recommend a tripod

[desertbird]

requirements:

 

1.) compact, no more then 14" folded

2.) light weight (carbon preferred)

3.) does NOT need to extend to standing height

4.) ball head

5.) legs not restricted can go 180 degrees

6.) < $150

 

I see lots on amazon, but first hand experience/opinion appreciated

 

 

[rossislider]

Going that compact it going to cost you on the stability end. I can't think of anything of quality that meets your parameters.

[Hatchet Jack]

I was thinking gitzo mountaineer series up until #6.

[Red Rabbit]

Carbon fiber tripods alone without a head will be over your spartan budget.

Even a preferred Manfrotto 700RC2 fluid head for glassing is 75 bucks, and that is low end for a fluid head

 

I was thinking the MeFoto line may be a possibility for your specs

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=2635&fct=fct_brand_name%7cmefoto%2bfct_material_774%7caluminum&N=4075788742&

[desertbird]

not sure why I can't paste a copied url...

 

there is one on amazon TR553-P228 in a 53" that looks decent, but it's so hard to tell without hands on it.

 

and I understand the stability concern on windy days, does not concern me, I'll deal with it to be as light as I can.

[PseAZ]

For a nice budget tripod check out the vanguard ones. My dad's running the 164 I believe it is and it's really nice

[desertbird]

I have a nice "tank" tripod with fluid head, and though very nice when from glassing from the truck and just off the road, it's overrated when looking to get into back country where the extra weight does not justify the stability and panning option.

 

I primarily move, lock, glass. move, lock, glass anyway even with fluid head.

 

I have an compact aluminum ball head that has seen better days, the leg clamps are starting to not hold and it's time to retire it and look at my options

[Latestartchase]

Has anyone bought a Neewer carbon fiber ?

[desertbird]

 

Like this one?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Depend-Incontinence-Underwear-Absorbency-Disposable/dp/B008RJV2JY/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1512189630&sr=1-1&keywords=men's%2Bdepends%2Bfit%2Bflex%2Bunderwear%2Blarge%2B52ct&th=1

 

Looks just like another one I was eye balling on amazon. I might have to give it a shot. Looks like a nice compact, Its 17 folded, a tad over what I was looking for, and no weight listed, but could return it I suppose.

 

The other nice thing about a ball head over a fluid, I find myself on uneven ground 90 percent of the time. When I sit there is no farting around with the legs to get my glass level.

[desertbird]

Lol, that link was for my dads briefs order... too funny.

 

Try this one:

 

https://jet.com/product/detail/35b288d2f7f54a459afb86499823a61c?jcmp=pla:ggl:nj_dur_cwin_electronics_a1:electronics_camera_photo_tripod_support_accessories_a1:na:PLA_785510854_39764708063_pla-292507316589_m:na:na:na:2PLA15&code=PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=785510854&is_retargeting=true&clickid=6d5208c6-2c58-4e41-b4c3-466548a2b4a1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiOXF0Pzr1wIVF8pkCh0smwY5EAQYASABEgJssfD_BwE

[Latestartchase]

Yeah for the price I was toying getting one as a extra

[Xnt]

I love my Sirui ballhead. Solid metal, holds weight steady, and very precise adjustments. Its great for its intended use: serious landscape photography. No way in heck I'd use it for panning a spotting scope. Is that what you're planning to use yours for: a spotter? Or just 15x binos? You can save some cash by going with a head thats rated for a lighter weight. Speaking of cash: that's all of it--my Sirui is all your budget and no money left for a tripod. I used junk heads and legs before and with how much time I spend behind my glass on a desert hunt, I'd probably take the season off and save up rather than spend all the frustration fighting my gear. Tripod and head are just as much an investment as your glass: you get what you pay for and buy nice or buy twice!

[Siwash]

If you can find an older Vortex SS Summit tripod with a ball head it meets your specs. It looks like now they only make one with a pan head though.

 

I have one...I keep it for my Zeiss 10x, it doesn't perform well with 15x in my opinion, not enough stability.

[desertbird]

Sounds like you need to go back to school for some serious reading comprehension skills LOL. I explained the intended use of the compact light weight tripod I am looking for if you read the thread. I also explained I have a tripod thats seriously heavy, stable and fluid should I ever draw a sheep tag and need to glass 5 miles away with a spotter. I use that system when scouting all the time. However, contrary to your perceived limitations, Ive never been frustrated using a light weight, compact tripod with ball head with my Leica duovid 10-15 x 50s sitting on a hill a mile from the closest road that did not cost me an arm and a leg. It has never cost me spotting game. The only thing it has cost me was 4 less pounds on my back and hundreds of dollars left in my bank account. You see, I actually have experience with both types of systems, and I use them both! But when the scouting is done, boots laced up, tag in pocket, pack on the back and bow in hand, I go as light as possible and HIKE. For that, compact and light is MY preferred system. The TANK stays back in the truck which is parked on the road where 80% other hunters are... So, unless you have experience USING a tripod like the one Im looking for and can offer a suggested purchase that fit the requirements, your opinion holds no merit to this thread.

[desertbird]

Siwash, thanks for the suggestion!