Tripod for Binos only. First one need help

[Cab]

So I'm looking to buy my first tripod for glassing with my binos. I have done a lot of research on this forum as well as online in general and I'm really torn on what to buy. First my budget is $130 or less, this would mostly be used for elk season, I don't really care about weight as much(not carrying a spotter so already less weight in the pack) and I'm not sure if I should go with a pan or ball head. The 4 I have been looking at are

1. Zomei Z818
2.SLIK Sprint Pro II 4-Section
3. Vortex High Country
4.Vortex Optics Summit SS-p

Curious what some seasoned hunters who have glassed a lot more then me have to say. Any help/insight would be appreciated! 

[biggfish]

Things to also consider is your height. If you plan to only ever glass from a seated position it not an issue, but if you use it kneeling or standing and are over 6' you may have comfort issues with a good pack size tripod. As for the head that's really going to be personal comfort thing. I have a ball head for my still camera as it won't move much for video I use a pan head for ease of tracking. I know people to cam track just as good with ball heads. Best I can say is go try some different heads and see what feels good.

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[JDHasty]

When near the truck and weight isn't a big concern I use a Manfrotto 55xproB w/128RC and a right angle adapter because I can set the center post horizontal and sit with the binocular right where I want it. 

You will have to get a skookum deal on used to get that setup for anywhere near the price you are looking at though. 

[Cab]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm 6ft tall but plan on using the tripod sitting down most of the time. I tried out some different ones this weekend and i must say I prefer the pan head to the ball head for sure. It just seemed to allow for scanning right to left to be more fixed and easier to execute. The  Summit I played with and didn't care for the way the legs are locked/unlocked.

[JDHasty]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm 6ft tall but plan on using the tripod sitting down most of the time. I tried out some different ones this weekend and i must say I prefer the pan head to the ball head for sure. It just seemed to allow for scanning right to left to be more fixed and easier to execute. The  Summit I played with and didn't care for the way the legs are locked/unlocked.

Video pan heads are surely my favorite if I am not packing them any distance. 

[DJ_Mack]

I recommend the pan head. Way easier to track. I chose the vortex summit ss-p and love it. Can't go wrong. Plus it is right in the budget price.


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[cougforester]

I just picked up a Vanguard VEO 235 AP with a uni-dapter for my Vortex Vipers. I'm 6'4 and it's working well for me so far!

[Cab]

I recommend the pan head. Way easier to track. I chose the vortex summit ss-p and love it. Can't go wrong. Plus it is right in the budget price.

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What is your experience with the way the legs lock? I tried it in the store and maybe it was the floor model but they seemed to get stuck locked when pulled out. I didn't love that part but other then that it seemed like a solid tripod.

[DJ_Mack]

I recommend the pan head. Way easier to track. I chose the vortex summit ss-p and love it. Can't go wrong. Plus it is right in the budget price.

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What is your experience with the way the legs lock? I tried it in the store and maybe it was the floor model but they seemed to get stuck locked when pulled out. I didn't love that part but other then that it seemed like a solid tripod.

You get better at using them. They are a bit tricky at first but I have no complaints with them. I'm also 6'1" so I will not be using it standing up.


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[TriggerMike]

Vortexs unlimited VIP warranty works on their tripods, so if something happened and it broke into a million pieces, you'd be covered no questions asked. I've had a High Country for a few years and it's worked great for me. No issues.

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[Stalkin Prey]

I have a vortex high country as well. No issues or complaints. If you prefer a pan head then you should get a pan head. My next one will be a pan head because I prefer it but the high country works great. Legs lock and stay locked.


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[Eric M]

tag

[Wingin it]

I have the summit ssp as well. I agree that the legs were a bit weird to get used to but no problem after you get familiar with the set up. I am plenty happy with it.

[wooltie]

I'm thinking of getting one too.  Amazon has the Slik 340 for $80 right now.