The best $100 tripod

machinethomas

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 8, 2014
Messages
284
Hello all, I've currently got the Vortex Summit Ssp tripod. It's a decent little tripod but I feel it's a bit shaky with any weight on it. My question is what is a set of tripod legs, around 2lbs, that you feel may be a bit more sturdy. If I get a set of legs my plan is to get the Benro S2 head. I respect S & S and they like that head. I'm also open to other head suggestions.
The legs have to angle out and I'll only be using the tripod sitting. So any options out there appreciated and will this upgrade be worth it? The best I have found would be the Sirui legs linked below.
Amazon.com : Sirui T-1005X 5-Section Aluminum Tripod : Tripod Legs : Camera & Photo


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Bump - I am also interested. I've been thinking about getting into the tripod game, but dont have too much to spend...
 
I wrote a review a few threads down about a benro s2 + Slik Sprint Pro II. Love that set up and total cost is about $150. But there are some other great legs to consider for some higher prices.
 
+1 on SLIK Sprint Pro II. I've used mine for 8 years with no problems. Love it. Very light and durable, and extends tall enough to glass standing. I used the head that came with it with no issues. I am looking to replace the head now, but only because I ran it over with my quad on accident.
 
Im also running the slik sprint pro 2 with the factory pan head and no complaints
 
The existing head mine came with was a ball head, but I prefer a pan. Nice to know that ball head will work if I ever swap it out.
 
Sounds like you guys are using a full size tripod, I was assuming I would get a smaller one and just use it sitting/squatting. Would you recommend a full size tripod over a smaller one?

The only real benefit seems to be size/weight I guess, I see they make a mini version of the sprint but it actually looks a like its a few bucks more. Otherwise it seems like SLIK makes a pretty good value tipod, thank you for the advice!
 
I love my Vortex Summit SS. I don't know how it compares to others because I haven't had others, but I really like it. Should be around that price point. Nice and light also.
 
Sounds like you guys are using a full size tripod, I was assuming I would get a smaller one and just use it sitting/squatting. Would you recommend a full size tripod over a smaller one?

The only real benefit seems to be size/weight I guess, I see they make a mini version of the sprint but it actually looks a like its a few bucks more. Otherwise it seems like SLIK makes a pretty good value tipod, thank you for the advice!

A lot of guys on here are also running the Slik mini, and I think most really like it. I went with the sprint pro II because it is the same as the mini, with one more leg extension. 99% of the time I am sitting while glassing, but it is very to have the ability to stand if needed, and for only a few more ounces.
 
I have the Slik Sprint Pro II as well as a Mini. I like the taller Sprint better, even though I rarely use it standing. It seems a bit sturdier used sitting in a low "flatter" position with one or one and a half legs extended with an angled Swaro 65mm scope on top.

The Mini and Sprint both have 3 extendable sections on each leg. The Mini collapses down to a shorter over-all length, but forces you to use the lowest "skinny leg" section more often, which is the weakest and wobblier section. Anyway, my preference is the Sprint Pro, minus the center tube (saves 4 ounces or so). I just use the ball head that came on it and find it totally adequate for sheep hunting above treeline. Note that for truck or quad glassing I use a large Bogen tripod and a Manfrotto pistol grip head, but I sure don't carry it very far.
 
Looks like the pro is a pretty good option. If you believe the weights listed on amazon, your'e looking at an extra 6oz (only 2oz if you remove the center tube as blockcaver suggests). Ill sacrifice a few oz and some size for some extra sturdiness and versatility.
 
The OP says that his Vortex SS tripod is shakey. Mine was shakey too but I thought it was because of the big rubber feet. I cut the big rubber feet off and gave it pointy feet. I've used some surveying equipment, which has to be stable, and the feet are all pointy. With the pointy feet it is much, much more stable.

Also, I mounted a Sunpak pistol grip head and I like the tripod a lot with these modifications. Weighs 2 lbs - 3 ounces total.
 
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