For me the Outdoorsmans Compact Tripod and Pan Head checked all the boxes. Used for three years now with no complaints. Sturdy, well built and all in a compact package. The pan head is also very easy to use and quite smooth! Plus having the same outdoorsman designed plates on all your optics makes it easy for me to switch from the bino stud + mount to a spotter or to take the pan head off the tripod with an optic and put it on the window mount of the truck. A convenient system that all works together.