Vortex Summit SS-P versus Promaster XC525C

[solo06]

I've upgraded my spotter (65mm Vortex Razor), and really need to upgrade my tripod for better stability and smooth panning (versus my current Walmart cheapo).

It seems like the Vortex Summit SS-P is a decent tripod for a great price. But, I've seen some comments on other threads from some that have noticed some stability weaknesses, particularly when heavier 85mm spotters are used.

Because of this, I was considering upgrading to a Promaster XC525C or Sirui T-025X. Of course, these are more expensive.

My question is, for the increased expense of these Promaster or Sirui carbon fiber tripods, are you just paying for more expensive materials (carbon fiber) or are you also gaining stability (compared to the aluminum Summit SS-P)?

I've read that carbon fiber is supposed to dampen vibration better than aluminum and be "warmer" to the touch with bare hands in cold weather than aluminum. But, with the Vortex and Promaster models above as examples, are there other performance differences between these models (such as stability) to help support the higher price?

 

[realunlucky]

Will you be using it standing or just sitting? I'm in a similar situation with my new 82a current tripod not going to be acceptable.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Not sure it's a fair comparison but I had the SS-P and the Slik 624 w/Manfrotto 700CR2 side by side with a Razor 50 & 85 to play with for a couple of days. The SS-P worked well for the 50 but not so much for the 85. There was considerably more "shakiness" when the 85 was on it. Even on the shortest available length the SS-P didn't feel stable enough to hold the 85 in any long term glassing situation. Worked great for the 50 or my binos though.

The slik & Manfrotto are obviously heavier and more expensive but held everything considerably more stable when sitting them side by side. I kept the slik Manfrotto combo and sold the SS-P to have only one tripod in the cache.

 

[5MilesBack]

If 65mm is the heaviest scope you'll put on it, the Summit SS will work. I used the Summit SS ball head with the Razor 65mm and it worked very well for me. But anything heavier and you'll want a better setup.

 

[solo06]

Will you be using it standing or just sitting?

If it happens to extend to a standing height, that's fine. But, that's not a requirement, as I'll primarily use it sitting.

 

[solo06]

If 65mm is the heaviest scope you'll put on it, the Summit SS will work. I used the Summit SS ball head with the Razor 65mm and it worked very well for me. But anything heavier and you'll want a better setup.

Thanks for sharing your experience with this. This is what I hoped, that it would be fine for the 65mm. But, I also prefer to buy once (cry once, if necessary), and since a 65mm is close to the edge of what this tripod can handle with good performance, I'm now wondering if an upgraded carbon fiber model might offer better stability in windier conditions with a 65mm, since it will also provide better stability if I ever slap a heavier 85mm model on it.

 

[solo06]

Even on the shortest available length the SS-P didn't feel stable enough to hold the 85 in any long term glassing situation.

The slik & Manfrotto are obviously heavier and more expensive but held everything considerably more stable when sitting them side by side. I kept the slik Manfrotto combo and sold the SS-P to have only one tripod in the cache.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Vortex and a similar carbon fiber tripod. This is exactly what I was wondering about and needed to hear. I'm also trying to just buy 1 tripod: buy enough quality for solid performance while also avoiding spending too much for overkill. That can be a bit of a subjective sweet spot, but your experiences really help to clarify the strengths and weaknesses of these models.

Thanks for everyone's feedback!

 

[Shrek]

Dampening is poor in the summit/ball head I had. Imo the weight and price was all it had going for it. I had the Siuri X-025 and if you do the trimming it is really light but it becomes a sitting only tripod after the trimming. I didn't like the fixed center column and you have to adjust the legs for minor height adjustments. I've settled on an Oben CT 2331 with a Manfrotto 700rc2 panhead. It's big drawback is its folded height. The Oben CT 2431 folds shorter but the 4th leg section isn't stiff enough for standing in any wind without wobble so it's really a sitting only tripod with an 80mm. With a 65mm it may be ok.

 

[5MilesBack]

I use angled scopes and almost always while sitting or laying, so the stability isn't a huge issue. But if using at full height, you'd be better off with a better tripod. I use my Slik 634CF for everything now as I only have a heavy 82mm scope now.

 

[solo06]

Thanks for the continued input. Everyone's experiences have really helped to guide my decision. The Vortex Summit SS-P still seems like a decent tripod at a great price. It may work fine, especially if I don't exceed a 65mm spotter, and use as low a height as possible for the best stability. But, there is still something to be gained by upgrading beyond this to one of the reputable carbon fiber models that others have discussed.

Looks like I'll probably invest in a carbon fiber tripod. Probably the Promaster XC525C. The Sirui T-025X seems generally comparable in quality, but the fixed center column places it behind the Promaster for versatility. I also really liked the Slik tripods, but was disappointed when they changed from twist locks to flip locks.

Thanks again!