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Lightweight tripod for spotting scope

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17 July 2013, 03:55
larryshores
Lightweight tripod for spotting scope
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!
17 July 2013, 04:19
Frostbit
Gitzo GTO531 tripod with a Giottos MH-1302 Pro Series II Medium Ballhead with MH-655 Quick Release.


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18 July 2013, 04:42
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"


Start young, hunt hard, and enjoy God's bounty.
19 July 2013, 11:09
Frostbit
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.


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2015 His & Her Leopards with Derek Littleton of Luwire Safaris - http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/2971090112
2015 Trophy Bull Elephant with CMS http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/1651069012
DIY Brooks Range Sheep Hunt 2013 - http://forums.accuratereloadin...901038191#9901038191
Zambia June/July 2012 with Andrew Baldry - Royal Kafue http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7971064771
Zambia Sept 2010- Muchinga Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4211096141
Namibia Sept 2010 - ARUB Safaris http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6781076141
19 July 2013, 20:29
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 .
22 July 2013, 00:59
JBrown
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?


Jason

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Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

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22 July 2013, 04:21
Biggs300
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.


Start young, hunt hard, and enjoy God's bounty.
22 July 2013, 04:42
Zeke
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
23 July 2013, 04:40
rnovi
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.


Regards,

Robert

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17 November 2013, 08:46
cessna
+1 on the Cullman. A well made tripod. I use my Minox spotter on it as well as my Swaro binos.
20 November 2013, 06:52
jhaney
A Slik 500g, but not made any longer so you will have to find one on ebay, I did.
Jim
23 February 2015, 02:01
Orvar
Hi Larry, looking at same question, what did you end up getting and how'd it work out?
12 March 2015, 08:59
333_OKH

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

or





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

12 March 2015, 22:33
larryshores
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.
14 March 2015, 12:34
333_OKH


It inst an expensive scope but works really well on pack n saddle. Tripod seems really good as well. Skinny little legs when extended.
15 March 2015, 05:10
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


Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
15 March 2015, 10:10
cobrad
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.
15 March 2015, 10:18
333_OKH
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
18 March 2015, 17:04
Brad
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
19 March 2015, 00:49
SkiBumplus3
Just purchased the Javelin bipod from a Canadian store. Will report back when it arrives.

Ski+3
19 March 2015, 06:36
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.
19 March 2015, 09:13
333_OKH
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.
27 June 2015, 04:22
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
28 June 2015, 23:16
larryshores
The lightest thing I have seen thus far is the one made by the Snipepod people. Kramer Engineering I think.
29 June 2015, 06:10
secondtry
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.
29 June 2015, 14:43
Spartan
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.
30 June 2015, 14:04
secondtry
You are correct,Spartan. 'Twas me who misread the web info Smiler

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.
02 July 2015, 21:59
PKW
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.