Another "Tripod help" thread

Kline

Kline

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Minuteman
Dec 26, 2018
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Northern Michigan
#1
I have been looking into tripods for a little while now and feel like my head hurts from all of the things i have been reading and different opinions i see thread to thread. If i could swing it, the consensus seems to be go with the RRS and be done with it. Unfortunately that is just not in my budget so i would love some first hand knowledge and advice from everyone who has had a chance to use the different offerings. I have been contacted by a couple companies who have given me great information so far, just trying to see what everyone else thinks. So here it goes. I have an old manfrotto with pistol grip that i have been using for my spotter for a while now, so this will mainly be for shooting purposes. At first it will start out with mainly range use/plinking and training, but eventually when time allows and i get settled in i would like to get into some competitions. If i can find used options im all for it.

As of right now my budget is just shy of 700.

Legs:
Feisol 3372
PVA Comp 40
Two Vets 40mm
Two Vets no name
Leofoto Ln 364C
Others?

Base:
RRS Anvil-30
RRS TA-3
Leofoto lh-55
Two Vets leveling head
Others?
 
#2
I picked up an Anvil-30 ball head a few weeks ago (to go with my RRS legs), and right now I'd have to say it's the perfect ball head for shooting use. Simple, locks up like a vault, and solid as hell. If you go that route, I'd strong;y suggest getting it with the adapter plate for the video bowl that fits your choice of tripod, and don't just direct thread it onto your tripod legs, or you'll probably end up having to use locktite to keep it from coming loose.

That said, how much shooting do you really plan to do from the tripod? Personally, I've almost never needed one, even at PRS matches in the SE, and the rare times they were required, the MD provided a couple of them. I've also shot several stages where a tripod was the intended use (but you could use whatever you wanted) with just a long bipod (Harris + 18" PASS leg extensions) and a couple of bags in the back for rear support and did just fine. An extension setup like that is a whole hell of a lot cheaper than even an inexpensive tripod, and will cover a lot of situations.
 
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#3
Thank you, I have read a lot of good things about the anvil which makes me think I should try to get that and a different brand for the legs to stay in my budget. I plan on shooting from it a decent amount, even though I have seen a few people post about how little they use it for prs, it will also be used for my .22, my 5.56 gas gun, possibly some hunting and just because I find it challenging and fun to shoot from. Although the only ones I have had a chance to use shooting wise are the army issue Bushnell and the slik.
 
#7
I too have been using an older aluminum Manfrotto. I ordered an anvil-30 and Feisol 3372. I don't have either yet but I was looking at the same options as you. Any idea what the backorder wait is for an anvil-30? I ordered direct from RRS.
 
#8
I think the Anvil-30 is the way to go if you plan to shoot off of it. Mediocre for binoculars/spotters, but serviceable.

I am using this on the PVA tripod and have no complaints.
 
#9
I received a Comp-40 tripod and anvil-30 with the series 3 adapter this winter. I have been completely impressed. The comp-40 was designed to accept all RRS series 3 accessories. I can’t really invision a situation this set up won’t handle. The tripod is plenty stable and the ballhead locks up tight. The ball head has two mounting systems built in. One for arca mounts and one for 1913 mounts. With a 16 lb rifle secured in the mount and the ball head locked down it takes a significant amount of force to get the ball head to actually give any. I’m right around $900 in and have no complaints.
 
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#10
The_Count said:
I think the Anvil-30 is the way to go if you plan to shoot off of it. Mediocre for binoculars/spotters, but serviceable.

I am using this on the PVA tripod and have no complaints.
Click to expand...

Agreed on the binos and spotters. It's not as easy to move as a grip head, but with a little practice, it works well enough. It's nuts shooting off of it, though.
 
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#14
I really like my Anvil-30. currently running it on a PRST tripod. Curious if anyone has compared the PRST to the Leofoto 364C or 404C? They're both heavier than the PRST but I'm assuming a bit steadier as well?
 
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#15
After trying several different "cheaper" tripods and heads, I can say if I had to prioritize I'd place more emphasis on getting some sort of RRS head, then get the nicest tripod you can with what's left over. Can't comment on Anvil 30, but cheap(er) leveling bases and arca type lever clamps just don't hold a candle to RRS units.

I researched all the tripods on your list as well, some of them are very similar in weight rating, leg size, etc. I ended up getting the Feisol 3372 because it was the lightest.
 
#17
I just went down the same road as you just recently . I ended up with a nightstalker Pro ($420) and a RRS TA-3 ($280) . Overall I’m very pleased with my choices and am surprised at how stable you can really get .
 

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#18
I bought this for backpack hunting. (ball head is too heavy for that) I think it would work great with a Anvil-30..... Im a newb but if you're running the Anvil-30 there is no need for the "leveling base" style tripod correct? Might be a place to shave a few bucks and buy a nice head.

https://www.amazon.com/Leofoto-LS-3...8347&refinements=p_4:LEOFOTO&s=merchant-items

Fully extended its the perfect height to shoot off of with a ball head.

Folds tight, easier to strap to a pack.
 
#19
I have the Two Vet Arms 40mm and the leveling base they offer. WORTH EVERY PENNY. I wouldn't even consider upgrading to an RRS. The 40mike mike is the exact same tripod as the one by PVA. I compared them last month at a match. So go with whichever is cheaper. The leveling base is definitely limited on how much up and down movement you get, but I've had no problem using it in matches and haven't even considered upgrading to a nice ballhead yet.
 
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#20
kornface13 said:
I have the Two Vet Arms 40mm and the leveling base they offer. WORTH EVERY PENNY. I wouldn't even consider upgrading to an RRS. The 40mike mike is the exact same tripod as the one by PVA. I compared them last month at a match. So go with whichever is cheaper. The leveling base is definitely limited on how much up and down movement you get, but I've had no problem using it in matches and haven't even considered upgrading to a nice ballhead yet.
Click to expand...
I was also looking very hard at the PVA and two vets when I found the nighstalker. From what I could tell they are all the same as with their expected arrival dates, the nightstalker was the cheapest at $420 including the leg covers and a carrying sling so I went with it. I would have bought the anvil but couldn’t find one, the TA-3’s are everywhere.
 
#24
I too have been down that rabbit trail of selecting the correct tripod!

I put together a list of everything that each one offers and it should help with your decision.

I bought a Benro A373T tripod a year ago and self installed a RRS TA-3 leveling base had to do some modification to it to make it fit. The Benro has a half bowl permanently installed in it so I removed it and installed 3 set screws to hold it. Going with a carbon fiber leg tripod over an aluminum you will have a lot more rigidity and it'll be a lot more stable that's one of the reasons I upgraded in addition to the height I would gain with the Leofoto.

I've used RRS tripods and heads and the head is the most important thing in my opinion especially the clamp if you go with the ARCA swiss rail system which I have on two of my rifles and my binos. I ended up going with the Leofoto LN-364C tripod because it was the tallest one and I use it mainly for spotting for PRS style matches and the RRS TA-3 head fits in it perfectly. I can use a Hog saddle I have paired with a arca plate for rifles I don't have a rail on.

Let me know if you have any questions Ill be glad to help

Tripod OptionsBrandModelPriceWeightHeightBowl DiaLoad RatingLeg SectionLeg Dia
HaveBenroA373T$ 180.004.98lbs58.3"75mm Half bowl55lbs
3​
32mm
4LeofotoLN-404c$ 525.007.5lbs70.9"100mm110lbs
4​
40mm
2Patriot ValleyComp-40$ 500.005.5lbs72"75mm110lbs
4​
40mm
3Feisol3372$ 575.003.9lbs60"75mm66lbs
3​
38mm
1LeofotoLN-364c$ 500.005.7lbs63"75mm77.2lbs
4​
36mIff
 
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