Tripod Recommendations?

Hello: I'm sure this has been asked before but I'm going through a bit of pre-hunt equipment anxiety. I'd like a different tripod for my "packing" spotter which is a Vortex Razor 11-33x50. My present tripod is too heavy, bulky, and not needed for the smaller Vortex. Any suggestions for a compact tripod that would be compatible with the 11-33x50? Thanks in advance!!!
 

TnArcher

New Member
Dec 31, 2014
15
0
I'm using the vortex high country and have the same spotter. For the money it's not bad.
If my spotter was heavier i'd want something with more beef to it. I'm not sure it's considered compact though.


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Bitterroot Bulls

Veteran member
Apr 25, 2011
2,326
0
Montana
I also have a High Country for my little razor.

Lately though strapping an ultrapod to a tree limb seems to work better than expected with that tiny little spotter.

http://www.industrialrev.com/ultrapod-ii.html

Not exactly the smoothest panning, but it weighs next to nothing and packs small. If your glassing needs are occasional, it can be a workable solution.
 

JWM

New Member
Feb 21, 2014
17
0
i have the 50mm razor and use the smallest gitzo tripod from thier mountaineer series with the gitzo safari head. i love the tripod, almost weightless and sturdy. not a fan of the safari headt though.
 

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
I have 3 seasons with the ProMaster 525 carbon fiber tripod with the ProMaster pan head. Packs down very small and weighs very little. I use it with my Razor 65 mm spotter and it is very stable. If you ever get a heavier spotter, this tripod / pan head will handle it as well. I would say the tripod is excellent for carrying is a pack. This tripod has twist lock legs, which I prefer. Some like the flip lock legs. The pan head is pretty good, but it only cost about $50 when I bought it.
Hope this helps
 

Shooter09

New Member
Dec 31, 2011
28
0
Pacific NW
I used the Promaster T525P this season and although I liked the weight and stability, I wasn't a fan of the leg adjustments. It is quick when extending the legs but it takes too long to get each leg tightened down. If you're going with a high end lightweight tripod then look at the carbon options offered by Swarovski and Leica. Outdoorsman's tripods are the most functional in my opinion.
 

Awise1

Member
Mar 17, 2011
116
0
N. Calif
I have 3 seasons with the ProMaster 525 carbon fiber tripod with the ProMaster pan head. Packs down very small and weighs very little. I use it with my Razor 65 mm spotter and it is very stable. If you ever get a heavier spotter, this tripod / pan head will handle it as well. I would say the tripod is excellent for carrying is a pack. This tripod has twist lock legs, which I prefer. Some like the flip lock legs. The pan head is pretty good, but it only cost about $50 when I bought it.
Hope this helps
This is the exact same setup I have been using for several years and it is serving me well.
 

jmwyoming

Active Member
Feb 28, 2013
240
111
58
Lost springs wy
Hello: I'm sure this has been asked before but I'm going through a bit of pre-hunt equipment anxiety. I'd like a different tripod for my "packing" spotter which is a Vortex Razor 11-33x50. My present tripod is too heavy, bulky, and not needed for the smaller Vortex. Any suggestions for a compact tripod that would be compatible with the 11-33x50? Thanks in advance!!!
I use the vortex summit SS-P. 2 pounds, with the 3 way pan head. I have the 16x48 razor. I was a lightweight solid rest.
 

mcseal2

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,172
196
midwest
I also used have used the Promaster 525T and 6160 head I bought from S&S archery. It has worked very well and I've been happy with it. When packing meat out one leg unscrews and can be used as a hiking pole also which can come in handy. Only disadvantage I saw to the twist lock so far is it got gritty on a windy antelope hunt from blowing grit. It wasn't that big of a deal, it functioned alright.

I bought an Outdoorsmans compact medium tripod this fall and it's great if you don't need to stand. I love their heads and quick attach system. If you buy from them call them and let them help you decide what fits you best. They talked me into the panner for use with the pistol grip head and I'm very glad they did. The quick attach and rifle rest let me stop carrying separate shooting sticks too. Buying things together over the phone they also gave me a discount.

I was going to sell my Promaster and get an Outdoorsmans tall tripod also, but figured out with the added height of the panner, pistol grip mount and bino mount I can stand with it using my 15x Swaros as long as I'm not glassing uphill. It's tall enough to use either Outdoorsmans head with my angled spotter. I ended up just ordering a spare panner and tripod mount from Outdoorsmans so all my accessories and glass interchange. If I need standing height I'll take the Promaster, if not I'll use the Outdoorsmans. The weights of the tripods are almost identical and the compacted heights is not that much different. Between them I should be good for about any situation. The Outdoorsmans tripod is aluminum and seems steadier at an equivalent height.
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,822
276
Oakdale Ca.
I would go somewhere try a ball head. Reason being is you can scan horizontally, then roll the spotter on the ball and scan vertically! I have as stated earlier the vortex high country, that said I have seen the vortex summit ss and like it very much also!
 

hferrin701

Member
Mar 2, 2014
83
0
Outdoorsmans tripod with the pan head, pretty pricey but the billet aluminum tripod and head are nice. Ive never used a better head to.
 

hoshour

Veteran member
For an inexpensive, lightweight tripod that goes up to 65" ($169 and 3.2 lbs) look at the Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 Traverse Carbon Fiber Grounder Tripod With Ball Head. There is also an aluminum version.

For more money and less weight ($270 and 2.4 lbs) look at the Manfrotto BeFree Compact Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with ball head. It goes up to 57" and packs down to 13". A less expensive version is available in aluminum but is a little heavier.
 
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