Tripods!

[rugbydave]

I've got a Manfrotto 190XPROB (that was gifted to me by a photog buddy) topped with a Sirui K40X ballhead and a Pig Saddle. Works great for me. I'd be curious to see how much more stable a bigger tripod is and I'm also thinking of trying a direct mount arca plate. As it stands I've used it as far out as 1050 or so, seated, in a match and use it routinely at my private spot (although not since I hung the new, furthest gong at 940/980). Making hits at 840 seated on a 2/3 IPSC is just about as stable as prone, kneeling and standing I'm usually over 50%. It's kinda shocking to me just how stable this kind of setup is. Here's some pics:

set up for seated:

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set up for kneeling:

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set up for standing:

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and just a nice sunny day, banging some steel

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[kc34]

One thing more I can add is to try to keep the rifle as low as possible to the tripod.
If you're going to use a hog saddle, don't use a tall ball head with it, it makes things much less stable. Try using a levelling base instead.

I'm not familiar with a leveling base, is that a very basic type of small tripod head that you can use instead of a ball-head? It sounds like a good way to go. As you say a large, tall ball head with a saddle on top makes things rather high.

 

[siegehammer63]

So I think I have it narrowed down between two Manfrottos;
Either the https://www.manfrotto.ca/aluminum-pro-geared-tripod-with-geared-column-black

Or the https://www.manfrotto.ca/super-professional-tripod-mark-2-black

As it is also a hunting set up, the https://www.manfrotto.ca/057-carbon-fiber-3-section-tripod
with the RRS ball head, I would think.
What do you guys think?

 

[siegehammer63]

I think Ill run the Anshutz rails in the forends.

 

[Mister Donut]

One thing more I can add is to try to keep the rifle as low as possible to the tripod.
If you're going to use a hog saddle, don't use a tall ball head with it, it makes things much less stable. Try using a levelling base instead.

Actually, I ordered a levelling head because that's something I noticed as well, that it sits pretty high.

 

[Roddy]

I forgot to add they're great for lazy people!

Interesting side note (okay not that interesting) I was shooting off the back of the chair and I thought it might be challenging to flip the chair over and use the legs for support. Well it wasn't challenging at all. There are a ridiculous amount of places to wedge your rifle, arms, shoulders, knees, whatever on the bottom of that chair. Who knew.

 

[ntm]

I am not sure about the head versus no head. There are pros and cons to each. The head allows for more freedom of movement but once you level the tripod with no head you don't have to worry about cant.

The head adds a few inches of height and a bit of weight but depending on the model may allow switching out plates.

The levelling bases still have a limited cant/pitch adjustment, for more pitch than that you just angle the rifle in the saddle. And of course have qd.

 

[Roddy]

The levelling bases still have a limited cant/pitch adjustment, for more pitch than that you just angle the rifle in the saddle. And of course have qd.

Interesting. What model is that and what's the weight rating on them? My 496 works but it is overloaded according to the specs. I see people use the pistol grip models though and they are rated for less weight than mine. I wish I had got a 498.

 

[Ryan.M.Anderson]

The model above requires the use of one of the RRS or Gitzo "system" tripods - you are looking at ~$1,000 USD as a starting point.

RRS does sell a universal levelling base that attaches to standard tripods - they run $300 USD.

 

[kombayotch]

Gamechanger bag over the head is the most stable thing I have ever tried on any tripod.

 

[Roddy]

Gamechanger bag over the head is the most stable thing I have ever tried on any tripod.

Which head do you use?

 

[Mister Donut]

My Manfrotto MHXPRO-BHQ2 XPRO showed up last week and I snapped a few pictures of it along with my MHXPRO-3W 3 way pan and tilt. The fit and finish on it is pretty impressive, tight tolerances, smooth action, and fairly easy controls. That being said, I won't really know how well it performs until I get out there and try it out.

Specs:

Load Capacity 22 lb (10 kg)
Quick Release Yes
Bubble Level Yes, 2 bull's eye
Friction Control Yes
Separate Panning Lock Yes
Pan Range 360°
Tilt Range -90° / +40°
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8"-16 with 1/4"-20 bushing adapter
Height 4.5" (11.5 cm)
Weight 1.1 lb (500 g)

https://3.bp.########.com/-EdeDg1Bnv1I/WJgMfRlZhYI/AAAAAAAAmPc/8Tklo3E_8TIjuNGHOMsLTTLPgvg4cS3PwCPcB/s1600/P2054254.JPG

https://1.bp.########.com/-IrplwV-vIKk/WJgMfco67jI/AAAAAAAAmPc/UZa3A-NPEC0hKSnLPRkJzNUWbl4G6Ep9QCPcB/s1600/P2054257.JPG

https://3.bp.########.com/-qHWhpAqRE4E/WJgMfQf1YII/AAAAAAAAmPc/7p43U3E8CqsERQUZQg9T8wIROApU4sG6ACPcB/s1600/P2054258.JPG

https://1.bp.########.com/-GRWMFUGeZQ4/WJgMfdfImYI/AAAAAAAAmPc/J3CDm0GOEYgCH5mnDLaOmfoIT2Wr3fGMgCPcB/s1600/P2054259.JPG

https://3.bp.########.com/-Nm_yxKXdXx8/WJgMfYO230I/AAAAAAAAmPc/ZSOd7Y-hnOcYrOUw0AqUc_IewMC1I-4QACPcB/s1600/P2054260.JPG

https://2.bp.########.com/-O9Kl1zTZFso/WJgMfQwEpQI/AAAAAAAAmPc/QqZQBSs0LjY41P-JG94s0hOYotAW6gmrACPcB/s1600/P2054261.JPG

I mounted the Pig saddle on it and threw the whole thing onto my Benro carbon tripod. Though it's definitely more compact than the MHXPRO-3W, it sits fairly high above the base of the tripod. I've been reading that some shooters prefer a simple leveling base which is almost a pancake compared to a full ball head. The draw back is less elevation/cant adjustment, so you'll have to decide whether that affects your style of shooting.

I've been looking at the Benro LBA 2 Leveling Base to go with the Benro tripod and decided to order it as well and see which I like better. Some specs for the leveling base:

Load Capacity 110 lb (50 kg)
Top Mount Thread Size 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3.8"-16 with 1/4"-20 bushing adapter
Adjustment Range +/-15°
Height 1.875" (4.8 cm)
Weight 11.2 oz (318 g)

 

[chrisward3]

Another vote for the RRS tripods. That said, if I didn't already own one (with the BH40 ballhead) as part of my photography business, I wouldn't have been able to justify that cost. That said, they are rock solid for either application and are definitely worth the $$$ if you can afford it.

 

[Mystic Precision]

I am running a T slot rail (Anschutz dimensions) under my forend and can make up adaptors for various supports. Playing around with the Sherpa tripod from LD... too big and bulky if having to carry around but it was very well priced and can support a lot of weight.

Similar to what rugbydave is running... light, compact and each leg section length fits a shooting position.. at least for me. The central post makes fine tuning pretty simple. The included ball head can support alot of weight and my 12lbs rifle is held securely. Will complete the adaptor so rifle can just clip onto the tripod like a camera.

assuming most are asking about tripods for PRS Field events, you still have to be able to carry the stuff. Some of these tripods get pretty heavy and definitely bulky.

YMMV.

Jerry

 

[kombayotch]

Which head do you use?

Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head. Its ok... not great if you're using it direct-connect or with a clamp. The RRS BH-55 is on another level.

You don't need a head with the Gamechanger bag. Another thing that works extremely well, but only if you have an MPA chassis, is to put block (piece of 2x6) on the tripod instead of a head and use the MPA barricade system on the block.

The rifle will sit there on its own, but can be removed quickly if needed.

I'm not a fan of clamping in. The head needs to be adjusted just right or you're fighting it (not a natural POA) or the rifle flops over easily.

 

[Mister Donut]

Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head. Its ok... not great if you're using it direct-connect or with a clamp. The RRS BH-55 is on another level.

You don't need a head with the Gamechanger bag. Another thing that works extremely well, but only if you have an MPA chassis, is to put block on the tripod and use the MPA barricade system on the block.

I'm not a fan of clamping in. The head needs to be adjusted just right or you're fighting it (not a natural POA) or the rifle flops over easily.

Just did a quick Google, maybe my Google-fu is weak today, but any of the sponsors sell this bag?

 

[kombayotch]

Red Star Targets was bringning them in IIRC. Bighorn Sales may also be.

 

[Roddy]

Thanks for the responses. I have my eye on that Manfrotto MHXPRO-BHQ2 XPRO and it seems like the most popular.

While they may not be the best thing for matches I find shooting off a tripod a fun change.

 

[kombayotch]

FYI, Armageddon Gear is now making the Gamechanger:

 

[pringles613]

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