apache12 Report post Posted January 21, 2021 Ok so I’ve owned a collection of average tripods over my years and this year the company I slave for allowed me to sell my vacation time of which I don’t take enough of. Anyway I got a little cheese in the pocket to spend. So I would like recommendations on a tripod set up. I’m a hunter who glasses and hikes so I’d like light but stable setup for my 15x56 binos. No spotter yet but may grab that vortex viper 11x33 one day Anyway I don’t normally stand and glass but if there was a set up that extended that tall and made sense I’d consider. Then Id like a panhead that has an arm on it that I can rotate up and use as a shooting rest if I’m seated so I’d like as light as I can get with a buttery smooth panhead and tripod legs that are easy to adjust and stay locked in and don’t slip I know it’s a “I want what may not exist” post but this is a site full of wise western hunters so I’m open to your opinions. Budget under $1000. Preferable $700 range but will spend more 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dustin25 Report post Posted January 21, 2021 Good news!For those size optics, there’s no reason to spend more then $3-400 MAX for a great tripod/head combo. Get some legs like pro master xc325c (or 525c) or slik 634(or similar models with slightly different specs), and top is with something like a benro s2, Sirui va-5, or pro master sphc20 head. any combination of the above will give you a more then capable, lightweight set up with a solid pan head that you can stand behind unless you’re very tall. I use a pro master xc325c topped with a benro s2 with outdoorsmans bino adapter and I’m in it for about $350 total. Also I’m 6’3” and can stand and glass, for your reference. take the money you save and buy that little spotter! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lancetkenyon Report post Posted January 21, 2021 I like my Manfrotto 290 (and 290 XTRA) carbon fiber tripods. Light and sturdy. Manfrotto 700RC2 panhead is small, light, and works well. I like that when fully released, there is very little to no friction. I run my 15x56s on it all day long. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cameraland Report post Posted January 21, 2021 Happy to help. No need to spend anywhere near that amount. The best compact tripod , by far,with the best fluid head in its class is the Sirui T024SKVA5. Carbon fiber, arca swiss head with a handle that can adjust to any angle. 8 layers of carbon will absorb vibration on windy days. Normally $299.90, members here can call in and get it for $249.99. It folds to a little over 15" and weighs 3lbs with the head. I am in today until 4:00, tomorrow from 7-6 Happy to answer any questions you may have. Joel Camera Land 516-217-1000 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apache12 Report post Posted January 21, 2021 Thank you all for the suggestions. Nice ideas and prices Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matt Report post Posted January 23, 2021 On 1/21/2021 at 5:58 AM, cameraland said: Happy to help. No need to spend anywhere near that amount. The best compact tripod , by far,with the best fluid head in its class is the Sirui T024SKVA5. Carbon fiber, arca swiss head with a handle that can adjust to any angle. 8 layers of carbon will absorb vibration on windy days. Normally $299.90, members here can call in and get it for $249.99. It folds to a little over 15" and weighs 3lbs with the head. I am in today until 4:00, tomorrow from 7-6 Happy to answer any questions you may have. Joel Camera Land 516-217-1000 How tall is that tripod? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tony Nile Report post Posted January 23, 2021 14 minutes ago, matt said: How tall is that tripod? Only 58" looks like Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oz31p Report post Posted January 23, 2021 Buy an outdoors and their pan head. ive had and outdoorsman for about 9 years and either the pan head or the micro pan since they came out. With this set out I have no wants. Rugged, reliable and light. I have a few friends that in those nine years have probably spent thousands On tripods that “should probably work” or the next big thing. Imagine the money they would have saved Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
