KH1911 Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Hello all, my wife wants to buy me a tripod as a belated Xmas gift. I’m new to this so any suggestions are appreciated. She has talked to the outdoorsman for their tripod but I told her they are to expensive (I never claimed to be smart) and I would rather buy a non outdoorsman tripod and have some cash left over to put towards Swaros or Meopta 12’s or 15’s. What tripod do you all recommend in the sub $150 area? REQUIREMENTS - Less than or very close to $150 - I’m able to stand up to glass I am 6’1” - not too heavy - head included With the $150 tripod - QD attachment is convenient I like the Slik 330ez but it is about 5 inches to short to stand. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjl2010 Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Asking a lot for $150 for anything of quality. Resell sucks on tripods so I would suggest getting what you want from the start. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Passinthru Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Vortex pro gt has been good to me. Think they’re around $150. Or buy one used since they have a good warranty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mathews Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Get the slik and spend the extra $25 on their center post extender. Problem solved. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt Report post Posted January 4, 2019 By a used outdoorsman. Still going to be pricey but it’s the last tripod you will need. Hunting season is only another month for the most part and you have a long period after that to save for your swaro’s. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mathews Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Outdoorsmans are great, but they are so overpriced. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sjvcon Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Tall order at $150...try looking qt Sportsman's Warehouse or lurk on Craigslist. I have a Manfrotto 290 Carbon. Was more than you want to spend, but light to me. Used maybe the way to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
no worries Report post Posted January 4, 2019 If you are spending the money on Swarovski or Meopta , make sure you buy a good stable tripod. Binos don’t bounce very well. Vanguard 263 and 264 are a pretty good value. Not the lightest option but they are stable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flatlander Report post Posted January 4, 2019 My vanguard did well but was probably closer to $200. I upgraded to the promaster 525 this year and it’s $250. I really like it. The head isn’t bad for what comes with it. I originally planned to switch to an Outsoorsman pan head but not sure there is really a reason too. As far as outdoorsman’s tripods, they are insanely expensive; by the time you set them up with a head and quick connect etc. most guys are into them for a grand. IMO that’s way too much money for an aluminum tripod when there are so many less expensive carbon options out there. Good luck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted January 4, 2019 I think the Vanguard 264 AO will be your best bet in that price range. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n2horns Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Not sure on price but I use the Slik Carbon Fiber 634CF 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lancetkenyon Report post Posted January 4, 2019 Would you skimp on a cheap set of rings to mount a $1000 scope on a rifle? No. Don't skimp on a tripod that will hold your $1000-2000 binos either. I have two Manfrottos. A Carbon fiber that goes everywhere with me for my 10s and 15s, and an aluminum for my spotter when glassing fairly close to my truck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
no worries Report post Posted January 4, 2019 I have a couple of pro master 525s and they are pretty nice, but will prolly be a little short for anyone over 6 foot. They are going up for sale soon. I’ll can also sell you a Vanguard 263 with a Manfrotto 700 RC2 fluid head for $125. PM me if you are interested. If you are in the Tucson area, you are welcome to grab either one and field test them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n2horns Report post Posted January 4, 2019 1 hour ago, lancetkenyon said: Would you skimp on a cheap set of rings to mount a $1000 scope on a rifle? No. Don't skimp on a tripod that will hold your $1000-2000 binos either. I have two Manfrottos. A Carbon fiber that goes everywhere with me for my 10s and 15s, and an aluminum for my spotter when glassing fairly close to my truck. Bingo, Lance nailed it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CatfishKev Report post Posted January 4, 2019 3 hours ago, rossislider said: I think the Vanguard 264 AO will be your best bet in that price range. Agreed, I have two of these and the head is pretty smooth. $139 off amazon 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
