Anyone With PRST Tripod Experience

T

theDuck

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Does anyone here have experience using the Mission Critical Designs PRST tripod? I'm contemplating getting one and wish to hear others experiences. I'm open to hearing opinions on other shooting tripods as well.
 
I recently purchased one from Nordic Marksman and have used it once on the range thus far. My previous tripod was a Manfrotto Carbon Fibre 055Pro. The PRST is hands down the nicer of the two tripods at roughly the same price point. The fit and finish are superior on the Norwegian product and the PRST's extra field shooting features such as the retractable Gear Hook on the bottom of the Center Column, the shortened Centre Column itself, and the Cerakote finish set it apart from the camera tripods pressed into shooting service. I also prefer the 4-section legs of the PRST over the 3-section legs on the Manfrotto product, as they allow for a shorter overall package when fully collapsed. The Norwegian tripod is also more geared towards user maintenance and comes with a hex wrench for adjusting the Leg Pivot and Section Lock tension. Finally, I would note that the PRST comes with both Rubber and Spike Feet, either of which can be quickly threaded into the Leg bottoms depending on the terrain. All things considered, I believe that the purpose-built PRST is the best of the currently available tripods in the $500 to $600 price range. Really Right Stuff out of the US makes a beautiful shooting tripod but it is considerably more money than the PRST or Manfrotto carbon fibre units. For the money, I don't think the PRST can currently be beat, but that's just one guy's opinion.....
 
I've put up a mini review of the Shadowtech HOG 0311 Aluminum Shooter's Tripod in the applicable thread of the Nordic Marksman dealer forum for anyone interested in this budget alternative to the carbon-fibre PRST Tripod. The HOG 0311 is half the price with all of the same functionality aside from the folded length and weight. Bottom line? Two thumbs way up - the HOG 0311 is serious, quality gear at a very affordable price of $229 CAD. Add a Benro Levelling Head for $95 USD on ebay and a PIG Saddle from Nordic Marksman for another $200 CAD, and you are set to try your hand at supported field shooting for less than a $600 total investment.


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I find it a bit odd that for a shooting specific tripod they went with a 4 segment design. They do pack down nice and small but it comes at the expense of strength/stability.

How do you find the lateral stability when fully extended?
 
Ryan.M.Anderson said:
I find it a bit odd that for a shooting specific tripod they went with a 4 segment design. They do pack down nice and small but it comes at the expense of strength/stability.

How do you find the lateral stability when fully extended?
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In my experience, the 4-segment PRST is just as stable as the 3-segment HOG tripod. It may even be more stable, thanks to the vibration absorbing proparties of the Carbon Fibre legs. There is absolutely no slop or "give" to the legs when they are fully extended and locked down. The PRST is definitely good to go!
 
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