talk me into getting a good tripod
General Topic
Been internally debating the merits of upgrading el cheapo (but light!) tripod for a new one for a while. Can somebody honestly tell me the several hundred dollars I will to spend on a good one is worth the once every couple years use I'll get out of it? No problemo on top grade optics, but I'm on the bubble about an expensive tripod. I mostly use my 10 x 40 swaro HD binos and find them very adequate. Also, does anyone know of a really light, fast detach mount for the HD's - seems like the screw-in quick release ones are for the next model down.
It's spelled "problema" with an "a."
For spotting scopes a high quality tripod is a must-have IMO. I contemplated saving some weight on my last pack trip and taking a lightweight cheapo tripod. After setting it up out in the yard in a breeze I had my answer right away, and opted to take the good one. There's really no comparison to the steadiness/rigidity of a good carbon tripod.
Damn Idyll, bet you want to slit your wrists when you open a TBM thread .LOL
I go with Bart Simpson pronunciation and spelling - (hopefully) no insult to those more knowledgable. Did a little research and I guess a lot of the cost is getting those last few ounces off, that silky smooth head, and still being stable.
In terms of stability, what about putting a rock in a sack and suspending it from a center post? Seems like adding weight like that might be an easy way to gain stability, Like you said, stick, I should probably do it and test it in a wind.
Any Votex tripod owners out there that care to comment on how they hold up, how smooth the heads do or do not stay? They seem to be a decent compromise between function, weight, and cost.
I've owned a Vortex tripod for about 2 hours. Took it back as soon as I got home and tried it.
Get yourself a Slik and spend some money on a good head like the Outdoorsman. Or...spend even more money, get the Outdoorsman tripod and head then never ever spend money on it again.
I love my Slik with the Outdoorsman pan head. More than happy, it works for me.
I have a vortex tripod and head....hate it, should have sent it back.
I have an Outdoorsman setup with pan, pistol grip, etc. I really like it.
In my own glassing experience, I'm more effective at finding partially hidden game with 10x binos on a nice tripod vs handheld.
I'll glass longer with the tripod, am more comfortable, and the stability seems to make a 10x high end bino even better.
IMO unless you have your optics mounted on a tripod you are just scanning not really glassing. Just like optics go high end and you will never regret it.
Idyll, you're gonna stay busy man!
I bought a used Gitzo with outdoorsman pan head. Great combo and I like it.
I use the vortex skyline. I like it. Got it on eBay for a hundred bucks brand new.
Thanks for the posts. One way or another I will know after my AZ desert hunt. Will look for an outdoorsman on ebay.
I have three Velbon tripods of various ages and sizes. I bought the first in '72 and it still works as well as when I bought it. I use them for camera work as well as binocular/scope setups.
Check the link and decide which will fit you needs. You won't regret it.
I have a Bogen, a Gitzo , and a Vortex. I have a sheep hunt next year . When I leave my base camp , my Vortex will be in my pack. Weight was my determining factor. The Vortex passed a few windy glassing sessions , and it's half the weight. I doubt very much that my choice will cost me any extra opportunities on a sheep.
Having owned or used the outdoorsman, vortex, manfrotto, and slik, I would recommend SLIK. Perfect balance of lightweight and functional. They changed locking mechanisms this year so make sure you are getting what you want. I also agree that true "glassing" requires a tripod. You will see far more game than you will without a tripod.
Any comments regarding the Promaster Professional XC525C tripod?
Not sure about high end but I have a vanguard 225 CT carbon tripod with the PH 111V pan head. Cost me less than $200 and weighs in at 2.5 pounds. I purchased a Vortex with a ball head that was junk. Not sure how you are expected to use the ball head. Sold it after its 1st use. I really like the Vanguard and it didn't break the bank. Easy to use and it locks in well so I can let a buddy take a look without the scope moving.
Are you going to be glassing near your truck? Or, is the plan to backpack this during daylong hunts? Will you be glassing standing up or sitting/laying down? Is this all for binoculars or are you getting a scope?
I have a range of tripods (all Slik, I believe). I use the heavier/taller ones for viewing near my vehicle because they are too bulky/heavy (not carbon). A window mount is good for this also. You will also need this stability for sky viewing at night.
But, I have finally settled on the Slik Compact Tripod II for my mule deer/elk hunts. It is very cheap and light and has a poor head, but is a perfect balance for my type of hunting (glass 2-4 hours a day and hike the rest of the time - always a mile or more from the camp/truck). I am using a Swaro 65mm scope. A bigger scope wouldn't work on this tripod. It doesn't raise up high, but all my glassing is done close to the ground.
Another note; the pistol grip heads are wonderful, but you can get by with a pan head with a little more work (with less cost/weight). You should be spending a lot of time looking through the scope once it is set and less time moving to the next target as you are searching for a little piece of the animal. The good grips allow me to move to the next view easily and I have to remind myself to slow down and make sure I have found the animals in the set view.
Definitely for spotting scope, although if I get a mount for my binos why not use them for the closer in work? Better field of view and you get to use both eyes.
This is definitely a backpack-in use. Every ounce counts, and you can end up with extra pounds with a tripod. That being said, some of the stability has to be related to weight pure and simple. TV cam tripods are monsters, and some of the heavy ones are a (relative) joy to use in the wind.
Because I'm out of time I'll drill the bottom of the center post, attach a hook, and use an onion bag with a rock in it to help ballast my pos. Won't cost me weight and might help me spot that monster a couple miles away :) You-all talked me into an upgrade though -I'll follow up on the brand/model suggestions this winter (thanks for those).
Anyone ever try one of these instead of a tripod?
I see the slik recommended a fair amount. They seem to be pretty reasonably priced compared to some. What model are you folks recommending? I see the compact II recommended, seems a good size/weight for packing. Size and weight would be a big concern as it would be travel and backpacking.
Are their heads not good? I see non-slik heads recommended often. If you're going to put some money into it.... spend it on the head rather than the tripod itself?
