Bino tripod

[IndyRidgerunner]

I already have a pair of vortex 8x42 diamondbacks. They work fine for the Midwest, but now I make my one or hopefully two trips out west for elk. Am I wasting my time getting a tripod or should I upgrade the binos first?


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[CoHiCntry]

Using a tripod for glassing is a game changer. I think it will help you out considerably as it has me for sure. I think a higher power bino is a good option when using a tripod and possibly leaving the spotter at home? Every situation is different so you'll have to see what works for you. I'd get a tripod first then see if you need to upgrade your glass or not.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Personally when prioritizing purchases I'd put better glass on my list WAY above a tripod for glassing. Good boots and good glass are my first two priorities in spending money on hunting gear, and when it comes to boots I can even get away with a lower cost boot if hunting moderate terrain or fair weather.

Until you buy the tripod, find a spot you can sit down (even better if your back is supported) and rest your elbows on your knees to form a stable glassing position. I did this for many years. Trying to stand and glass at distance is futile.

A tripod for glassing is a great item, but it would come well after other equipment if I was starting out and prioritizing purchases.

 

[Tim McCoy]

If you are close to a good outdoor store, you could compare yours to a level or two better, supported like UH suggests and see, make sure to look for detail at distance. Many stores will let you go outside to look at distance. Bet they would let you take a large display tripod outside too to use. I suspect the best answer for you to your query will become clear.

I'm not familiar with the optical quality of your diamondbacks, others may be. If you upgraded the bino's, what is the budget? Are you doing only 1-2 elk hunts ever and guided or diy, public or private access? Those answers could help decide about a bino upgrade. If you don't own a tripod, eventually you'll probably want one, so a tripod purchase would not be "wasted" in my mind. For me, very good glass is enough, 95%+ of the big three for 1/2 - 1/3 the cost. My guess is for 1-2 hunts out west your diamondbacks will work well, will work much better off a tripod and better glass off a tripod would be even better...

 

[hferrin701]

Upgrade binos if you want a tripod. If you stay with the 8x you don't need to a tripod, a bino with that low power you should be able to hold pretty steady. I know guys that use 8x and just use their shooting stick to help with arm fatigue

 

[hoshour]

Here's an inexpensive, lightweight tripod ($169 and 3 lbs) you can put along with your upgraded binos http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1113267-REG/davis_sanford_tr654c_36_traverse_carbon_fiber_4.html/prm/alsVwDtl
or for more money and less weight look at this one ($270 and 2.4 lbs) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1194062&gclid=Cj0KEQjw6My4BRD4ssKGvYvB-YsBEiQAJYd77budqTVcCB9WUzEMoGhs1XJHXpo6TtUpqmXkvsGCP1kaAkRg8P8HAQ&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051678882%2C&A=details&Q=

 

[TimberJunkie]

Good question. I think that some guys can hold a 10x bino quite steady without a tripo . I struggle to be that steady, especially with the fatigue of hours and then a week or more of sitting behind glass. If you're in open country and spotting up to 2 miles out, a tripod with a good mount is such a great tool. I have missed lots of deer even at 300 yards because I couldn't focus enough to see a leg, otherwise antler tip in brush. I use a set of Viper HD 12x50 and they are incredible on a tripod. I see 50% more deer in open country than my buddies.

If you're in closed timber or a mix, the tripod probably isn't that necessary and 8x will work fine. For Elk, all I need to know is its a bull. Elk are hard to come by, if there is horns, he's getting hunted, end of story, I don't need to send lots of time trying to figure out how he scores.

Go to a sportsmans warehouse or cabelas etc, and go to optics counter and tell them you want to go outside and try a handful of binos on a tripod. They always let me do it.

Good luck. Have fun.