Tripods, tripods, tripods

[ivanmania]

I'm new to hunting and I'm trying to figure out what tripod to get? I have a set of 10x42 binos but I'm looking to get a tripod that would be strong enough to hold a spotter in the future. I'm hoping to spend max $200, if that's possible lol. Reading reviews and what not have got my mind all twisted up so I'm hoping to get some real advice from here to figure out what is good. Thanks in advance.

[firebird]

Sirui t-25 carbon fibre

should be around $200

[Would Rather Be Fishing]

For spotters and binos, the problem are not so much the sticks as the head. Most heads in your price range will be ballheads. A lot of people, myself included, hate ball-heads for spotting and prefer a fluid head. Any head that will support the weight of a decent spotter will run you in the $100-$200+ range. Trust me when I tell you: Cheaping out on the head will be a PITA and you WILL throw it away and then spend extra money on something better. It's relatively easy to find sticks in that price range (depending on how important weight is for you).

If you want to safe money: I can't stress this enough: Go to a camera store, mount your spotter on a few tripod heads and see what you like. Then build your tripod system around the head and your usage scenario.

Side note: Decide if you need a tripod for sitting versus standing. I almost exclusively sit, and having a tall tripod is just extra weight and.. almost more important: Bulk!

[Brew]

Check out promaster brand. I’ve had one of their carbon ones for four or five years and it’s been great. May be a little above your price point however.
one of the legs unscrew and can be used as a monopod or a walking staff if you really need it

[Ride Red]

I’m still using my Vortex Summit SS with a ball head and without issue. The baseplate stays on your spotter for quick release with the push of a lever and weighs 2lbs. Goes from 14” compacted to 53 1/2” standing, even a couple more inches if the legs are in a little.
Like said above, go try several before you buy to see what suits you.

[ivanmania]

cool. thanks for the responses!

[Justin397]

I went with a slik carbon fiber off Amazon for my swaro spotter and absolutely love it! Super light and super sturdy.. would definitely buy another... also put a manfrotto fluid head on it

[IslandWanderer]

https://www.londondrugs.com/manfrotto-290-extra-kit-mt290xta3-aluminum-3-section-tripod-with-128rc-head---mk290xta2w/L6481360.html

I use this one for my spotter- really like it. Fluid head works well.

[MRP]

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004EIL4R2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2C3JF8KBT6E4ZRG8K549

Not for packing. But probably tuff enough to mount a lead-sled on it.

https://www.boghunt.com/shooting-rests/fieldpod-magnum/1100474.html#start=1

[firebird]

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004EIL4R2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2C3JF8KBT6E4ZRG8K549

Not for packing. But probably tuff enough to mount a lead-sled on it.

https://www.boghunt.com/shooting-rests/fieldpod-magnum/1100474.html#start=1


You will not be happy with a bog!!

heavy, very cheaply built and way over priced

[MRP]

You will not be happy with a bog!!

heavy, very cheaply built and way over priced
Thanks. I'm probably going to do a DIY off a survey pod.

[Ron.C]

I have a Vortex High Country with the ball head thats in your price range. It's ok at best. Not overly stable when legs fully extended but I rarely use it this way. It is however super light and nice for packing.

The ball head is great with my bino adapter but I find with my 65mm spotter, I cant find that sweet spot its either to loose or too tight.

It generally suits my style of hunting as I use my binos most of the time and switch to the spotter to really pick an area apart or get a better look at an animal. Its an ok budget tripod at best

[ivanmania]

Check out promaster brand. I’ve had one of their carbon ones for four or five years and it’s been great. May be a little above your price point however.
one of the legs unscrew and can be used as a monopod or a walking staff if you really need it

Then is it more worth it to save a little more and then get a tripod thats a little better?

[wallz]

It is always better to save a little and get better gear. I ended up getting the Field Optics Research tripod package. While the wait was a bit, the thing is awesome. 2 legs remove to use as walking poles, came with the handles as well in set, with carry bag, head.
I was looking for a good carbon tripod that would have a good height, but was light, small, and still rated to carry weight. I intend to shoot off it as well. Quick set up to place spotter, look see determine if legal, quick change to mount rifle and have a great platform to shoot from. Paid in the $380 US range for the bundle, but worth it.

I think Nightforce makes a similar one with 2 removable legs, but is not rated as much for weight carry capacity.

A few months research went into this one, but I think I came out ahead.

[Greenthumbed]

I’ve been using the Vortex Summit SS for 4 years. I use it a ton both hunting in the fall and bird watching in the spring. I can’t speak for any of the really high priced tripods, but for $200 this one performs well and is still in good shape after many days in the field. It works really well with binos and also holds my 15-45x65mm spotting scope.
I’d definitely recommend it for your price range.

[Ron.C]

Then is it more worth it to save a little more and then get a tripod thats a little better?

yes..............

[300rum700]

Promaster all the way, direct copy of the gitzo mountaineer at a fraction of the cost. Sirui are more compact and marginally cheaper, promaster is much more stable and robust.

[IslandWanderer]

Fluid head is the way. I have a cheaper fluid head ($170), and it's so much better than a ball head imo. Smooth scanning with a spotter.