Shooting tripod curious...

[Sundodger]

I am interested in dipping my toe into this shooting tripod world. All of my tripods are lightweight backpacking style, so I will need to buy one.

Hoping to get something I can both shoot and glass of off, sitting and kneeling. Standing seems unnecessary for the places I hunt where I would consider caring such a heavy tripod, but I would rather not carry two tripods.


Questions:
1) Of the guys that use shooting tripods out at range, how important is a rear support (backpack, trekking pole, second tripod)? Or is the lockup of the head enough to provide the stability?
2) How important are the inverted legs? Sure I can see how they are faster for height adjustments, but the reduction in stability isn't appealing as is the fact that all the inverted tripods I have seen are rather spendy.
3) Recommendations of a entry level (cost wise), but will still give me acceptable performance? In searching threads, this came up which is quite appealing to me. Being new at this, what are the arguments against this setup? Better options in this zone of price, weight, and performance? https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/no-compromise-tripod-glassing-and-shooting-for-cheap.328509/

I have a rifle with an arca plate, so was thinking of giving the clip in approach a go.

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[SloppyJ]

I used that same linked article to get into my first "real" tripod and I have zero issues with it after using it for over a year. I've used it hunting in blinds, at the range, and even at a few PRS matches to spot off of. I found it cheaper on ebay, like substantially, and saved even more money. I have that same amazon head for my binos and it works great too.

I have zero complaints about it and I think it's perfect for a budget "do it all" type build. The built in leveling head is really nice to have and I can't imagine that I wouldn't want it on any other tripod that I purchase.

 

[Lawnboi]

Stability is determined by weight and price.

What are you honestly okay carrying and what are you okay spending?

 

[Sundodger]

Stability is determined by weight and price.

What are you honestly okay carrying and what are you okay spending?

Would like something around 4lbs, but could go to 10lbs if needed. My plan for this is to be used when hunting from the truck and backpack hunting close to the trailhead, so weight isn't a huge deal, but lighter is nicer.


Cost, well... Two things I am trying to avoid:
1) Diminishing returns, looking to win the Pareto principal game. Hit the spot of the curve where performance peters off in regard to cost.

2) The whole "I am new at this, so I am not sure of what things are most important" thing or even if this is what I am going to do long term. So I am hesitant to spend a couple of grand until I do, decide this is helpful for me, then drop the big coin on something optimized for my needs.

With all that said, sure would be nice if it was under $1K, but where ever that cost/benefit graph peters out is my actual answer.

 

[TradLife406]

I like my two vets. I can usually get first round hits field shooting at 600'ish with no rear support. But I've been playing with using my trekking poles or pack as a rear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TradLife406]

I like my two vets. I can usually get first round hits field shooting at 600'ish with no rear support. But I've been playing with using my trekking poles or pack as a rear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Seated... it's a huge game changer for my kids too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[robtattoo]

SIRUI AM-254 Carbon Fiber Camera... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KD56R4W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

NEEWER Low Profile Camera Tripod... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8CKD3TN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I just received these a couple of days ago, after looking for the same thing: lightweight shooting tripod.

So far, from playing around at home, it seems great for the money. Too short for me to use it standing, but sitting, kneeling or prone is really nice. About ⅓ the weight of my Bogpod too.

I use a cheap carbon tripod with a 38mm Arca ball head. 2 of my guns have Arca rails at the front that I can clamp in directly.
I bought a pair of cheap Arca adapters on Amazon for $8 & picked up this swiveling 'V' rest for another $12 (I think) & I'm set for everything now!

The tripod isn't tall enough to comfortably shoot standing, but I don't find that to be any inconvenience.
View attachment 792655

This is what I currently (infrequently) use.

My rifles with Arca rails have them set at the front of the stock for bipod use, so I do need to use something as a rear rest, however placing a rifle into the 'V' rest at the point of balance feels much more stable (& quicker to set up)

It's a very affordable setup & I know it's comparatively crap, but I'm poor & don't shot from a tripod much! It was good enough to one-shot a whitetail doe at 540yds last season though.

 

[omicron1792]

Inverted leg leofoto way to go.