1st Tripod Setup

hoop12

Private
Minuteman
Jul 9, 2018
78
15
Texas
Hey guys, first post in a while. I’m having trouble finding some threads through the search about this, so if you’ve got links to them let me know so I don’t bug you guys with redundant questions!

I’m wanting to get my first tripod set up to use with my ARs and my bolt .308 in the MDT LSS XL Gen 2 chassis. More than anything, I’m just looking for tripod recommendations for a solid to shoot off of. Planning on hunting and range shooting, more focus on hunting though. Not wanting anything too expensive, but I’m willing to save if I need to if it means I get exactly what I want. Again, post links so I don’t ask the same old stuff if you have them! Thanks guys!
 
This thread:

 
This thread:


Awesome, thanks for the quick reply and the suggestion! I appreciate it.
 
Links to all four on Amazon.

The Innorel tripod has one step thicker legs. Meaning its thinnest leg is the 2nd thinnest on the LeoFoto. Thicker is better(?). The Leofoto is ¼ lb. lighter. Lighter is better(?). The ballheads are so very similar. Price goes to Innorel/Desmond. Brand awareness goes to Leofoto(?).

You can mix and match as needed as well. They should all play well together. But do your homework.




 
You might want to wait to see what Colorado Tripod company comes out with. From the pics floating around here it looks very promising.
I have the rt90c and DLOW-55 setup. Its incredibly stable but have since swapped over to the bowl/level head that came with the tripod and attached a 50mm QD arca clamp. I almost don't need my hog saddle any more.
 
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If you are looking for something that won't break the bank, I picked up a Slik 700DX as a first tripod system. I have a manfroto 322RC2 Grip to run my spotting scope or a pig saddle to shoot off of. The system is light enough that it won't break your back. I do have to add some weight to the system when I am shooting though. Typically I'll run 550 cord in front of my bipod to my butt stock and rest my foot on it below the tripod to drive it down. Couple videos on youtube showing this technique to help stabilize shooting off a tripod. Definitely a budget tripod but it works.

Slik 700DX (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B2I9L8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Manfrotto grip (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004L0M6A2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
 
Just my experience so take it for what it’s worth. I have bought and used several tripods from Hog Saddle’s Silk offering, the PRST carbon fiber, Leofoto, and PMG carbon fiber. None of them satisfied me. One thing that’s not talked about enough is the leg angles of the tripod. From what I have researched after putting the PMG up against my friends RRS, is that RRS offers the most consistent and aggressive leg angle setting which ultimately helps it be one of the most stable. I have sold off all the others and now saving for the RRS TFC-34 MK2. If your one of those folks like me that constantly evaluates your equipment then I would save for the RRS. Just my 2 cents.
 
Just my experience so take it for what it’s worth. I have bought and used several tripods from Hog Saddle’s Silk offering, the PRST carbon fiber, Leofoto, and PMG carbon fiber. None of them satisfied me. One thing that’s not talked about enough is the leg angles of the tripod. From what I have researched after putting the PMG up against my friends RRS, is that RRS offers the most consistent and aggressive leg angle setting which ultimately helps it be one of the most stable. I have sold off all the others and now saving for the RRS TFC-34 MK2. If your one of those folks like me that constantly evaluates your equipment then I would save for the RRS. Just my 2 cents.
I'm not ready to spend $800-$1000 on a tripod. Might want to disclose that with the recommendation. Lol
 
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I hear yeah. Just offering perspective from someone that has bought a bunch of different ones and in the end should have just listened to the folks on this forum. That said, if your not willing to spend that amount I wouldn’t spend anymore then 200 on any other tripod. The difference in performance was not much in my opinion.
 
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I appreciate all of the suggestions guys, thank you for the info. Definitely a lot of stuff to read through and decide on. The SLIK options that I’ve handled before have seemed sturdy enough but I’ve never shot off of any of them, only messed with a friend’s.
 
I went with the PIG tripod and an Innorel 44mm ball head. For $220 is seems like a solid setup but it's also the only tripod I've shot off. Added a RRS M-lok plate for my AR. My 10 year old took a 5 pt opening morning on her third shot ever off a tripod. So I'm calling it good enough. After season I'll try and stretch it out to see how the setup does.
 
Aside from the paint job, hook at the bottom and the spiked feet the PIG tripod and the Slik 700DX sure do look alike. Lol
 

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I'm pretty happy with the pig 0311 and pig saddle. I've been using it for several months shooting steel. If you wrap your sling around the tripod and hook it to your belt it's very steady. I think theres a video on the pig swaddle site. Its heavier than the cf tripods but a lot cheaper too.
 
RT90C and a DLow 55 ball head. Search for both on Amazon.

There's a thread on both here somewhere. And it's loooong and has lots of info.

I have this exact set up. this is my first shooting tripod. I've always had tripods for my spotter and binos. I've shot from them before and thought they were okay, as I could make 1-2 moa hits at 300... the new set up is night and day difference. the tripod is rock solid and the ball head locks up tight. I have no problems shooting our 2ftx2ft steel at 1000 with this set up. It's heavier than my other set ups but for hiking 1 mile from the truck its def worth the investment. I have never shot the RRS stuff but for the price of $450 all in I think its a great.
 
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