Tripod Opinions

[sakomag]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking for opinions on light weight quality tripods, I use the Leica Range Finder 10x42 binos and Swarovski Spoting scope so it has to be adeqaute to support the weight of those optics and extend up to 40".

Any useful information, opinions based on actual use would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gotthefever]

LAST EDITED ON Nov-28-08 AT 04:30PM (MST)[p]Look no further. I spent well over a month researching tripods this past summer and looked over literally every tripod on the market. If you are looking for a quality, compact and light tripod there is only one brand I would consider and its Gitzo. I ended up buying two of them. For hunts that don't require a lot of rigorous hiking i ended up buying the Gitzo GT 2530M. For my back pack, over nighter, hunts I bought the Gitzo GT 1540T. With a min hight at just over 16" and a max height of 53" and only weighing a mere 2.2 lbs you cant go wrong! I have had both out in the field this year multiple times and I have absolutely loved them. There is only one draw back to them and that is their price, they are not cheap! However, I was tired of spending $100 every other year on tripods that were to flimsy and did not hold up well in the field. I believe the old adage of "buy nice or buy twice" applies here. If you go to one of your local camera stores and check them out i think you will agree. They are build to last and also come with a life time warranty! You really cannot go wrong with Gitzo. Best of luck.

jake

 

[GilaJeff]

I just bought a K&K tripod for my Vortex Skyline ED. This tripod is well built, sturdy, and lightweight, but kind of pain in the a$$ to mount the scope with the head it came with. I will be looking for another head soon.

 

[kilowatt]

Rick,

Check out this previous thread as it has some rec's.
Brian
http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID27/1059.html

 

[stinkystomper]

Dude, you need to look into whatever slamdunk has. I'm 6'4" and have a hard time finding a steady tripod that will accomodate me. Slam brought one with him to colorado and it was awesome. How bout it slam. What kinda tripod was that?

 

[gznokes]

Check out the Slik CF 613 (carbon fiber). About 100 dollars less than the Gitzo but very stable and only about a lb. Put a bogen manfrotto ball head w quick relase plates for all your stuff. I rigged a clip hanging from the center column that I can connect to my pack to add more weight and make the setup really rock solid if there is some wind.

 

[COLO3D]

I have a K&K and love it. It is relatively light weight and solid as a rock in and out of the wind. Contrary to the above post, I love the head. I am curious what the issue is with the head? I have their bino mount as well and it is top notch. They have provided me with great customer service as well.