So I have never needed a tripod

[JustinB]

So I have carried my 10x42's around my neck forever. Never felt like I needed a spotting scope or tripod. Just saw both as extra weight. My daughter (10 years old ) drew a doe tag on the kaibab and a fall javelina tag. Thinking about purchasing a triclawp to help her steady herself.

 

So the question:

looking for recommendations on tripods stout enough to handle what I am looking to use it for but light weight. All input is appreciated.

[rossislider]

I'll suggest 3 different tripods. I've personally used all three and highly recommend each. Each is in a different price range and each will support the triclawps. All three are right around 3 pounds without a head. Anything lighter and you will really start to notice it with a rifle on there.

 

Vanguard Alta+ 264AO (approx $180 with fluid like head included).

This was my first quality tripod. It is substantial enough to hold a good amount of weight and can serve many purposes. I primary used it for glassing with an Outdoorsmans setup. My son shot a mule buck with it off of a Claw setup (the predecessor to the triclawps). He used my Sendero 300 RUM, which is a pretty heavy rifle, to hammer him at 330 yards for a 1 shot kill. On the same hunt I used the tripod Claw setup to shoot my buck at 550 yards with my Tikka 7mm Mag that weighs about half the Sendero.

 

Slik 723CF (Approx $250 head not included).

This is an awesome lightweight yet very strong and sturdy carbon fiber tripod that is very cost friendly compared to a lot of carbon fiber setups. I have and prefer the twist open leg version. I believe this model may have been replaced by a non twist version. I have this paired up with a Manfrotto 700RC2 head (approx $90). It is a great lightweight fluid head that is very smooth and also works great with a Triclawps setup. This is my backup tripod that my son and wife now use.

 

Outdoorsmans tall tripod with centerpoint extension (approx $600 without head).

This is a lightweight premium high quality tripod made locally here in Arizona. It will do anything you want to do. It is pretty awesome, but comes with a high price tag. I personally probably wouldn't have bought it had I not gotten such a great deal through an auction. While it is the best of the three, I'm not sure it is 2-3 times better than the Slik tripod at 2-3 times less the price. That said, it will probably last me forever and Outdoorsmans service is second to none. I also use the Manfrotto 700rc2 head with this tripod.

 

I am 6'4" tall and all three of these setups will work for me sitting or standing. The outdoorsman's tripod would be a couple of inches short without the extension.

 

If you get a tripod, and you should, I highly recommend getting the Outdoorsmans bino adapter setup and start using it for glassing. It will change the way you hunt and you will start seeing animals you never knew were there. Good luck on the hunt!

[Zeke-BE]

Once you go tripod you won't go back. You can look through it for 20 min with no problem. No tired arms or aches. And if you are trying to pick a part something there's no rattle. But your from flagstaff and you might always be hunting in the pines so I see your point.

[DesertBull]

Once you go tripod mounted glass you never go back.

[AverageJoe]

Slik Carbon Fiber are about the best tripod available. I have never liked the outdoorsmans tripods mainly because they are extremely overpriced and not as good as a Slik or Manfrotto.

[Big Browns]

Once you use a tripod you will realize how many deer you have been missing. Never to late to lean something new and better!

[JustinB]

Thank you all. I appreciate the input. I know that I have been missing animals. It was just a personal choice on how I hunted and what kind of weight I carried. Thank you all for the input!

[metau]

I've been researching upgrading my tripod for a few months now (kinda just that way) and I highly suggest you look at the Benro tripods. I'm looking at the GC258F as it would work well for my photo shoots and support my big boy lenses.

[CatfishKev]

I agree with rossisslider. The vanguard 264 comes with a head and it's affordable. I just can't justify $300- and up for something like that, too many other things that take priority for a dude with a grip of kids. This is the first year I started using a tripod and it's must have for me at this point, you won't regret getting one.

[Sor-Chancho]

I ordered two Vanguard tripods last week. The 233AO and the 264AO. The 264AO is on back order until the middle of October and the 233AO showed up Friday with the head already malfunctioning. When I called customer service they were actually very friendly and offered to send me a replacement head free of charge. Great but "my daughter has a Jr's hunt that starts this Friday" I explained. I was required to pay extra shipping to get it here on time. Currently still waiting for the 264 and the new head for the 233. As said their customer service was very friendly, and it also helps that I get 30% off Vanguard products! For a cheap skate like me I guess its worth the wait and discontent!

[Big Browns]

If you need to barrow a tripod you can barrow.

[Sor-Chancho]

Who?

[Chris]

Lug a tripod around. Ugh.

 

I'd research predator sticks!