Can anyone recommend a good lightweight tripod for a spotting scope? I would like to get one high enough that I do not have to lay down all the time.

Thanks!

Gitzo GTO531 tripod with a Giottos MH-1302 Pro Series II Medium Ballhead with MH-655 Quick Release.

You can spend a ton of money for ultralight, sturdy tripods that pack fairly small. Most of the time I use my tripod at my gun range and once or twice during hunting season so I'm not as concerned about weight. If you can live with a 2.8 lbs tripod that extends up to 63.75" that supports 4.4 lbs, take a look at the inexpensive Vanguard 203OS. The only negative I have found is that it pack a bit longer than some. It's folded height is 25.75"

quote:

Originally posted by Biggs300:
You can spend a ton of money for ultralight, sturdy tripods that pack fairly small. Most of the time I use my tripod at my gun range and once or twice during hunting season so I'm not as concerned about weight. If you can live with a 2.8 lbs tripod that extends up to 63.75" that supports 4.4 lbs, take a look at the inexpensive Vanguard 203OS. The only negative I have found is that it pack a bit longer than some. It's folded height is 25.75"

I hear what you say and I have a heavier tripod I've had for years that I use at the range.

I think Larry is looking for a light weight mountain hunting rig and if you want light than that means carbon fiber. It's not cheap. But if you are carrying it on your back with the rest of your gear and food and a sheep or other animal on the way out, it's worth every penny.

The rig I outlined above is about 1 1/2 pounds total, very sturdy, somewhat durable if you don't step on it, and handles weight much higher than the 4.4 pounds you mentioned.

From what I've seen on here of Larry's gear search and equipment purchases for his sheep hunt I doubt he's worried about the cost.

Cullman Nanomax 200T....weighs 19 Oz. and doesn't break the bank ....supports my New Swaro STS 80 HD just fine...comes with a ball head for quick aquisition .

quote:

Originally posted by AKsheephunter:
Cullman Nanomax 200T....weighs 19 Oz. and doesn't break the bank ....supports my New Swaro STS 80 HD just fine...comes with a ball head for quick aquisition .

I'm not the OP but I trust your judgement, so I have one on order. I will be using in with the scope I purchased from Brett.

Are you guys headed out for sheep again this year?

It does look like a nice tripod to use in the sitting position, as it is only 2.69' tall at max. length. Certainly the pack size is a plus.

If I have to hike with my camera gear I use this tripod

http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-A...Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8

You might consider a GorrilaPod. I have a small one and it comes in real handy sometimes. Lighter than a tripod and easier to stow in a backpack.

http://joby.com/gorillapod/focus#features_specs

one of my PH's screwed a mounting plate to the tube on his frame pack. Granted, it was that adjustable height wise but I loved the weight savings idea.

+1 on the Cullman. A well made tripod. I use my Minox spotter on it as well as my Swaro binos.

A Slik 500g, but not made any longer so you will have to find one on ebay, I did.
Jim

Hi Larry, looking at same question, what did you end up getting and how'd it work out?

http://www.amazon.com/OSN-OS-2...Tripod/dp/B000M17V72

or





http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...51QA_Tripod_Kit.html

quote:

Originally posted by Orvar:
Hi Larry, looking at same question, what did you end up getting and how'd it work out?

I ended up with 2. One is similar to the pics just posted by 333 OKH. I forget the brand. It worked quite well.

The other was made by the Snipe Pod people. It is incredibly light and works well.

It inst an expensive scope but works really well on pack n saddle. Tripod seems really good as well. Skinny little legs when extended.

333_OKH
Is that a ball head type tripod ? Can you tell me the actual weight ? I couldn't find this info on the Amazon link. Thankyou

I've used light, and mostly cheap, tripods for years. Finally bought an Outdoorsmans medium tripod with their pan head a few months ago. Bought a pair of Zeiss Victory FL binos and wanted a really steady tripod for once. What a difference. I never knew how good my spotter was either, until I put it on this tripod.

quote:

Originally posted by 30.06king:
333_OKH
Is that a ball head type tripod ? Can you tell me the actual weight ? I couldn't find this info on the Amazon link. Thankyou

3-way panhead...1.63 pounds

IDK we will see how it holds up. Mine is on a bench or the ridge a the beginning of the day so they don't get used very hard like a sheep hunter etc.

http://ep.yimg.com/ty/cdn/yhst...nsumerGuideOS250.pdf

Here's what I use... it's not an UL tripod, but it's light enough for my backpacking/hunting.

It's heavy enough to give good support and operate like a "real" tripod, while being tall enough for glassing while sitting or standing.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bn...&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Just purchased the Javelin bipod from a Canadian store. Will report back when it arrives.

Ski+3

I use the same tripod as Brad, but with a Jim White head. The head in Brad's link looks very much like the JW head.

It is the lightest tripod I could find at the time, and I agree with Brad's comments about it operating like a "real" tripod.

Mine gets carried, not used from a road, so weight is very important to me.

The tripod is definitely not gorilla proof, but I am easy on my gear and it works well for me.

Plenty steady enough for my use with 15x56 bin or a small spotter, even when fully extended.

quote:

Originally posted by secondtry:
I use the same tripod as Brad, but with a Jim White head. The head in Brad's link looks very much like the JW head.

It is the lightest tripod I could find at the time, and I agree with Brad's comments about it operating like a "real" tripod.

Mine gets carried, not used from a road, so weight is very important to me.

The tripod is definitely not gorilla proof, but I am easy on my gear and it works well for me.

Plenty steady enough for my use with 15x56 bin or a small spotter, even when fully extended.

Good to know if I need another one. Mine gets packed in with my kit to the wilderness, but I typically have a spot I use in the morning and after the initial spotting go to binos for the stalk.

I see guys picking them up and using them as they stalk in. I just never liked having it on me, so it stays at the guard post.

I've just come across this lightweight tripod from Manfrotto. It seems ideals for the relatively compact and lightweight Leupold spotter. Does anyone have field experience with this tripod?

http://www.manfrotto.com/colle...9.29903.0.0/Off_Road

The lightest thing I have seen thus far is the one made by the Snipepod people. Kramer Engineering I think.

quote:

Originally posted by Spartan:
I've just come across this lightweight tripod from Manfrotto. It seems ideals for the relatively compact and lightweight Leupold spotter. Does anyone have field experience with this tripod?

http://www.manfrotto.com/colle...9.29903.0.0/Off_Road

For me, that is not light. 2.5kgs for BP hunting is simply too much.
Would also need, for me, a different head, as I do not find ball heads very useful for hunting.

2ndtry, agreed-2.5kg is way too much weight in the tripod. I'll stand corrected but I thought the off road from Manfrotto weighs only 650 grams and can carry a camera or stopper up to 2.5kgs. I'll get back onto their website and go through the specs once more. Cheers.

You are correct,Spartan. 'Twas me who misread the web info

650 grams is certainly light. I like twist locks on poles bit prefer flick locks to twist locks on a tripod. I could live with the twist locks.

Weight has also been saved by reducing the maximum height, which may be an issue for you.

My Slik is 1155g with head.I can't work out how to get the head off to give you a net weight.

You should look at the vortex optics summit. It's light, reasonably durable, and not unreasonably priced. I struggled with crappy tri pods for years including leupold (too short and heavy for its size) and slik too (flimsy and not especially light.) The vortex is light and stable. It sets up and adjusts quickly and folds up to a compact size. You can use it sitting on the ground, sitting in a chair or standing up. I was very pleased with it on my Dall sheep hunt last year.