What tripod + head for under $200?

[Jacob Chapman]

I have Zeiss Conquest binos, and will be purchasing a Vanguard Endeavor 65mm spotting scope. I know those arent the "best" out there but they work for me. Will also want to be able to put my wife's Sony A58 dslr on the tripod for pictures.

Doesn't need to be super lightweight but durable would be nice. Would be used out in Montana. Keep in mind I'm hoping to save for a Kifaru Sawooth a nice sleeping bag/quilt and a good pad to sleep on, hence why it can't be super expensive.

Thanks!

 

[Justin Crossley]

The tripod Brock uses is amazing for the money. I think it's the carbon one from Sun Pack off Amazon?

 

[Justin Crossley]

I think it cost around $100.00

 

[Ben]

Camofire had vanguard tripods and heads for great prices. I got one last year and use it for binos and a camera. Couldn't be happier. There's some good deals on www.blackovis.com too.

 

[BeWitty]

I really like the Vortex SS tripod with the provided ball head. I just drilled and tapped the head plate so I could thread on a 1/4"-20 handle. It works perfect and doesn't break the bank! $129.

 

[Manosteel]

I really like the Vortex SS tripod with the provided ball head. I just drilled and tapped the head plate so I could thread on a 1/4"-20 handle. It works perfect and doesn't break the bank! $129.

I did the exact same thing. Works great.

 

[Shrek]

I had the Summit SS with the ball head and hated it. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. I couldn't get it to move smoothly or stay adjusted. I have an Oben CT2331 with the manfrotto 700rc2 head and like it very much. It's only real drawback for me is its collapsed lenght. They make a CT 2431 that has one more leg section that is a tenth of a pound heavier but three inches shorter collapsed. Very light for the size and dampened vibration well along with the manfrotto head. A bit over the $200 budget though. Probably $250ish

 

[Elkfitness]

Vortex makes a panhead that is great for the price. it's the summit ss-p model. Elknut carries them.

 

[BeWitty]

With a handle installed the vortex ball head is very smooth and easy to control.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I believe this is the one Brock and littlebuf have been using for the last couple seasons. These are awesome tripods for the money.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunpak-Tripod-Section-Compact-Pistol/dp/B0046R0ZJE

 

[Browtinemt]

I really like the Vortex SS tripod with the provided ball head. I just drilled and tapped the head plate so I could thread on a 1/4"-20 handle. It works perfect and doesn't break the bank! $129.

I did the exact same thing. Works great.

That is a great idea! I'm good to go with the panhead on my tripod, but have the summit window mount with ball head and that is what I need to make it work for me I think. Where did you guys find your handles to mount on the head plate if you don't mind me asking.

 

[realunlucky]

McMaster Carr will have a handle

 

[robby denning]

I'm still using this one and very happy. Not a single issue in hundreds of days of use. Meets your budget, too.
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/223-manfrotto-tripod-head-342rc2

 

[BeWitty]

I made the handle with some 1/2" nylon stock (8" long) and 1/4" ss all-thread. Very light weight.

 

[SDHNTR]

Velbon PH157Q is the best low cost head I have found. I like the Slik Sprint Mini for a compoct tripod and the Velbon Sherpa 600R for a fullsize. Both will put you under $200 all in, with head.

 

[Ray]

I'm still using this one and very happy. Not a single issue in hundreds of days of use. Meets your budget, too.
http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/optics/223-manfrotto-tripod-head-342rc2

Love mine with the spotter or a camera.

 

[Browtinemt]

McMaster Carr will have a handle

I made the handle with some 1/2" nylon stock (8" long) and 1/4" ss all-thread. Very light weight.

Thank you gentlemen, BeWitty...not real familiar with nylon stock, but is that something I could heat up and bend to a desired angle so the handle could come off the side of the head plate and back towards the user?

 

[BeWitty]

I've never tried heating and bending but I'm sure its possible with something like a heat blanket used for PVC. It may melt if heated too quickly with something like a torch or heat gun. This is very easy to tap and thread a 1" piece of 1/4" all-thread in the end.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-nylon-rods/=vdvv61

 

[Browtinemt]

Thanks for the info...a good project for when it's this cold.

 

[goodgrouper]

I'm going to try one of these. It's $100.00 less than the carbon version, weighs the same and has a much higher weight capacity. Comes with a ball head and one leg removes and functions as a mono pod. http://www.cameralandny.com/tripods/promaster.pl?page=promasterxc525