Tripods

[7mmfan]

I got a new set of Leupold BX-5 Santiam 12x50 binos recently, and now I'm on the hunt for a tripod. I will primarily be using these on backpack hunts, so weight and size are definitely a consideration. Figured I would forego a tall tripod and settle on one that I would us while sitting or kneeling, as that's how I end up using my existing one anyway. Any good suggestions?

[Mtnwalker]

I've been plenty happy with the slik 624. I also wouldn't hesitate to try a Sirui if you find one with the specs you like, they seem quality for the price. Lately I've seen some smaller, sitting-only type tripods hit the market that have peaked my interest a bit like the black ovis ones, but not sure about the quality.

I am however on the hunt for a new lightweight pan head. Don't really want to spend the money on the Outdoorsmans, right now I'm using a Benro S2 and it gets the job done but it's not great. 

[Stein]

I was in the same boat and ended up with the Sirui 124 with VA-5 head.  It's 3 lb 14 oz, so I wouldn't call it light, but I can stand up and glass with binos and I'm 6'4".  The quality and versatility outweigh buying two different tripods, so I'll suffer the extra pound or so and just carry one for everything.

[HikerHunter]

The Black Ovis Treeline is a pretty good balance of cost, weight, and size if you don't plan on standing and glassing.

[MtnMuley]

I've tried tons of backcountry tripods and the one I pack most consistently is the Slik 634. Ultralight and compacts small. Bonus is,  you can use it standing as well. If you're primarily using it for binos, I'd go with a small ball head. Cheap, compact, and lighter than a panhead.

[7mmfan]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll take a look at a few of these.

[7mmfan]

Anyone with any experience with this specific model? Not tall enough to glass standing vertical, but I rarely do that anyway. However, I'm finding the sitting specific models aren't tall enough for me to kneel and use, which is how I use my current setup most of the time. This one allows for that. Also, if you buy from the Slic website and combo with their ball head, they discount the whole setup 20%. It's pretty good deal really.

https://slikusa.com/collections/carbon-fiber-leg-only/products/carbon-fiber-pro-cf-635-twist-locks

[BeerBugler]

I’d get a bundle that includes the VA-5 head. For a tripod, I use the T-004 most of the time. There are better tripods but I’ve been really happy with this setup and I’ve been really rough on it with no issues. Lots of good options for tripods. Less options for really good heads at a reasonable cost.

[MtnMuley]

Anyone with any experience with this specific model? Not tall enough to glass standing vertical, but I rarely do that anyway. However, I'm finding the sitting specific models aren't tall enough for me to kneel and use, which is how I use my current setup most of the time. This one allows for that. Also, if you buy from the Slic website and combo with their ball head, they discount the whole setup 20%. It's pretty good deal really.

https://slikusa.com/collections/carbon-fiber-leg-only/products/carbon-fiber-pro-cf-635-twist-locks

I've compared one to the 634 in person and while the 4" folded length is nice and .1 ounce overall weight is positive, I couldn't see any reason to not just go with the 634 and be able to stand and glass if needed. I've glassed sitting most of the time, but have started glassing from standing a lot more these days and actually prefer to in many situations.

[7mmfan]

Alright I'll ponder on this for a bit. One more thing I'm finding is a huge disparity in prices of Bino adapters. Leupold wants $90 for their post style adapter. It does have a quick release mechanism which is nice. I don't think I want the rubber strap versions unless someone can tell me why they are superior.

[Stein]

I use the Vortex, never seemed to want more.  It's super light, quick to use and even mounted on a plate I can fit it on the side pocket of my bino harness.

https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Sport-Binocular-Adapter/dp/B08SBY5KPR/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B08SBY5KPR&psc=1

The one thing is that like many of that style, if you tip the tripod over there is nothing holding the binos onto the tripod.  I've never done it and it's not like staying on the tripod would protect them.

[7mmfan]

Alright, that's good info. There seems to be quite a few cheaper options out there in that category. I'll just fall middle of the road like I usually do.

[Antlershed]

I use the Slik 634 for Binos and spotter, and then a 834 for a shooting tripod. For a bino adapter, I prefer the Outdoorsman setup.

[Mtnwalker]

Alright, that's good info. There seems to be quite a few cheaper options out there in that category. I'll just fall middle of the road like I usually do.

If you can swing it I'd absolutely bite the bullet and drop the money on the Outdoorsmans setup (or the leupold which looks to either be a ripoff or made by outdoorsmans) I like saving money as much as the next guy but there are certain things that are worth the cash. I'd also recommend buying a separate QD plate for each piece of glass that will go on the tripod. 

[MtnMuley]

Alright, that's good info. There seems to be quite a few cheaper options out there in that category. I'll just fall middle of the road like I usually do.

If you can swing it I'd absolutely bite the bullet and drop the money on the Outdoorsmans setup (or the leupold which looks to either be a ripoff or made by outdoorsmans) I like saving money as much as the next guy but there are certain things that are worth the cash. I'd also recommend buying a separate QD plate for each piece of glass that will go on the tripod. 

If the Leupys he has can be used with the Outdoorsmans bino adapter I'd agree 100%. I run a short and tall Outdoorsman's on a couple pair of Swaros and I don't think it can be beat.