stx scope I'm going to be using on this tripod so being sturdy is very important.

For a rock solid sight picture you will not want to use the center column extended out for added height. You will also likely find the tripod wants to tip over, if left unattended with the center column extended with that big glass on top.

Your requirements are right at that fringe area in what products are offered. A headless tripod that weighs less than 3 pounds is shorter than stable standing height.

 

[KHNC]

Vanguard makes a carbon fiber with flip locks that's 3.0lbs or damn close.

 

[colonel00]

I just wanted to throw this one out there. I picked it up a couple years ago to use with my DSLR. At 2.2lbs and $66 it is hard to go wrong for at least a test run. I will admit that I have not had a chance to use it with a spotting scope so I cannot say how well it will work with a big(ger) spotter but again, for $66 it might be worth a shot. The ballhead is alright but I recently picked up a Vanguard pan/tilt head to try out.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/717667-REG/Benro_A150EXU_A_150EXU_Digital_Tripod_Kit.html

 

[muleman]

I just wanted to throw this one out there. I picked it up a couple years ago to use with my DSLR. At 2.2lbs and $66 it is hard to go wrong for at least a test run. I will admit that I have not had a chance to use it with a spotting scope so I cannot say how well it will work with a big(ger) spotter but again, for $66 it might be worth a shot. The ballhead is alright but I recently picked up a Vanguard pan/tilt head to try out.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/717667-REG/Benro_A150EXU_A_150EXU_Digital_Tripod_Kit.html

I'd be careful, his scope exceeds the rated load capacity of that combo.

When using big glass compromises have to be made. It looks like either height or weight has to be compromised. There are several excellent tripod options under 3 pounds, just not tall ones. There are also several excellent tall tripods, but they weigh over 3 pounds. I've been where he is at, looking for a tripod for bigger DSLR glass and a 85mm spotter.

 

[colonel00]

Very good point muleman. Somehow I missed his comment about the 95 stx.