Lightweight Tripod

[Justin]

What is the best tripod for use with a spotter like the 65 swaro's ?

[Graylight]

I know that a lot of folks use the Manfrotto's (giant, heavy monstrosities IMO) and you can get a Gitzo that works pretty darned nice but I really like the SMALL Outdoorsmans tripod with a pistol grip... For backpacking purposes, I have cut down the center post to remove un-needed weight. I have packed that thing for miles and miles in the back country and it is hands down THE POOP!

I used it on my last back country hunt... You can see the story here: http://graylightproductions.com/foru...php?f=18&t=714

There's also a picture of it here if you scroll down... http://graylightproductions.com/foru...php?f=17&t=913

It works great and I would put it up against any other brand on the market! Again... Just my humble opinion

I am really pumped that the Eastmans have started this forum... It's the only other forum I really care to share on... Serious topics with serious hunters... It's great and I hope this info helps you...

[Rob P]

Marlon, good to have you here. So what is the total weight of your tripod and head?

[Graylight]

Tripod with the pistol grip and trimmed center post is about 1.7 lbs pack weight...

[12ring]

Tripod with the pistol grip and trimmed center post is about 1.7 lbs pack weight...

Greylight, Just curious as to how you are getting this setup that light? What pistol grip are you using? On the outdoorsman.com website it is saying that the tripod weighs 1.8lbs and the bogen 222 pistol grip head is 1.72lbs making their set up weigh in at 3.52lbs. I know that you trimmed the center post and that will cut down the total a little. Thanks for any info you provide.

[brudno]

Heres what I plan on carrying this year.

SLIK PRO 624CF 1.81 lbs supports 7 lbs, adjusts up to 47" and packs down to 16.3" and is sub $250. I'm still undecided but the outdoorsman pan head or pistol grip/w panning attachment will be in the bag too.

[S&S Archery]

Heres what I plan on carrying this year.

SLIK PRO 624CF 1.81 lbs supports 7 lbs, adjusts up to 47" and packs down to 16.3" and is sub $250. I'm still undecided but the outdoorsman pan head or pistol grip/w panning attachment will be in the bag too.

I looked at 100's of tripods before deciding to carry these ones this winter. The 624 and 634 are both awesome tripods, really light and stable. If you want to drop some weight the lower section of the center post can be removed as well.

I am using the Slik 634 right now for video and it's awesome. Here's a video I did on them and the Promaster T525p.

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

[CoHiCntry]

How do you guy's like the twist style leg adjustments? I've grown accustomed to the quick release style and am a little skeptical on the twist style.

[SDBirdman]

The twist style legs are awesome. Grab all of them and with one quick twist all leg segments are free to slide!! I just got a Slik 624 CF and love it. Too short to stand up and glass, but that rarely happens in the field. The compact size and weight saved were worth it.

[Grizbacker]

I am also looking for advice on a lightweight backpacking tripod. I can really only spend around 100$ maybe a bit more. It has to be able to hold up to a 60mm spotting scope steady, and be at least tall enough to sit up behind.

I have heard some decent things abot the vortex high country. However, I am not sure about the ball head on it. I am used to the typical pan head. How do you guys that have one like the ball head?


Any other decent lightweight tripods in the 100$ range I should look at?


Thanks!