Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Best Lightweight Backpacking tripod for 65 size spotter

hey, checking to see if y'all have any good recommendations for a light weight tripod.

I currently have a couple different spotters depending on trip, and looking for that ONE outfit.

Right now I have a Nikon ED50 angled with a pretty tiny tripod - this is great for weight / size / performance when you need it just for a double check on game size that you can't quite get with my 10x42 EL's, but not something I want to spend a lot of time looking for game through.

My other scope is a Swarovski ATS 80 HD with a vortex summit ss-p tripod. I love this setup, but it is heavy (boo hoo, suck it up, I know)…. I can look for hours through this and find myself starting to spend a lot more time with the spotter vs. bino's/moving.... maybe I'm getting old? lol...

Anyhow, I'm settling on trying to find a Swaro ATM 65 HD scope and a good lightweight tripod to match. The summit ss-p tripod is one of the best matches I could find for what I want, but I still think it is slightly heavy. I don't need as much maximum height. It is supposed to be 2lbs.

Anyhow, anyone have a good recommendation on a sub 2 lb tripod that is good for a sitting height with an angled scope. The summit ss-p might do in the end, but just checking out there.

Thanks.

(ugh.... and just scrolled down and saw judman's post.

I see the Slik 634 carbon tripod with a Slik SH707E head - which I will check out..... sorry for the double thread on same subject …..)

I did the opposite of what your doing, going from an Swaro 65 HD to the Nikon 50. I'm in the market for an tripod and head for the tiny Nikon

I really like the Gitzo carbon fiber tripod:

https://cameralandny.com/shop/gitzo...riation=1118782&query=Gitzo%20tripod

It packs up compactly, perfect for use with my Leica 65mm spotter. I hunt with an Eberlestock X2 pack, spotter goes in one of the outside sleeve pouches, tripod and head in the other. Love the outfit. We’re it lighter it would be unstable.

Here is one with a price from B&H; I’d first try Cameraland as their price will be better and they are just great to deal with.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...MDICh0UlgzdEAQYASABEgIN1_D_BwE&smp=Y

Manfrotto Carbon BeFree

BTT

I am looking for the same thing now. Prone to sitting use, I doubt I'll ever use it standing up. Lightweight and compact, but not $300+.

TIA

I am quite pleased with the promaster CF I got from Cameraland.

I have a Slik CF634 that is very light and would work well for all your glassing needs!

slik sprint mini

This is what I have used for the last several years and have no complaints. Very sturdy and compact.

Slik Sprint Pro II. I drop the center pipe extension to save a few more ounces too. I use the factory ball head that comes on it. Going on 9 yrs of use and still working well with my Swaro angled 20-60x65mm HD Magnesium scope. I do kick out the legs to the wider basal setting when using it sitting. Been on lots of sheep, moose and caribou hunts here were we have horn or age and antler point restrictions.

I occasionally use the Slik Sprint Pro standing, but that isn't it's forte. Works for a quicklook, but you need more tripod for standing use. I have an old Bogen with a pistol grip Manfrotto head I like for near the truck or quad while standing.

I've got 3 different Slik models, but prefer the now discontinued 500G for backpacking as it's the lightest of my three (you can find them on ebay occasionally).

But I think it's hard to beat the Slik Sprint Pro III EZ. I prefer a pan head over a ball head, but you do pay a small weight penalty for it.

L-R, Slik Sprint Pro EZ Gen-I (2lb 13oz), Slik 500G-7 (1lb 5.1oz), Slik 150 (2lb 5.2oz):



Sprint Pro III EZ:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...nqPHT5wIVmh-tBh2oBQLuEAQYBCABEgL40_D_BwE

The Sprint Mini III... sub 2lbs:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1478441-REG/slik_611_890_sprint_mini_iii_bk.html/specs

A super buy on of the Slik 150:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...nqPHT5wIVmh-tBh2oBQLuEAQYAiABEgKqy_D_BwE

A good deal on a used 500 (needs cork/rubber skid plate on mounting plate):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-SL...2?hash=item2d03bef78e:g:yIUAAOSwcOBePjyt

Great buy on a Slik CF model:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1363621-REG/slik_615_567_pro_724cfl_carbon_fiber.html



Man, this thread got me carried away looking at newer Tripods...

Brad, Thanks for posting the links and pics.

I'm needing a new backpacking tripod and the Slik 150 looks hard to pass up.

I've got a couple of the Slik tripods (Slick Sprint 150, Slick Sprint Mini).

I've used them with the 65mm Vortex Razor (3 lbs). They work, but no where near rock solid if there's much of a breeze. If you don't need them fully extended that help keep them more solid.