What is a quality lightweight tripod

[Umpqua Hunter]

For all but backpack hunts, I use a large, heavy, stable Manfrotto tripod. I've packed that heavy tripod many miles. I would like to get equivalent stability but save some weight. I have been thinking about investing in a carbon fiber tripod. I use it for my spotting scope, 15x56 Swaros and also to shoot off. Does anyone have recommendations for me.

 

[Conrad8899]

Slik 634. Would be a good choice.........

 

[Big Sky]

The pro master 525 is another good option.

 

[Drhorsepower]

Uh, I have a Manfrotto mt294c3 w/700rc2 head an outdoorsmans tripod adapter. It is carbon fiber and if you are looking for a tripod even you can stand up behind, this is it. 4 lbs 11 oz with adapter which is a little on heavy side but it Is stable. If you don't want to stand up behind it, I'd look at the slik 634 or a gitzo. I am looking at both options for backpacking.

 

[LaHunter]

+1 for the ProMaster 525 Tripod. S and S Archery has a good video for the ProMaster and I think the Slik Tripod.

 

[mcseal2]

+2 for the Promaster 525T and 6160 head from S&S

 

[BigSurArcher]

With regards to cheaper heads, the PH111-V is way better than the 6160.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Good stuff guys, keep it coming. Here is the S&S Archery video link for future reference:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srKi4GeQ5Rc#t=27

 

[NMBowhntr]

Gitzo 1542T Traveler with an Outdoorsman's pan head. 2 1/2 lbs and you can glass standing up, plus it packs down into a short package. Price is the only compromise.

 

[tttoadman]

Sony VCT-R100 Lightweight Compact Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
I have been really happy with this so far. This easily straps to the back of my bag when heading in or out. It colapses really small and can fit inside while day hunting. I have put my DSLR with a big lense on it, and you just need to be smart about the balance. I would be confident with a small spotter, maybe not a big one. I don't plan to stand and glass, so this shorter unit is well worth the weight/space savings to me.

 

[480/277]

I have busted two slik's. I have a Cullmann I've used the last couple years
With my Leica 62 spotter. Perfect no, but so far so good.
The Slik's keep breaking the plastic parts.

Loved my Manfrotto but way too heavy.

 

[Kevin Root]

I have both the Silk Pro 634 and a 624. 1.8 pounds on the 624 without the head. That's the one I take backpacking with me. I've got a couple seasons on them with no issues. I'm out taking pictures a lot too almost every weekend. I'm out hiking with it and they see a lot of use, no issues for me at all. I have a Manfrotto pan head, one that is a 324RC2 joystick and also a ball head. I use the joystick for pictures, I really like the quick target access it has. The pan/tilt head is nice for smooth scans, video and if one would like a smooth scan to glass. The joystick I have can be a bit bumpy on panning for glassing.

 

[ddress00]

ive been using the Vortex Optics - High country Tripod. Built well and best of all for a backcountry hunter/camper it only weighs 2 lbs. To me i will sacrifice "rough an tough" tripods and other gear for lighter gear.

But with all that said, i've had other tripods from the "big name" guys that work out tremondously. But in my eyes those expensive tripods are soley a name. my vortex was only 99 and does the same if not better (and a lb or 2 lighter).

 

[UB-AZ]

Outdoorsmans med or compact med, w/center post ext, joystick head. Very light, very packable, very stable. I have had mine fully extended in 30MPH winds and it never fell over (while reaching into the pack and stuff....). Check out their site because they have a bunch of accessories. One is a shooting rest.

 

[digger11]

Sirui T-025x carbon fiber with a c-10 ballhead is super small and light and worked great for me this season in Colorado.
I used it with 15x56 binos and a pentax 80mm spotter.Itpacks away like nothing and worked out real well for me.About $200
on amazon.

 

[Graylight]

Outdoorsmans Tripods with their pistol Grip -

 

[DryFlyGuy]

Big fan of the outdoorsman system. The pistol grip is good at lower magnifications, but not so good for higher magnifications.

 

[grizzly]

Sirui T-025x carbon fiber with a c-10 ballhead is super small and light and worked great for me this season in Colorado.
I used it with 15x56 binos and a pentax 80mm spotter.Itpacks away like nothing and worked out real well for me.About $200
on amazon.

Thanks for the tip. I've been looking for a lightweight tripod for use with binos. This looks like it might be the ticket.

Grizzly

 

[tomcat]

If you carry a tripod like a bog pod to shoot off of, you can get an adapter that allows you to use it for a spotter and quick change to a shooting rest. This gives you two tripods for the weight of one. The bog pod is pretty stable and easy to use.