Manfrotto models for Hog Saddle

[Zkk93]

Hi to all, i am in doubt about which model take for my Hog Saddle, my option are 190 carbon version with 4 section and 055 aluminum version with 3 section.
Both of them matched with a Xpro ball head.
My mainly purpose is hunting and my heaviest rifle is a bit over 12 lbs (5,5kg).
My main doubt is, if charging the tripod near to its limit(rifle+head+saddle) to save up some weight off tripod weight, risk to reduce the performance of the system instead of to take an heavier tripod?
Which is your suggestione about?

 

[bourbonbent]

I’ve been using an 055 XPRO3 with a HOG saddle for several years now. I switched the Manfrotto ball head to an FLM CB-43 FTR last year after using the Manfrotto magnesium head for several years.

I do a lot of wildlife and landscape photography as well as shooting and hunting off it. The HOG does great, the tripod is solid and durable, it gets banged around constantly. I went with aluminum vs CF because CF doesn’t like violent impacts when it’s cold, and I have neurological issues that mean I can be a little rough on gear at unpredictable times. I want to try a CF model at some point though.

I will say that with the ball head I’m using, I can stick any rifle I want in it, clamped anywhere on the rifle, and it won’t move. The FLM ball head is rated to 66lbs and is extremely well made. That was a huge upgrade to the tripod. The Manfrotto ball head still gets carried as a backup in my photo bag, but so far I have nothing to indicate I’ll ever need a backup for the FLM. It’s wildly good. The Manfrotto heads are good too, mine is the magnesium one from several years back as previously mentioned, and it looks and functions the same as it did new, and I’ve used it a lot in some harsh places.

I’d save the money and get the aluminum one, I hunt off mine, shoot video, photos, binoculars, even hold my phone for shop pictures working on a knife or whatever I’m doing.

If you’re worried about it wobbling with weight on it, or the legs getting weird, hang a bunch of weight from the center column. That’s what I do for long exposure photography or windy days, a bag full of rocks hung from it does a nice job of getting it stable. People stick video rigs on these things, the ball head will be the weakest link, the tripod legs can handle a shit load of weight.

 

[bunsen27]

@Zkk93 is there a specific reason you are not considering the PIG0311 tripod from Shadowtech? I have one and prefer it over my Manfrotto 055 model. They both weight about the same (5.6lbs vs 5.5lbs) but the PIG is rated to a 26lbs load (vs 19.8lbs) and is a bit cheaper in cost.

PIG0311-G Field Shooting Tripod, Gen 2

HOG Saddle Shadow Tech, LLC PIG0311-G Field Shooting Tripod, OD Green , for Tripod Shooting

stores.hogsaddle.com

 

[bourbonbent]

@Zkk93 is there a specific reason you are not considering the PIG0311 tripod from Shadowtech? I have one and prefer it over my Manfrotto 055 model. They both weight about the same (5.6lbs vs 5.5lbs) but the PIG is rated to a 26lbs load (vs 19.8lbs) and is a bit cheaper in cost.

PIG0311-G Field Shooting Tripod, Gen 2

HOG Saddle Shadow Tech, LLC PIG0311-G Field Shooting Tripod, OD Green , for Tripod Shooting

stores.hogsaddle.com

I’ve been needing a second tripod, might have to get one of these. How’s the lockup on the legs? It looks nice. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, that’s a hell of a nice price.

 

[bunsen27]

I’ve been needing a second tripod, might have to get one of these. How’s the lockup on the legs? It looks nice. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, that’s a hell of a nice price.

I prefer it over my Manfrotto. I've found the leg lock up to be solid and you can adjust the tension. I think a lot of people overlook it due to it's low ~$135 price tag in today's $1k+ RRS tripod market. Here is a link to the thread were it was introduced on the Hide that has a lot of info plus Q&A:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/pig0311-g-field-tripod.6535125/

 

[bourbonbent]

I prefer it over my Manfrotto. I've found the leg lock up to be solid and you can adjust the tension. I think a lot of people overlook it due to it's low ~$135 price tag in today's $1k+ RRS tripod market. Here is a link to the thread were it was introduced on the Hide that has a lot of info plus Q&A:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/pig0311-g-field-tripod.6535125/

Much appreciated. Probably gonna have to snag one for a spare for hunting.

 

[Geno C.]

I grabbed one this morning actually. A couple friends have them and I’ve really like them. Only green but I can live with that

 

[bunsen27]

FYI Mile High Shooting has Hog and Pig saddles on closeout at good prices:

Shadow Tech MOD7: Hog Saddle Mod 7 - Grey

MOD7 HOG Saddle Specs: · CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum · Black oxide stainless steel bolt and guide rods · Hard anodized finish (a resilient surface which serves as an excellent base coat for custom camouflage paint)

www.milehighshooting.com

Shadow Tech PIG-01: PIG Saddle - Melonite

Effortlessly maintain your rifle’s sights across a field or hillside waiting for that trophy buck. Maximize your ability to make an accurate shot for a responsible one-shot kill. The PIG Saddle is a rigid, steady support with unequaled versatility and portability. A rock solid platform that is...

www.milehighshooting.com

 

[Geno C.]

FYI Mile High Shooting has Hog and Pig saddles on closeout at good prices:

Shadow Tech MOD7: Hog Saddle Mod 7 - Grey

MOD7 HOG Saddle Specs: · CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum · Black oxide stainless steel bolt and guide rods · Hard anodized finish (a resilient surface which serves as an excellent base coat for custom camouflage paint)

www.milehighshooting.com

Shadow Tech PIG-01: PIG Saddle - Melonite

Effortlessly maintain your rifle’s sights across a field or hillside waiting for that trophy buck. Maximize your ability to make an accurate shot for a responsible one-shot kill. The PIG Saddle is a rigid, steady support with unequaled versatility and portability. A rock solid platform that is...

www.milehighshooting.com

Well shit... could have saved a couple bucks.

 

[Zkk93]

Thank you for the reply.
I prefer Manfrotto to PIG0311 because i am in Italy here Manfrotto are less expensive and more easier to buy.
I believe my final choice will be 055 aluminium plus ball head and shadow tech plate, coupled in the next time by a joystick head..

 

[flyer]

I like to dip my toe in before spending big $$ on something I'm not sure about.

There are lots of people selling older used aluminum Manfrotto tripods. I have a few I got for $50 or less. I bet they are selling because they aren't using heavy camcorders any more and have upgraded to lighter carbon fiber.

With a tripod like that, you can easily flip it without losing money because they are already fully depreciated. If you shopped wisely you might even make money.

Any way, if you aren't stable enough on an old heavy aluminum tripod, chances are a light weight carbon tripod isn't going to do better.

 

[Rthur]

Have a 190 Procxpro4.
A decent tripod for spotting and shooting when it's closer to the ground.
Used a 40 mike mike last weekend.
This tripod is in a different class with only a slight penalty on weight.
If you're not having to haul it to far or up to much I'd go the 40 mike mike for sure.


R