Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Decent, Cheap Tripod?

I am purchasing a pair of Pentax HR2 binos and need a tripod for them. Can anyone recommend one for under $50? Eagle Optics sells a Slik Sunpack SXL for $33. Does anyone have any experience with these? I don't want a full-size tripod, just one I can sit behind on backpack hunting trips. Thanks, Jason Kerkow

Jason, I have three, all are Quantaray. The large one is full size and has a quick release Paid $79 for it. The small one is a table top type with just the standard 1/4"-20 knob that run $29. Unless you get into the expensive stuf, there all going to have a plastic head. One lesson I learned while packing for Alaska. Don't tighten any of the knobs. Leave every threaded tensioner loose. That way it'll give in your suitcase, bag, or pack. Mine after getting home I found the plastic head cracked and would no longer support the weight of the camera, the head would just fall forward. Ritz Camera was great about replacing it without charge. But I realized that it was tightening everything down that caused it to break. You know how the airlines treat the bagage.

Phil

A friend of mine has the SLIK tripod you are referring to along with various tripod adaptors for his binos. When he was research hunting tripods this was the one to go with at the time (late 90's). I've never heard him complain about em, he even has a pair of Swarovski 12X50SLCs he mounts on the SLIK. I would say they are decent especially for the price. MtnHtr

Thanks for the replies. I am going to order the Slik.

Sorry to jump in late.

I've been through multiple SLIK tripods. They're great, but I've yet to have one last more than 2 seasons. My latest (on the 5th year) is a Cullmann 52013. Well built, light and durable w/ a QR. My only gripe is the twist lock legs -- I prefer the locks that flip in and out. If memory serves, I got mine for about $50 from B&H photo & video. B&H