Advice on Tripod

GilaJeff · Jul 25, 2022

I just bought a pair of Zeiss 15x56 binoculars for an upcoming late Kaibab deer hunt. I thought I would poll you all to see what the recommendations are out there for a stable tripod that will work well with the bino's. I currently use a Manfrotto befree for my spotting scope. This combo works ok for backcountry hunts as it was intended. As for my new Zeiss, weight and size are less important. What is your favorite bipod for all day glassing with 15x56 or similar binoculars?

El Gringo · Jul 25, 2022

Silk 733 or 734 and a Surui VA 5 or Outdoorsman’s Head

GilaJeff · Jul 25, 2022

El Gringo said:
Silk 733 or 734 and a Surui VA 5 or Outdoorsman’s Head

Thanks for the response...I will put these on the list to research!!!

blktljunkie · Jul 25, 2022

+1 on the VA5 I have them on two of my tripods and love them

diablo · Jul 25, 2022

VA5 is a great head!

Jaybird967 · Jul 25, 2022

The new Carbon fiber vortex tripods are nice especially if you’re tall. I just picked up black ovis for my pack. Seems stable with my 15s on it

gburk · Jul 25, 2022

@Cameraland has a great deal on Slik 800 series tripods.

BroadHead · Jul 25, 2022

Another vote for the VA5. I attached it to a SLIK Pro CF-635 (for backpacking) and this combination has no problems holding my 15x binos steady.

GilaJeff · Jul 26, 2022

Jaybird967 said:
The new Carbon fiber vortex tripods are nice especially if you’re tall. I just picked up black ovis for my pack. Seems stable with my 15s on it

I am 5'6"...knee high to a short duck!...

GilaJeff · Jul 26, 2022

I read enough positive comments on the VA-5 that I ordered one yesterday. I will look into the Slik tripods now. I appreciate everyone's input!!!

blazintowers · Jul 26, 2022

who makes the VA5? is this sold thru Camera Land too?
Also is this better than a ball head?

Thanks In advance,

diablo · Jul 26, 2022

blazintowers said:
who makes the VA5? is this sold thru Camera Land too?
Also is this better than a ball head?

Thanks In advance,

Sirui makes it. Sold lots of places including Cameraland. Yes.

https://www.amazon.com/SIRUI-Fluid-Video-Quick-Release/dp/B00KS5QE02

GilaJeff · Jul 26, 2022

blazintowers said:
who makes the VA5? is this sold thru Camera Land too?
Also is this better than a ball head?

Thanks In advance,

Some company called Sirui, and I did see Cameraland carries the VA 5. It is a fluid head and I had been advised in the past to go with a fluid head over a ball head for sporting applications.

blazintowers · Jul 26, 2022

excellent, thanks for the info...I'm in the market too, have some Cabela bucks to spend but might have to spend them on something else (oh rats) cause I dont think they carry this brand...

GilaJeff · Jul 26, 2022

blazintowers said:
excellent, thanks for the info...I'm in the market too, have some Cabela bucks to spend but might have to spend them on something else (oh rats) cause I dont think they carry this brand...

I'm sure Cabela's will have something you want!!!

BroadHead · Jul 26, 2022

GilaJeff said:
I read enough positive comments on the VA-5 that I ordered one yesterday. I will look into the Slik tripods now. I appreciate everyone's input!!!

Slik tripods are on sale now. Cameraland, GoHunt, etc. Great timing

Pretty steep discount on the 824CF model. From $319 to $149 at Cameraland.

maddog58 · Jul 28, 2022

BroadHead said:
Slik tripods are on sale now. Cameraland, GoHunt, etc. Great timing

Pretty steep discount on the 824CF model. From $319 to $149 at Cameraland.

Thanks for the heads up, just ordered one from Cameraland. Great price. Got a Promaster SPCH20 head for it on advice from Neil there.