Tri-pod for 15X56's

Califelkslayer · Aug 27, 2007

Just got my 15x56 Swaros today. Put them on my Nikon tri-pod and it seemed fine but didn't really get a chance to take them outside. Its a light weight alunimum one thats about 42" high. If I was hunting where weight was a factor, I'd just use it. Put the Swaros, 20x60x80 spotter, tri-pod and some basic gear in my hunting pack and it felt light compared to the 48lbs I'm packing everyday. Don't figure any of my hikes will be more than 2-3 miles this year and was thinking about a second tri-pod, one for each optic. Suggestions??

Also, I'm looking for a small folding fiberglass chair with a back rest. Another 2lbs so I can effectively glass all day seems like a good idea. Keep my arse out of the snow and mud and legs from cramping. Anybody else do this and what do you use???

Am I getting soft in my old age or just smarter??

Anaconda · Aug 28, 2007

I picked up a Manfrotto 728 B along with my Minox 15X58s.
Fixed three way pan head, tall enough to glass standing and 3.9 lbs, rated at 7.7 lbs.
Under $120 from Doug.
I will be packing one of those cheap alum. three leg stools, about 1 lb.

If you find a light chair with a back that's small enough to pack, let us know.

cpugsie · Aug 28, 2007

The Slik Carbon Fiber 613 or 713. Do a search on this forum under "Slik" you'll find a bunch of info.

Califelkslayer · Aug 28, 2007

Anaconda, searched for "light weight camping stool." Found several. 21 ounces to 3.5 lbs. More weight, you get a back rest and more quality. Haven't decided but I know it'll keep me in the glasses longer.

huntnbill · Sep 3, 2007

I use a K&K Tripod for my 15"s. There are three different sizes and the biggest barely goes 3.75lb. total with pistol grip head. They run from $275.00 to $325.00 and I think they are the best for the money. They come with a quick disconnect and you can get more for about $20.00 and quit using two tripods. You won't be sorry. If, I can help let me know?

270longshot · Sep 4, 2007

Make sure you get a tripod that the legs can go out almost horizontal and are seperately adjustable. Dont get one with the legs connected underneath. Also on the chair I have a little chair I got at sportsmans warehouse that folds out and gives you a backrest. it also has no metal or weight to it at all. You can fold it up and it will fit inside your pack.

Califelkslayer · Sep 4, 2007

Huntnbill, sent you a PM.

270, so thats what you use, stool I mean???

270longshot · Sep 5, 2007

Ya thats the chair I use. It gives just enough support for your lower back. Last weekend my brother and I were glassind and I let him sit in it and he didnt want to get up. Mine is blue I couldnt find a camo one but it doesnt really matter when you are glassing anyway.

Gator · Sep 11, 2007

Check out the Outdoorsman stool it works pretty good.

Califelkslayer · Sep 12, 2007

I'm the proud new owner of 15X56 swaros, a 20X60X80 Vortex, a K&K Tri-pod and a HornHunter Main Beam. Everything fits perfectly!! Room for the rangefinder on the right hand compartment on the belt too. Pistol grip for tri-pod and swaro adapter fit in the left hand compartment.

Thats an awesome hunting pack.

Instead of riding several hours a day in the dark and humping hills all day, I'm gonna try something new for me. My scouting will consist of locating high points that I can glass from and hiking to them to make sure they're good and take a GPS reading so I can find them in the dark. Once the season starts, I'll be in a good glassing location before light and move to an alternate location for the last couple of hours if the AM doesn't work out. Plan on doing that the entire 7 day season if necessary.

I'm gonna try to perfect my glassing technique the next 3 weeks trying to find my son a good buck here in Kali.

Thanks for all of the advice guys, both here and under "product reviews." I'm sure some of the advice I didn't take was as good as the advice I took. I do know that everything I mentioned above is quality and will work for me. The swaros were no brainers (except for $$$) and I love the pack and pistolgrip on the tri-pod.

Califelkslayer · Oct 4, 2007

After spending hours in the 15X56's, the $300.00 tri-pod was some of the best $300.00 I've ever spent. Smooth. Stable. Flexible. PERFECT!!! Thanks again guys.

HardcoreOutdoor · Oct 8, 2007

In my opinion there are only two to consider. The Manfrotto (Bogen) 3001BD and The Outdoorsmans Tripod. The second is a precision, lightweight model made by The Outdoorsmans in Phoenix www.theoutdoorsmans.com. I don't think you can get it anywhere else. They also make a very nice lightweight pistol grip head. I own and am very happy with both. Good luck.

Wade

Wanted · Oct 20, 2007

The Outdoorsman is by far the best out there. Pictured here are two Outdoorsman tripods with them holding Swaro 15x56's and a Swaro ATS HD 80 spotter.

Foreman4x4 · Oct 23, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Oct-23-07 AT 09:21PM (MST)[p]I did a double-take when I first looked at that picture! The first time I thought the front leg of the tripod on the right was balancing on that stick and about fainted!....

TFinalshot · Oct 24, 2007

LOL - I did the same thing! the center post looks like the leg and I was about question the set up! LOL

I have the same tripod, but with the pan tilt video head. It's a great product. It's sturdy, well made and stout. You'd be well off to get one!

Tony

buncoboy · Nov 8, 2007

Where is the best place to get the 15 x 56 swaro's, for the price, I have three of us interested?

nwbucknbullchaser · Nov 8, 2007

I bought mine at Cameraland which is highly recommended here. Many people on this sight have used them. I had great service and prompt shipping. No complaints. Not to speak for them but three 15x56's might get you a break. Not sure if you're aware but the tripod adapter is included. Do a search for Cameraland.