Tripod Options Similar to Slik 624

[twall13]

Since you don't need the height, you could remove 2 of the lower leg sections off the promaster. Threads on here for how to find end caps to fit, I removed 2 and cut the thread off the bottom of the remaining leg, dropped over 1/2lb if I recall.

I actually played around with removing a lower leg section tonight and it would be easier than I thought. That said, I have enough rubber falling off and other issues developing with that tripod that I'd like to keep it as a backup and upgrade to a newer model for my primary.

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[antlerz]

What ballhead do you have on that?

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I use the Aoka ball head. A light option that gets the job done. Surprisingly stable.

 

[ChrisAU]

That is an interesting setup for sure. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be with the stability with the center post on that particular tripod but you've made me think about it a bit, especially with the rifle sitting on top. I'll have to play around with widening the legs and see how I feel a out it with the center post that came with the Aoka to see if I think an upgrade might make it usable for me. Thanks for the idea.

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No problem, just be forewarned the included Aoka center post is absolute garbage. The cheap Sunaway or whatever its called is 1000x more stable and rigid. I like that it gives me the ability to sit down with the Aoka and fine tune height using the center column.

 

[Schaaf]

No problem, just be forewarned the included Aoka center post is absolute garbage. The cheap Sunaway or whatever its called is 1000x more stable and rigid. I like that it gives me the ability to sit down with the Aoka and fine tune height using the center column.

is it sturdy enough for an 80mm spotter?

 

[ChrisAU]

is it sturdy enough for an 80mm spotter?

I would probably limit it to a smaller spotter. Once you are bringing 80mm glass, I'm not sure you are too worried about extra oz on the tripod.

 

[Schaaf]

I would probably limit it to a smaller spotter. Once you are bringing 80mm glass, I'm not sure you are too worried about extra oz on the tripod.

I pack my 80 everywhere I go. I just like it too much haha

 

[twall13]

I use the Aoka ball head. A light option that gets the job done. Surprisingly stable.

I thought that might be the case. I couldn't use that head, it's lightweight for sure but the pan control was awful on mine. Props to you if it doesn't bother you in use and can save you some money. I spent the money on the RRS BPC-16 which I like a lot better for smaller optics, but it certainly costs more.

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[Tunsei]

Oben makes some sturdy light tripods similar to slik, but models constantly changing and they always try to package with ballhead combos so its hard to figure out weight of tripod alone. Worth a browse.

 

[BrushyHillGuide]

I’m late to the party here but nobody has mentioned the Peak Design carbon fiber tripod. It’s expensive at $600 BUT it’s the most compact tripod I’ve found. It’s only 14” long and has the girth of a soda can when it’s folded; and that’s without having to flip the center column. PLUS, it has an integrated (yet removable) ball head with a 20 pound weight capacity! All that in a 2.8lb package!

I’ve been considering it for my video and photo setup but I think it would make a first rate setup for my Swaro 85mm ATX and even for shooting one of my light backpack rifles. I’m pretty sure I’m going to pick one up and test it out. If I do, I’ll do a video comparing it to my other tripods; including my Promaster 525c


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[twall13]

I’m late to the party here but nobody has mentioned the Peak Design carbon fiber tripod. It’s expensive at $600 BUT it’s the most compact tripod I’ve found. It’s only 14” long and has the girth of a soda can when it’s folded; and that’s without having to flip the center column. PLUS, it has an integrated (yet removable) ball head with a 20 pound weight capacity! All that in a 2.8lb package!

I’ve been considering it for my video and photo setup but I think it would make a first rate setup for my Swaro 85mm ATX and even for shooting one of my light backpack rifles. I’m pretty sure I’m going to pick one up and test it out. If I do, I’ll do a video comparing it to my other tripods; including my Promaster 525c


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I like the Peak Design stuff I have, but their tripod has flick locks and is fairly pricey in comparison to the Slik. I'd certainly be interested in your comparison once you get one.

The closest thing I've found to what I'm looking for that would sway me from the Slik is the Blackovis Treeline Carbon tripod but I'm worried it won't be as stable as I want and may be lacking in height just a bit in certain situations. Either way, it's about time I make a purchase as I have some upcoming scouting trips planned where I could put it to use.

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[antlerz]

Add this to your Aoka and voila. It is much much sturdier than the one that the Aoka comes with. I’ll get a pic tonight.

SUNWAYFOTO ET-01 Carbon Fiber Tripod Extension Tube, 22.05lbs Capacity https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01G61E...abc_Q6NE1YHQQDCJHNG5MQ96?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for this recomendation. Definitely makes this kit work as a sitting setup for the 554

 

[colt1776]

LS-254C would be another option little heavy at 40oz but if you remove the lower section it’s 6oz lighter plenty sturdy to shoot off of

 

[ChrisAU]

is it sturdy enough for an 80mm spotter?

I’d like to revisit this question - I’m taking my Aoka/Sunaway system to WY for a mule deer hunt this week and after playing with it more it is fine with my 85mm Leupold SX4 on it. The weight of the spotter helps with stability. That using a Wiser Precision pan head too. I’ll have my 36mm Innorel and Sirui VA5 for truck camp use but the Aoka/Sunaway will be in my backpack.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I’d like to revisit this question - I’m taking my Aoka/Sunaway system to WY for a mule deer hunt this week and after playing with it more it is fine with my 85mm Leupold SX4 on it. The weight of the spotter helps with stability. That using a Wiser Precision pan head too. I’ll have my 36mm Innorel and Sirui VA5 for truck camp use but the Aoka/Sunaway will be in my backpack.

How did it go on your hunt?

 

[ChrisAU]

How did it go on your hunt?

Absolutely loved using the Aoka/Sunaway/Wiser Precision combo with a Aziak adapter on my binos. The big spotter was a bit much, both for toting around and for the tripod setup. Acquired a Razor 11-33x50 for that role in the future after I got back from the hunt.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

Absolutely loved using the Aoka/Sunaway/Wiser Precision combo with a Aziak adapter on my binos. The big spotter was a bit much, both for toting around and for the tripod setup. Acquired a Razor 11-33x50 for that role in the future after I got back from the hunt.

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Awesome! I have really been thinking about picking this system up. Thanks for posting back. Was your big spotter causing the head to fall?

 

[ChrisAU]

Awesome! I have really been thinking about picking this system up. Thanks for posting back. Was your big spotter causing the head to fall?

It would hold it it just was difficult to operate smoothly with the weight on it.

 

[kaboku68]

Leupold Pro compact tripod with a ball head is pretty darned good too. The new Vortex summit 2 tripod needs a better panhead but the outdoorsman's minipanhead is freaking money on it. The Sirui 024X is pretty good too and would work with an 80 mm. The Vortex Summit 2 will work with 85 mm as well.