Vortex Mountain Pass vs. Sirui Traveler X

[MikeJ1970]

Headed back to Wyoming for a mule deer archery hunt and I'm looking for a budget friendly tripod that is compact and lightweight and currently comparing these two. I do most of my glassing from the truck and have a Manfrotto 189XDB that I use for my spotter, so would like something for my Meopta Meopro 10X42 binos that I can throw in my pack when I go on a stalk or drop off the ridge to do some scouting so the smaller tripod would get occasional use with my spotter for verification. I do all my glassing sitting down so I think size wise both fit the bill. Just wondering about the Vortex pan head vs the Sirui AT-10. Also, It doesn't look like you can individually unlock each leg section on the Sirui so wondering if that's a big deal or not? The Sirui folds up smaller and is about a pound lighter (according to specs) so it would be easier to pack, but I would think the pound difference would also make the Vortex more stable so I don't think that pound difference is that big a deal for the amount of hiking I do.

I'm open to other suggestions, but since I'm NR and only seem to draw a tag every 3-4 years, I can't justify spending big $$$ on gear I would only use out West.

Thanks,

Mike J

 

[alexnelon]

The sirui traveler is decent, but has one issue that I really don’t like.

The locking mechanism for the legs. They get grimy and you can’t take them out to clean them, and I’ve had them get wet and then freeze closed in cold weather.

I really like it for light use indoors, but I’m looking hard at a used Gitzo for mountain hunts in harsh temperatures.

 

[Skers99]

Headed back to Wyoming for a mule deer archery hunt and I'm looking for a budget friendly tripod that is compact and lightweight and currently comparing these two. I do most of my glassing from the truck and have a Manfrotto 189XDB that I use for my spotter, so would like something for my Meopta Meopro 10X42 binos that I can throw in my pack when I go on a stalk or drop off the ridge to do some scouting so the smaller tripod would get occasional use with my spotter for verification. I do all my glassing sitting down so I think size wise both fit the bill. Just wondering about the Vortex pan head vs the Sirui AT-10. Also, It doesn't look like you can individually unlock each leg section on the Sirui so wondering if that's a big deal or not? The Sirui folds up smaller and is about a pound lighter (according to specs) so it would be easier to pack, but I would think the pound difference would also make the Vortex more stable so I don't think that pound difference is that big a deal for the amount of hiking I do.

I'm open to other suggestions, but since I'm NR and only seem to draw a tag every 3-4 years, I can't justify spending big $$$ on gear I would only use out West.

Thanks,

Mike J

I have no experience with the Sirui but the Vortex mountain pass was my first tripod. It held my 18x56 binos perfectly, which is what I do majority of my glassing with. Putting a large spotter on it was kind of annoying especially with any wind. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the panhead. In the moment it worked fine but now I’m accustomed to my tricer lp panhead and aziak bc tripod. My main reason for change was wanting something lighter weight.