Affordable tall tripod

[lamrith]

Well, my tripod died and I drew a Rifle Coues hunt for October.  So time to get a new tripod!

I have been using a Vanguard Alto+ 204AP.  I have it setup with 3 quick swap shoes (bino's, spotter, and V for shooting from)  I generally enjoyed the tripod right up until one of the leg angle mechanisms died.  Not having the crossbar between the legs was nice as I could settle the tripod in over my legs while sitting for hours glassing.  The biggest complaint I had was it's lack of height.  Being 6'4" that tripod was impossible to use standing, this time I want something taller.

I have skimmed around a few places and I am seeing either really cheap like the Alta or really expensive.  I only use a tripod for glassing one hunt every 2-3 years, so dropping 200+ is just too much for my intended use.  Are there any tall tripods more in the middle of the road $75-150 range?  I think I need in the 70" range?  maybe the 65"+ range would work?

[MtnMuley]

Slik 700 will cost you around $100 and is rock solid. It isn't the lightest by any measure, but will provide a solid stance for full sized rifles and the biggest spotters you can buy.

[kentrek]

Only one hunt every 3 years Might be able to just rent one..heck maybe just borrow one from somebody

[lamrith]

Only one hunt every 3 years Might be able to just rent one..heck maybe just borrow one from somebody

Yeah that is the tough part/debate too.  The only time I use this setup is when I draw this Coues deer hunt in AZ with family.  Seems like 2-3year cycle typically.  I do not mind spending a little to have the gear myself, just need to keep the budget realistic given the limited use.

Slik 700 will cost you around $100 and is rock solid. It isn't the lightest by any measure, but will provide a solid stance for full sized rifles and the biggest spotters you can buy.

That does look really good!  I am trying to figure out why that did not show up when i did my searches, or when I put 70+" into amazon yesterday.  I wonder if I coudl pull the head off my existing Vanguard to put in those legs?  hrmmm    Thanks MtnMuley!

Quick update: Vanguard head did not look removable, but I noticed 3 set screws under it, removed them and still no luck, found a video where woman mentioned the head being a bit stuck from factory.  Cranked the pan lock down, gave it a hard twist and was able to remove it!  WOOT!!  Nothing fancy but it lets me keep my already setup quickshoes and head.  Going to order the Slik 700 legs only.

[lamrith]

Slik 700 will cost you around $100 and is rock solid. It isn't the lightest by any measure, but will provide a solid stance for full sized rifles and the biggest spotters you can buy.

Holly cows this tripod is a Haaaas! big and solid.  i like it.  Crap part is that the swivel head I pulled off my old tripod will not fit, not even close.  The thread on the Slik 700 is 5/16" and the old tripod was 7/32". DOH

Glad most of our glass spots are not far from truck, this tripod is heavy, Def would not want to use it for a backcountry hunt where I had to pack everything in for overnight hunts.

[lamrith]

HAHAAA!!!  Success!


Sorry guys, I broke one of the guy rules and opened the directions that came with the slik700. 

Turns out the the stud they use is double sided, the side sticking out was 3/8-16, but the other side is 1/4-20!!  WOOT!  Flipped it over and the pan head from my Vanguard is now installed!  Really looking forward to getting these out and using them.  Def heavy, 6lb5oz with my panhead installed.  BUT, it easily reaches taller than me with another 10-12" still to go.  Happy as heck about that given I am 6'4" tall.  I should he able to use them even standing up and look at hillsides above me.  they feel solid enough i have no concern about shooting from them either.


Val approved after a thorough cleaning of each leg while I was testing the setup outside.

[Camo]

Wish I had seen this earlier, would have suggested this..
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1324445-REG/vidpro_at_72_venturemaxx_72_professional_aluminum.html
Probably not any better and doesn't have the flip locks but saves a couple pounds if a ball head works for you.

[MtnMuley]

Glad it's going to work for you lamrith. I have many tripods including a couple Outdoorsmans, Gitzo, Manfrotto, ProMaster and more. I find myself only using the 700 these days in all my scouting and many hunts where I'm not packing a rifle. I leave all the high dollar heads at home and strictlyusr a $120 Manfrotto Pro fluid head and am very happy. Handles the big 95 Swaro with BTX very well. Pivked up a $4 "Y" shooting rest from Amazon that works great if somebody needs to shoot off it that weighs maybe 2oz and fits anywhere in the pack. I'll happily sacrifice the extra weight scouting and on most hunts for the rock solid performance it gives me.

[Skyvalhunter]

I wouldn't advise tying your dog to the tripod for stability.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Tagging.  I'm currently using a vanguard 264 and really am curious on upgrading to a Manfrotto fluid pan head

[lamrith]

Glad it's going to work for you lamrith. I have many tripods including a couple Outdoorsmans, Gitzo, Manfrotto, ProMaster and more. I find myself only using the 700 these days in all my scouting and many hunts where I'm not packing a rifle. I leave all the high dollar heads at home and strictlyusr a $120 Manfrotto Pro fluid head and am very happy. Handles the big 95 Swaro with BTX very well. Pivked up a $4 "Y" shooting rest from Amazon that works great if somebody needs to shoot off it that weighs maybe 2oz and fits anywhere in the pack. I'll happily sacrifice the extra weight scouting and on most hunts for the rock solid performance it gives me.

Yeah I am very impressed with the build and rock solid feel this has.  I do not see any concern about it failing on me like the 204AP did.  The 204 was not built to do what I was asking, so no knock on it for failing at all.  It managed to survive bashing thru brush and rock of AZ desert and being set at odd angles with heavy binos on it for 2 hunts.  I think it was shooting off it from an odd angle on the last hunt that killed it.  I just used what I had at the time.  I will deal with the extra weight to have the durable and solid base to work from.

Tagging.  I'm currently using a vanguard 264 and really am curious on upgrading to a Manfrotto fluid pan head

I have not upgraded the head on this, I bought the SLIK700 as legs only.  I actually took the cheap head off my Vanguard Alta+ 204AP and put it on this new set of legs.  Maybe MtnMuley can share some info.  At this time I have no plan to upgrade the head.

[jackelope]

Tagging.  I'm currently using a vanguard 264 and really am curious on upgrading to a Manfrotto fluid pan head

I bought one of these about 6 months ago and really like it. To be fair I haven't really used it much so can't provide a solid review on it. So far though, I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/ProMaster-Specialist-SPCH20-Cine-Head/dp/B07J9KRS43/ref=asc_df_B07J9KRS43/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172562943&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2753056300067100240&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033263&hvtargid=pla-834301333370&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=77282054543&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172562943&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2753056300067100240&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033263&hvtargid=pla-834301333370

[lamrith]

I bought one of these about 6 months ago and really like it. To be fair I haven't really used it much so can't provide a solid review on it. So far though, I like it.

https://www.amazon.com/ProMaster-Specialist-SPCH20-Cine-Head/dp/B07J9KRS43/ref=asc_df_B07J9KRS43/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385172562943&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2753056300067100240&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033263&hvtargid=pla-834301333370&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=77282054543&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385172562943&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2753056300067100240&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033263&hvtargid=pla-834301333370

Some of the heads have too many leavers and knobs all over these days.  That one looks relatively simple and straight forward, clean as it were.  Look forward to hearing how you like it.  $10 more than the SLIK head too. I have no immediate plan to upgrade, but am putting that in my list if I do. 

[jackelope]

If anyone is considering a ball head, I have this one I'd unload cheap.
https://www.promaster.com/Product/3496
It's a takeoff of the tripod I bought a while back. Never had anything mounted to it.

[huntandjeep]

If anyone is considering a ball head, I have this one I'd unload cheap.
https://www.promaster.com/Product/3496
It's a takeoff of the tripod I bought a while back. Never had anything mounted to it.

@jackelope if you have a Vortex window mount , unscrew the garbage head it has and put this one on it  . At least that's what I did with mine and my buddies . After ordering the Promaster setup you have ( from your recommendation  ) . BTW love the Promaster CF Tripod and SPCH20 head

[MacAttack]

I bought mine from AAA optics

https://aaoptics.com/

[lamrith]

Anyone flown with one of these slik 700's?  My hunt is in AZ and I am flying on SW.  Should be plenty of room with overheads given the restrictions on every other seat.  Just not sure if they will deny me at last minute.  I have a chance to ship it down with some other gear, but sort of like to keep my "must have" hunt gear with me as carry on (aside from gun).  I always carry my glass, and a full set of hunting clothes and other flight legal gear as carry on in my Kuiu pack.

[kentrek]

I check my tripods...they arnt overly sensitive to to bumps

I also don't wana be the guy who has to hand over my carry on because of size or lack of room...that would be gut wrenching

[WAcoueshunter]

I always carry on my tripod, probably 30 trips or so. Never had a problem, even with one of the tall Altas that is probably 24” or more broken down. I flew last week with an outdoorsman, no problem and tons of room in overhead bins with the lower seat capacity. My bigger concern is always the big pack that I carry on, but haven’t had an issue with that either. I load it with all my optics to keep them with me.

[lamrith]

I check my tripods...they arnt overly sensitive to to bumps

I also don't wana be the guy who has to hand over my carry on because of size or lack of room...that would be gut wrenching

I was thinking worse case I might have to gate check, I just really want it under my control.  I can borrow a rifle from family if I have to, but not so much a tripod and the entire hunt is behind glass so tripod is a must.  Last time I had a shorter tripod and carried that and my 12x56 glass on the plan with me.  Set of camo, glass, license and pack are pretty much the must haves to hunt.