Tripod recommendations in the $200-ish range for backpack hunts?

[yakimanoob]

Hey folks,

Next upgrade on my list is a tripod.  I'm hoping for something in the $200-ish range that's sturdy, durable, and as light as possible (hoping for 2-2.5lbs). 

Current glass:
Leupold BX-4 10x42mm with vortex bino adapter
Nikon ED50 13-30 (big shoutout to @shallowforks for the hookup on that). 
I also do some hobby photography with a Nikon D7000 with various not-so-heavy lenses, but the hunting glass is the focus. 

Current tripod is the Vortex Summit SS-P, which overall is fine but it's pretty wobbly, and I'm hoping for something more stable.   

It looks like Sirui and others have good carbon fiber options, but I'd love some user feedback/advice. 

Thanks! 


p.s. to the mods: I'm posting in the backcountry group because I'm hoping the best advice will come from this crowd and need the tripod for backcountry hunts.  If this should be in the gear forum, feel free to move . 

[yakimanoob]

Oh, and I'm not terribly picky about head design.  Anything that will let me pan side-to-side effectively is fine. 

[cbond3318]

I am suprised a minimalist as yourself is looking to spend $200 on a Tri Pod. I use a $60 Nikon with the braced legs. Solid as a rock and now on season 4. Is it 3lbs? yes. Is it durable? yes. Can I use it as a walking stick in a pinch and not feel bad about it, you betcha. I look at tripods as a go big or go cheap, in between is a waste in my eyes. (Edit:) and by going big I mean including a top of the line head.

My buddy uses the Vortex Summit and can't stand the wobbles after sitting behind my cheapo on a breezy day.

[fillthefreezer]

Unless stepping well beyond this budget, I find the slik634 mandrotto 700rc2 combo VERY hard to beat

[yakimanoob]

Not sure what you mean cbond, but certainly if life pulls the tripod budget away from me, I'll go on being happy with my vortex or my old but beloved manfrotto 4 pounder. 

[millerwheeler]

Vortex high county  modified take off 1 sections of legs I paid less than 100 off of eBay

[yakimanoob]

Vortex high county  modified take off 1 sections of legs I paid less than 100 off of eBay

Isn't the high country a step below the Summit SS?  Looks like MSRP on vortex's website for the high country is $110 vs $180 for the Summit SS-P.

[jackelope]

The High Country is not worth the $$. My  Been there, done that.

It's too light and nowhere near stable.

[cbond3318]

Not sure what you mean cbond, but certainly if life pulls the tripod budget away from me, I'll go on being happy with my vortex or my old but beloved manfrotto 4 pounder.

What I mean, and I hope no offense taken, is based on other discussions where you have offered insight into gear, you appear to have firm grip on the cost vs. utility aspect. Spending $200 on a tripod while only really looking for an upgrade in stability seemed out of line with the assumptions I have made about the way you view gear and it's necessity. That is all. 

As I said, the one I currently use as compared to the one you use is much more stable, still allows glassing, still allows the locating of animals and I am yet to come upon a reason to change it out. Bonus feature, at the price I can throw it off a cliff and laugh. FWIW

[X-Force]

Unless stepping well beyond this budget, I find the slik634 mandrotto 700rc2 combo VERY hard to beat

This is the combo I have eyed for years... and am to cheap to make the switch. When my Manfroto Element finally falls apart this will be the replacement.

[yakimanoob]

No offense taken at all cbond!  I just wasn't quite clear on what you were saying but I get it now.  I take it as a compliment you think I have a good grasp on $/utility. 

But you clearly have underestimated my pickiness when it comes to glass/vision. 

[ian_padron]

You don't need a new tripod, you need a better head.

I run a Benro S2 on my Vortex SS-P and it has been a game-changer. If stability is still an issue, bring a mesh bag (weighs nothing) along and fill it with rocks to hang off the center post. More stable than even the $500 options for basically free.

If you're really set on upgrading your entire system, this article will point you in the right direction https://blog.sandsarchery.com/ss-archerys-backcountry-ultralight-tripod-guide/

[The scout]

surui isn't more stable than your ss-p I would say in that weight range you are wanting you wont find a tripod more stable. I would just upgrade the head.

[yakimanoob]

surui isn't more stable than your ss-p I would say in that weight range you are wanting you wont find a tripod more stable. I would just upgrade the head.

Thanks.  I haven't even looked into the idea of changing heads on the vortex. 

This whole idea has me wondering if I'm barking up the wrong tree, so to speak.  My goal is a more stable viewing platform, especially in wind.  Stiffness seems like it would help a lot, but maybe just learning to use the weight hook is the best approach? 

[ian_padron]

surui isn't more stable than your ss-p I would say in that weight range you are wanting you wont find a tripod more stable. I would just upgrade the head.

Thanks.  I haven't even looked into the idea of changing heads on the vortex. 

This whole idea has me wondering if I'm barking up the wrong tree, so to speak.  My goal is a more stable viewing platform, especially in wind.  Stiffness seems like it would help a lot, but maybe just learning to use the weight hook is the best approach?

Exactly grasshopper.

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