Mountain tripod

Dogleg

Dogleg

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Where dem buffalo roam.
What is a decent spotting scope tripod for mountain backpacking use? Due to the notable lack of mountains in these parts there isn't a lot of local knowledge to draw on.

Although I hate to totally cheap out, I don't anticipate using it very much and don't want to spend more than I have to. On the other hand, I do want to avoid junk. Any ideas?
 
what are your requirements? cost? weight? height? max compact size? what is the spotting scope you will be putting on it? size and weight of it? I use a Vortex Summit XLT, I put my Nightforce Ts-82 20-70 x 82 on this tripod very happy it is stable breaks down to approx 17" long 4" in diameter weighs 4 lbs. comes with a 3 way swivel head and quick disconnect. I looked at everyone they had in the store and for my needs purchased it and am very happy with it.
 
If you're looking for a compact, lightweight, packable tripod, have a look at the MeFoto Backpacker tripod.

It weighs 2.6lbs, folds down to 12.6", min 17" heigh and max 51" tall and holds up to 8.5lbs and comes with a pretty solid ball head and travel bag. Idealy I think you'd want a pan/tilt head but the ball head works. They run around $170.CDN
 
The spotting scope is a older 25X50 Leupold that the old specs I can find gives the weight at 17.5 ounces. I just use it for watching trace/bullet splash when shooting long range, and am using the cheapest thing I could find at walmart.:redface: It weighs 2.8 pounds if my scale isn't lieing. I'm hoping to cut down on the bulk if nothing else.
 
For travel / backpack tripods, look for the models where the legs can actually fold backwards around the ball head / center column . Their folded length is much shorter than conventional tripods that can't fold the legs 180deg

In order of cost , look at the Gitzo Travelers , Benro Travel Angel and finally best bang for the buck Mefoto

Mefoto are all on sale at Vistek right now

https:// w.vistek.ca/results/ProPhotoTripods/tripods-tripodkit/MeFoto/Tripod-Kits.aspx?display=OnSale&order=Price&n=2&r=32

Look at the Roadtrip for spotting scope . The smaller "backpacker" is a bit wobbly IMO , despite its rating

The roadtrip can convert to monopod as well , which actually works quite well

I personally don't like ball heads for spotting scope...you can always upgrade to a cheap video head after ( better than a pan tilt for spotting scope use )
 
I run a vortex high country. Very stable if you hang some of your gear off the bottom of it


07d2cec720891c7425f9669e5279b947.jpg


It's a little over 2lbs and does the job well. Im sure there is better options for panning than the ball mount head but the weight works for me
 
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i use a slik sprint pro ii, with a vanguard ph111v pan head. whole set up is under 3 pounds. its relatively sturdy and compact. 18" folded. the less leg sections the better.
 
.284 said:
I run a vortex high country. Very stable if you hang some of your gear off the bottom of it
Click to expand...
What's in the bottle?

For carbon fiber:

Gitzo, Manfrotto are the reputable brands. One bought the other I think 15 years ago.

Benro and Slik may have issues like legs ungluing from the sockets, but more than likely to serve you nicely for years for a bit less money. Think of them as the norincos of tripods.

Depending how minimalist you go in terms of mountains, there's also UCO ultrapod II large tripod. It's not tall, but if you can live with that, you're hauling a couple pounds less than any real CF tripod.
 
i really don't think the legs will unglue on my sprint tripod... its been pretty bomb proof...there are a few bits on it that are plastic... but that doesn't really bother me when even manfrotto is using plastic. its a 100$ tripod...with a weight of 28 ounces. the main material is aluminum.
the head i use is an additional 15 ounces (keep in mind these are the publish weights not confirmed.) which puts total weight for a sturdy compact rig with a pan head at 2.6lbs.
 
I have Leitz, Linhof, Minox, even a fancy old Welt Saf T Lock one for setting up in streams and mud FFS but I think one of the best values was Velbon. They still have a full line although I have been away from that market a long time so dont know where you would get one.. or what you would pay... my old cheapy has been bulletproof though. You can pay a lot for a crap tripod that wont stop shivering in the wind or you can get a rock solid one dirt cheap because it was made simple and locks tight.
 
.284 said:
I run a vortex high country. Very stable if you hang some of your gear off the bottom of it


07d2cec720891c7425f9669e5279b947.jpg


It's a little over 2lbs and does the job well. Im sure there is better options for panning than the ball mount head but the weight works for me
Click to expand...


This is what I ended up with. A shooting partner has one and I was able to try it out on numerous occasions with a Zeiss spotter that weighs more than mine. I think I'll be OK.
 
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