Tripod discussion

[ohhiitznik]

I'm looking into getting a vortex spotter from Elknut, but I have no idea where to start for a tripod. Post up what you guys use for tripods! I'm looking into something smaller and lightweight and that can hold a viper HD65mm , I'll most likely be glassing while seated.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I really like the Slik 340 EZ as a balance between weight, stability, and expense.

I am strongly considering going all out on an Outdoorsmans setup, though, after reading Aron's article.

 

[Travis Bertrand]

I have a vanguard alta 233ao. I really like it.

 

[RosinBag]

The Outdorrsman Medium Tripon and Jim White head is what I use and it is just perfect. You can't go wrong with the Outdoorsman Tripod.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I use the same tripod as Doug, but I use the Outdoorsman pan head instead of the JW.

I would highly recommend it to anyone.

 

[luke moffat]

Velbon ultra MAXi M best I have used so far given the weight, compactness, and ability to be used in the sanding position

 

[Juan_ID]

I know I'm a cheap ass, but after buyin my swaro last season I didn't have much money to spend on a tripod so I went with this one and while I know it isn't very well known I have been using it w/out issue for the past year and a half w/ a promaster panhead and I really like it. I was gonna look at upgrading but just decided to use this on til it craps out then upgrade since it has worked very well for me...
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Rocketfi...&skuId=1062852

 

[MJ from Oregon]

I also run the Outdoorsman. Medium Tripod with the Pan Head. My only bitch is that I keep loosing the little rubber feet. I need to start glueing them in.

The best Tripod I have found.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I glued those things in about 5 minutes after I pulled it out of the box...used epoxy and I don't think I could get them out now if I wanted to.

 

[Gman]

I use this promaster and a Jim White head. For me I wanted the Outdoorsmans head but found the Jim White for a good price. If you look around you should be able to find this tripod for $200 and sometimes less.

http://www.sandsarchery.com/Promaster_T525P_Carbon_fiber_tripod_p/t525p.htm

 

[a3dhunter]

Velbon Ultra Max tripod just arrived this evening in the mail.
All I can say is WOW.
I've been using the Vortex Ridgeview, it is big and heavy.
The Velbon is very small, very packable, and lightweight. Perfect match for the Minox MD50 scope I picked up, and will work well with my binos as well.

Luke did an excellent review on here:
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/167-velbon-ultra-max

 

[dotman]

Luke, why did you go with the maxi over this one http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818961-REG/Velbon_UT_43D_UT_43D_6_Section_Aluminum.html

Folds up smaller and a little more weight, still made by velbon.

 

[luke moffat]

Dotman, I looked that one over and basically just came down to it weighing nearly 30% more than the one I chose. Other than that I am sure it's a great tripod as well just never got my paws on that one.

 

[bearguide]

gitzo is the lightest strongest and most expensive in each size class

 

[RosinBag]

I don't know what Gitzo is offering now, but my Outdoorsman Medium with the head is just under 3pounds and works in every possible position except standing. The Gitzo brand is top of the the line photography tripods, which are generally built heavier for maximum stability, but poor pack ability. I guess the could have broadened their market. The Outdoorsman is for hunters by hunters.

 

[bearguide]

i will take a look at outdoorsman / i am always looking for lighter better stuff , that is why i am on this site / to find the best stuff , recomended by people who really check things out

 

[RosinBag]

Bearguide, I don't think you will be disappointed. One thing about the Outdoorsman is the tripod can go down flat, so if you sit with your legs out, folded, or any other way, it will flatten out so the scope is at the correct level for your comfort. The Outdoorsman is pricey though when you add up the tripod and one of their heads. I have not personally seen anything lighter or stronger though, and I have bought and sold many others before settling on this one.

 

[justin davis]

The swarovski carbon tripod I checked out for a bit seems like a nice tripod. Pretty pricey thou

 

[Benny]

I've got a Slik 613CF w/ an Outdoorsman Pan Head that I....well I simply lust over when I'm not using it. Combo sits somewhere in the 2.2lbs range.

 

[Dead eye]

I've been using the medium Outdoorsman for about 4 years and I don't think you can get a better tripod! I even went on a weight kick and drilled out the legs and center post to reduce weight even more! I wish you could take the center post out and still be able to attach the scope to the tripod when the legs are straight out! I spoke with Outdoorsman and they said they would look into it!