Help me pick a tripod

[Coach]

Not trying to be contrary, but I've found that for bino's heavier tripods don't buy you much. I'd much rather go ultralight with something like the Sprint Pro than carry too much tripod. If the wind is too much for that tripod with 15x binocs you probably won't see much anyway.

 

Just my $.02

[catclaw]

I would much rather carry the extra weight of a good tripod than save a pound on something that is less effective. Either way, you are walking to the top of the mountain, might as well have something that works in the wind when you get there.

 

I took a Bogen 190 tripod and cut about 4" off each leg section and about 3" off the center column. Then I got a 700RC head and cut off about 1/2 of the arm.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-3205-1...id=p3286.c0.m14

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Manfrotto-Bogen-700RC2...id=p3286.c0.m14

 

 

I found the Bogen 190 to be too flimsy. It is a nice tripod- just not really sturdy with a full sized spotter or even with 15s. That is why I went to the heavier (slightly) 4 leg section Velbon. It fits in my pack and will stand up tall enough for a 6' guy. There are even better ones, but they start getting real expensive. The velbon was $300 and came with a head. I switched it with my Bogen head and use it on my old tripod for taking photos. Same reason I don't carry a 4 1/2# rifle, I want to be able to hit something when I shoot!

[DesertBull]

The 190 stiffens up when you shorten the legs and center column.

[AZ RANGER]

Thanks for the replies.

I think I have it narrowed down some more now. My plan now is to get the velbon sherpa 600 AND a smaller tripod like the slik mini or the slik sprint pro for all day hikes.

 

One question for any that know about the Sherpa. What is the diffrence between the 600ra and 600rf. The only thing I see is that the rf comes with a head attached but it also has less weight cappacity. Anybody have any experience with these.

If I do get both tripods I will have to put the 700rc2 head on hold for a while , but i would be nice to have an option what do you guys think

[couesridge]

I've used the velbon efl 4a for 6 yrs now and love it one tripod is all u need and go with the jw head

[catclaw]

The 190 stiffens up when you shorten the legs and center column.

 

If you are going to use it sitting flat on the ground or at the range to look at your targets, it is fine, I like to spread my legs out in rough country to get comfortable and I glass a LOT standing up. It just doesn't cut it for that.

 

If I could afford to have a whole stable of tripods, I am sure I would find a good use for the 190, hunting CWTs in not one of them. I really like the new Bogen that has the pull-down legs too- you can get it into play in like 4-5 seconds. It's a little heavier, but perfect for a guide.

 

[AZ RANGER]

I finally decided on the Velbon Sherpa 600rf, with the ph157Q head. It is not the head I wanted but it came with the pod for a good price, so I will at least try it before I order the 700rc2. I can't wait to try it out.

[Black Bare]

You have got me thinking about buying a new tripod set up. I like the Velbon Sherpa but can the PH-157Q head it comes with be removed? I can't tell from the pictures online. And is it compatible with the 700RC2 head?

 

My $19 tripod and head I got from walmart is on its last leg.

 

Thanks....

[cpugsie]

It sounds like you all ready pulled the trigger but the Slik Carbon 713 Pro is the best tripod you can get for the money. IMHO!! ~$225.00 for a sturdy, lighweight carbon fiber tripod. B and H photo. It's great for my 15's. I use it with a Bogen/Manfroto 3160 fluid head which isn't made any more. You can get them used on ebay for no more than $50.00. In my opinion, the Sprint pro, which I also have for longer pack trips, is not as sturdy for my 15's when standing up, even in a slight wind. Good luck with your new purchase!!

[AZ RANGER]

You have got me thinking about buying a new tripod set up. I like the Velbon Sherpa but can the PH-157Q head it comes with be removed? I can't tell from the pictures online. And is it compatible with the 700RC2 head?

 

My $19 tripod and head I got from walmart is on its last leg.

 

Thanks....

 

 

The sherpa has 1/4 inch threads and the 700rc2 has 3/8 female threads, you just need to buy a bushing to adapt them, should'nt be a problem, and yes the head is removable with the sherpa.

[cohofishing]

Hi,

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

I use the Sprint pro mini w/ Jim white head for my 15's. It's a okay till the wind blows. When it's blowing I hang a rock from the center post. It really helps and I just leave the cord attached. It helps the weight issue. I have had mine for six or so years. Good set up

[DesertDweller]

I have both Slik and Velbond tripods and like both of them....

 

My all time favorite is the discontinued Slik 444 Sport II with the Slik compact being the one I have carried for more miles than I care to remember... I think the SLik Pro series is as close to the 444 Sport as you can get and may be a touch lighter.

 

The Velbond Chaser is fantastic when I am not venturing to far from the truck and I want to stand and use it....

 

Both of these companies make first rate tripods - and they do provide service as long as the tripod is still in prodiction. Add a Jim White head and your are really in business!

 

Good luck this fall!

 

DD

 

P.S. Might be a good move to call Jim and talk to him about your tripod needs... He is one of the good guys! 928-635-5316

[Coues79]

http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-fro...fdate=10_9_2009

 

 

I love this tripod. Use my 15's on it and stand up to glass all the time. It does awesome in the wind, light weight, folds up small, super smooth head and sets up quick. Get a couple adapter plates for easy interchange between spotter and binoculars and its a smooth deal. I love it.

 

 

I've also seen a vortex tripod that was pretty nice too. Don't have the link for it, but I understand it was relatively cheap, $150 range.