Lightweigt tripod and head recommendations needed

[slammer]

I am looking to purchase a tripod and head for a 2 pound spotting scope. Looking for something stable, well built and lightweight as it will see backpacking activity. I have some models in mind but would like to hear what others say. Budget is $300 or less.

Thanks

 

[elkster9]

I use a Slik Sprint Pro Tripod with a Jim White Pan Head. I have $300 into the package, with $250 in the head itself. I was able to pick up the Tripod on EBAY for $50. The setup is lightweight and works great with heavier binocs, I have used Swarovski 15x56's, Zeiss 8x56's and Leica Geovid 15's on it with no issues.

 

[BPKHunter]

Lightweight and stable are mutually exclusive traits when discussing tripods for optics, unless you are willing to lay in the prone position to view.

 

[GSJ]

I bought a little Vortex tripod I believe is called the High Country. Very light and compact. Works just fine with my little Nikon Spotter

Bought it from Cameraland for less than $100.00 a couple years back.



the artist formerly known as "gemstatejake".

 

[outdoorsdude]

I went with a Rocketfish, from Best Buy, for ?$80.

Carbon fiber legs, twist leg locks, a hook stability, rated for around 15lbs, ball head WITH pan feature (and is removable) and 21in long closed and 46in fully raised.

I really like it and consider it worth the time of looking at.

hope this helps..

 

[IDmuleyjunkee]

I too went with the Rocketfish tripod which I picked up on eBay for like 60 bux, so far it seems like a nice tripod (haven't had it in the field yet though) Seems pretty well built, I like the twist leg locks as opposed to the clamps... I also went with a Promaster 3 way pan head (didn't like the stock head), might be switching to something a little different although I like that it is purdy light weight... Ill try and post some pics of my setup a little later tonight.

 

[quickdrawkinker]

>I use a Slik Sprint Pro
>Tripod with a Jim White
>Pan Head. I have
>$300 into the package, with
>$250 in the head itself.
> I was able to
>pick up the Tripod on
>EBAY for $50. The
>setup is lightweight and works
>great with heavier binocs, I
>have used Swarovski 15x56's, Zeiss
>8x56's and Leica Geovid 15's
>on it with no issues.
>

I also use the slik sprint pro--you can get this tripod and sliks panhead for around $100 and the entire set up only weighs 2 lbs. works great with my Swaro 15's and ATS 80.

 

[gotthefever]

Save up a few hundred more dollars and bite the bullet on a nice tri pod. I would only consider buying a Gitzo mountaineering tri pod. They make a number of tri pods to fit what you are after, back packing light weight tri-pods(GT-1541 series) to a little larger Ttri-pods such as the GT-531 series. They are THEE best tri pods on the market bar none. If you are looking for stability and light weight they are the ticket. I have burned $$ on inferior tri-pods that break down over 1 or 2 years and finally bought into the mantra of buy nice or buy twice! They have a life time warranty are one of my favorite pieces of hunting gear I own. Hope that helps.

Fever