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fatfootdoc

best all around tripod set up

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Thanks for all the info so far, So it looks like regardless of the tripod, I will get the Jim White head and panning attachment, now I just have to decide which tripod to get. Need something light weight and that I can get my fat legs through so I can sit and glass and so far all the tripods seem to fit that bill. Decisions, decisions!! ag

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Doc,

You probably already know this, but I think it is important to get a tripod that you are able to glass with standing up. This infinately increases the areas you are able to glass from and makes changing angles easier. Many light weight tripods are light weight because they are shorter. Less material less weight.

Bob

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Doc, you have received great advice. I personally use Jim Whites' fluid head and a Velbon EFL4 tripod that Jim White customized (lightened up). The tripod is really tough and the legs are a 3 position type that allows you to adjust for whatever terrain you are on. In addition to that, the tripod can be used standing up, I believe it extends up to 64". I use it up on the Kaibab standing up muley hunting as well as for all coues deer sitting down glassing. I think Amanda sells it here or you can get it from Jim for around 170.00. I would also seriously look into the carbon "slik" tripod that Carl was talking about. You could also call Jim White up and discuss this issue with him and have him put a package together that you buy through Amanda here................Allen Taylor...........

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Jim White had the Vortex carbon fiber tripod at the 3D shoot this past weekend. The tripod was tall enough to stand behind and stiff enough to use a spotter. the legs are adjustable for different angles. I believe Jim will be at the Sunrise shoot this weekend iffin one wanted to check out some equipment.

 

http://www.vortexoptics.com/tripods/view/vortex_summit_cbx

 

For lightweight heads, consider Jim Whites head, Outdoorsmans 2-way head for over $300, or the relatively light 1.1lb Bogen 700RC2 fluid head.

 

RR

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velbon sherpa 600 extends tall enough to stand up, 3 legs that can move independently, light weight, can get em for 120$ with the 157q head or 100 without

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One more thing I like about the Slik Carbon Fiber is the mechanism that adjust the leg lengths is concentric with the carbon tubes and just twists. No flip levers or T-Bolts, Fits into the pack nicer. Here's the specs on the 713. I personally use the 713 with a Bogen 3160 Pan head (no longer made). Tried the Outdoorsman pistol grip and just didn't like it. I will be buying the Slik 613 and Jim White head next for when I want a realy light setup. I will sacrafice standing up with this rig though. Some good previous advice is that standing up when glassing definately allows for more field of view. I put my 15 swaros and my 15-45x Leupold Spotter on the 713 with rock solid performace.

 

Good Luck!

 

Carl

 

Slik Pro 713 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 3-Section - Supports 10 lb (4.5 kg)

 

Price: $ 219.95

 

The Pro 713 is a light-weight 3-leg-section carbon fiber tripod designed to be compact enough for travel use, yet sturdy enough to support any professional 35mm or medium format. This model was designed with the photographer in mind. All the functions of the tripod operate in a smooth manner which make this a joyful piece of machinery to use.

 

Key Features

 

• Made from advanced multi-layered carbon fiber material, which is approximately 40% lighter

 

• Tension controlled rapid sliding split center column

 

• 3-Position leg locks allow for leg openings of independent angles

 

• Maximum upper leg diameter of 24mm

 

Maximum Height 60.2" (166.5 cm)

 

Maximum Height w/o Column Extended 51.3" (130.5 cm)

 

Minimum Height 12" (30.5 cm)

 

Folded Length 22.6" (57.5 cm)

 

Load Capacity 10 lb (4.5 kg)

 

Leg Sections 3

 

Leg Lock Type Twist Lock

 

Independent Leg Spread Yes

 

Center Column Sections 2

 

Center Column Type Rapid

 

Center Brace No

 

Spiked Feet No

 

Head Type None

 

Head Mount Thread Size 1/4-20"

 

Weight 2.75 lb (1.25 kg)

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Has anyone tried the Sprint Slik Pro??? I am considering ordering it or the Sherpa 600 from (Amanda) CW.com store. I have a Velbon that I have used for years that is the 3 leg extention version of the Sherpa and love it.... With all the diga-scoping and stuff it would be nice to have another setup (lighter weight... for packing). I just bought another Outdoorsman head from GTT so now is the time to buy the legs for it. My biggest concern for the Slik Pro is how it performs in the wind..... it is often windy when sheep hunting.... so it needs to be stable under weight. Thanks for any input....

 

 

CnS

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I have slik srint pro with the Jim white pannining attachment works well with the ball head that came with tripod. This is a great back pack set up. It folds up a lot easier than my outdoorsmans with Jim white head. heck of a lot cheaper too.

 

 

 

Has anyone tried the Sprint Slik Pro??? I am considering ordering it or the Sherpa 600 from (Amanda) CW.com store. I have a Velbon that I have used for years that is the 3 leg extention version of the Sherpa and love it.... With all the diga-scoping and stuff it would be nice to have another setup (lighter weight... for packing). I just bought another Outdoorsman head from GTT so now is the time to buy the legs for it. My biggest concern for the Slik Pro is how it performs in the wind..... it is often windy when sheep hunting.... so it needs to be stable under weight. Thanks for any input....

 

 

CnS

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I have slik srint pro with the Jim white pannining attachment works well with the ball head that came with tripod. This is a great back pack set up. It folds up a lot easier than my outdoorsmans with Jim white head. heck of a lot cheaper too.

 

How steady is it in the wind?

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My dad uses the SLIK Pro and it is sturdy with the 10x binos but with the 15x it gets a little shaky with a breeze.

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Haven't had it in the wind so I don't know. I normally don't hunt in a strong wind anyway. Gentle breeze has no affect.

 

I have slik srint pro with the Jim white pannining attachment works well with the ball head that came with tripod. This is a great back pack set up. It folds up a lot easier than my outdoorsmans with Jim white head. heck of a lot cheaper too.

 

How steady is it in the wind?

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CnS, I have the slik sprint Pro with a Jim White Head on it. I use it on backpack trips and I love it. But with most lightweight tripods it is a little shaky under strong wind. If I am not backpacking I stick with the Bogen.

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The velbon sherpa is definitely more steady than the sprint pro. So if you expect to be in windy conditions frequently, then the sherpa is worth the extra size and weight. It's really not very heavy anyway. I love the one I have!

 

Amanda

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