Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Which TRIPOD?

So, obviously, a tripod ISN'T optics but it is an optics accessory and a VERY important one at that. Being in the market myself this year for a spotter I want to hear from guys on what tripods you are running with your spotter as well as what spotter you are running and why you went with that one.

I have some ideas on tripods: I have been looking at Manfrotto's and Sliks. Help me out guys lets hear about your gear.

I have the Swarovski CT 101 carbon fiber tripod for my Swarovski spotter. I’ve been told it’s a rebadged Manfrotto 055 pro but don’t know that for sure.

It’s not the lightest tripod out there but it’s hell for stout for sure and I can’t ask for more from it.

Slik 700svh. It's a little heavy, but I can shoot off it too with an arca Swiss plate mounted to my gun.

For reference I use it with tract toric 12.5x50 and kowa 664

I use a manfroto for photography and just use the same thing for the range.....

Swarovski 85mm ATX. Small enough to carry. Big enough to see great.

Outdoorsmans tall tripod with fluid head.

I couldn't be happier with either one!!!

Talk w Doug at Cameraland.

I have been using Velbon tripods for the past three years and really like them. My current one is 34 oz and I can even use it standing up in conjunction with my angled spotter. However, though it can extend high it also is very compact due to its twist lock telescoping legs. Its only 13" when stored in the pack too which is quite a bit smaller than most. While most of the time I never need to stand and use a spotter it is nice to have to option on several occasions each season.

Also the twist locks are way nice when it comes to setting up the legs at different heights to use on the side of a hill. Much faster than the traditional fliplocks. Overall they are pretty feature packed tripods at minimal weight and still offering great stability.

The best bet would be to look at Sirui and Slik tripods. They make options that meet every need. The Sliks to look at are the CF series. Feel free to call us to discuss the best option for your needs
Joel
516-217-1000

This is the only kind to get. Covers everything.

https://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/shop/tripods/anvil-tfct

If you intend to stand while glassing, I would suggest one that is tall enough without having to extend the center column so vibration is minimized.

For me the Slik 834 strikes a good balance. Plenty sturdy if forced to stand with 12/15X and works in a pinch standing with a Meopta S2 but would want something bigger if I stood a lot with a spotter.

Heads can make or break a setup IMO. For me, the VA-5 is a great balance.

Check these out. I have the F6229C. Use it for hunting and range. I have quick change heads for spotter (Athlon from Doug), binoculars and yoke for shooting. folds small enough to fit in my backpack and 2 legs screw off and become hiking sticks.
https://www.fieldopticsresearch.com/shop/Tripods-for-Hunting.htm

Thank you all for your opinion, all the response are enjoyable.

Seeing everyone share their opinion from different angle is awesome

Tripod legs,do not make NEARLY the fhuqk that a tripod head does. Hint.

Simply choose a height for your needs and the locking mechanism you like,as legs go. Hint.

As heads go,I want a non fluid ball and it only makes sense to keep all mounts the same flavor. I'm RC2 on everything,but there's lots to choose from. Hint.................

Manfrotto, with 128rc head. The best glass is worthless on top of a mismatched tripod.

Well in fairness,Raider corroborates that there isn't a bigger piece of fhuqking schit for a tripod head,than a tilt/pan...the "lucky" kchunt. Hint. Congratulations?!?

Bless her poor poor(literally) heart,for trying though.

Only 5 Mil's of 50yd full value Vudoo wind,thus far this morning and I'm still looking for the first strand of barbed wire. Hint.



Fhuqking LAUGHING!.............

I can recommend AGAINST Field Optics tripods.
I've had leg spikes and center post weight hooks pop out a few times. To their credit they always warrantied it but that didn't help me 8 miles from the road.

Not that the weight hook is needed but without the leg spike I felt like the carbon wall of the leg would crack when sitting it on rocks with weight on the tripod.