One last tripod question

[snowplow]

Hey guys, sorry for all the tripod questions. I thought I knew what I wanted, and then went down a rabbit hole after rabbit hole. I had no idea this topic was that deep.

So I'm here to take a step back and ask what I probably should have asked first, since I know next to nothing on the subject.

What would you guys recommend as the best bang for the buck tripod under $400. This is just the tripod legs, not a head. This will be used standing up and sitting down, and shooting and glassing with binos. This will prob be my one and only do everything tripod for the foreseeable future.

It's very overwhelming how many options there are. It seems like there's a big difference in heads, but I'm not so sure how different the actual tripods are. They all seem to be made out of relatively the same thing, and made mostly the same way. So maybe the legs aren't that big of a deal? You tell me.

So far, my best idea is the Aziak Front Country at about 350$.

How would you spend my $400?

 

[XP1K]

Can you bump your budget by $50 ?

Accessories - Leofoto SA404C W/ MG40 Head

For sale: BNIB, only taken out for photos, Leofoto SOAR series SA404C with MG40 head and lever clamp. Compact but sturdy! Apex has same footprint as Anvil. This is a sturdier model than the any of the SA324 or 364 models. 324=32mm legs 4 section, 363=36mm legs 3 section, 404=40mm legs 4...

www.snipershide.com

 

[MO Fugga]

You'll want 2, one for the gun, and one for other shit.

 

[VandelayIndustries]

ive got one for sale in the classified section. Like new.

 

[4O6shootist]

Innorel rt90C with a leofoto anvil clone is the best you can do for the least amount of money. Light tripods are shit to shoot off of any position higher than low kneeling.

 

[Luckyshot]

Get inverted legs whatever you do.
You didnt say if weight was a factor

If you are into superlite, Tricer came out with the HK recently. It looks about perfect for hunting but they are still on preorder

https://tricer.com/products/tricer-hk

If weight is no concern, just get whatever is heavy with inverted legs. They are literally all made in china if under $600

 

[4O6shootist]

If you are into superlite, Tricer came out with the HK recently. It looks about perfect for hunting but they are still on preorder

https://tricer.com/products/tricer-hk

Tricer is China made, yet overpriced. Likely due to their million dollar social media advertising campaign. I'll never buy that shit due to the constant onslaught of adds.

 

[blackblue]

Leofoto SA-403C+MA-30L Lever-Release Rifle Carbon Fiber Tripod Set | eBay

Max load: 25kg. Weight: 2.3kg. height: 160mm.

www.ebay.com

 

[TheNarrator]

I've found that in this category you pretty much get what you pay for. A cheaper version, meticulously maintained, would likely provide a decent lifespan. BOG is right at the $400 mark.

 

[Luckyshot]

Tricer is China made, yet overpriced. Likely due to their million dollar social media advertising campaign. I'll never buy that shit due to the constant onslaught of adds.

Sure, under no illusions that Tricer is US origin. Their tripods are the same price as other Chinese ones. I don't have a clue about their ads, but I don't have social media either

I suggested that specific product because it is the only one of its kind that I'm aware of (inverted, 3 section, no center column, gets to standing height, <3lbs, doesn't cost RRS money)

 

[4O6shootist]

Sub 3# tripods suck to shoot off above low kneeling, it don't matter if Tricer, leofoto or RRS. I own a few rrs, few eofoto, and other Chinesium sold by PVA back in the day. Light weight is cool for packing/glassing, but not good for shooting. I have a leofoto 323C with Sunwayfoto inverted ball head, whole things 3# 11oz, and it still won't shoot at game past 400y standing, thin legs(no matter who makes em) aren't sturdy as the height gets up there.

 

[snowplow]

Thanks guys. I'll look up all of those.

For now I'm not too worried about light weight. I just want stable, shootable, and hopefully not stupidly heavy. Do any of these mentioned fit that bill? I didn't realize the Aziak and others l was looking at were considered lightweight. Lightweight is awesome, but more than anything I just need a really stable tripod.

 

[XP1K]

Sub 3# tripods suck to shoot off above low kneeling, it don't matter if Tricer, leofoto or RRS. I own a few rrs, few eofoto, and other Chinesium sold by PVA back in the day. Light weight is cool for packing/glassing, but not good for shooting. I have a leofoto 323C with Sunwayfoto inverted ball head, whole things 3# 11oz, and it still won't shoot at game past 400y standing, thin legs(no matter who makes em) aren't sturdy as the height gets up there.

In your experience, what's the best non RRS option for shooting in the standing position ?

 

[4O6shootist]

In your experience, what's the best non RRS option for shooting in the standing position ?

My Leofoto so-362 is 95% the performance of my RRS 22I for half the money. I however got the RRS for a really good deal. These are both inverted 2 section tripods. Not the best for lower shooting positions, as their hight require legs splayed for seated or low kneeling shooting. However for prs/hunter stuff, they're pretty solid setups.

The above linked leofoto 403C/ma30 combo is the best you're going to do for conventional non-inverted setup, that's prob the jack of all trades, do everything well combo.

 

[blackblue]

I snagged one of the 403 ones I linked, I don't shoot prs but will use it for range time, coyote and blind hunting. So far just messing with setup and features it will work perfectly for me, arca/pic clamp is solid and ballhead locks up tight.

 

[strow]

406shootist or others, how much more stability do you pick up going from the Leofoto 324 to the 364? Is the 364 noticeably more stable than the 324 series tripods?

 

[Luckyshot]

406shootist or others, how much more stability do you pick up going from the Leofoto 324 to the 364? Is the 364 noticeably more stable than the 324 series tripods?

i echo what 406shootist says above about shooting from lightweight tripods.
I had a 324cl tripod and while you COULD shoot standing, it is not ideal, and I would not be comfortable over a couple hundred yards

For me, lightweight tripods are for shooting seated/kneeling and then standing height is for glassing only

If shooting from standing is a primary goal, get the thicker, heavier tripods

 

[BurtG]

Sub 3# tripods suck to shoot off above low kneeling, it don't matter if Tricer, leofoto or RRS. I own a few rrs, few eofoto, and other Chinesium sold by PVA back in the day. Light weight is cool for packing/glassing, but not good for shooting. I have a leofoto 323C with Sunwayfoto inverted ball head, whole things 3# 11oz, and it still won't shoot at game past 400y standing, thin legs(no matter who makes em) aren't sturdy as the height gets up there.

Idk what a 34 or 22 with anvil weigh but they are rock stead standing.

 

[snowplow]

I snagged one of the 403 ones I linked, I don't shoot prs but will use it for range time, coyote and blind hunting. So far just messing with setup and features it will work perfectly for me, arca/pic clamp is solid and ballhead locks up tight.
View attachment 8647246

Just ordered!

 

[4O6shootist]

Idk what a 34 or 22 with anvil weigh but they are rock stead standing.

22i with anvil is near 6# yes stable. Stable to shoot off of standing? Yes if you have good lock on your anvil near natural poa. I idk if I feel better with a gamechanger atop the Apex, or clipped in with anvil. Under recoil depending on rifle, the bag has its advantages.

 

[davsco]

Comparison of the 403 vs pig0311 tripod? Is the 403 night and day stiffer/better?

 

[4O6shootist]

406shootist or others, how much more stability do you pick up going from the Leofoto 324 to the 364? Is the 364 noticeably more stable than the 324 series tripods?

The larger diameter Tripod will always be more stable. I do not have a 36mm diameter leg tripod to compare unfortunately. I had a 28, still have a 32mm and variety 40mm. My 32mm setup is sub 4# with Sunwayfoto head, that what I hunt with. I'd venture to say the wobble of the 32mm VS 40mm is 50-75% more when you tap the muzzle or buttstock when clipped in. So your 36mm version is likely in between the two somewhere.

 

[strow]

It may be hard to quantify but does the number of leg sections have a noticeable difference in stability if set at the same height?

Does inverted legs have any impact on stability over non-inverted? Or is it just for easy of adjustment and keeping twist locks farther away from dirt/sand?

 

[4O6shootist]

It may be hard to quantify but does the number of leg sections have a noticeable difference in stability if set at the same height?

Does inverted legs have any impact on stability over non-inverted? Or is it just for easy of adjustment and keeping twist locks farther away from dirt/sand?

Yes, I have a 40mm 4 section, and a 40mm inverted 2 section. The 2 section is noticeably more stable at standing height.

 

[DeadFox]

Not clear of the OP is asking about this since he mentioned he is asking about legs/no head

My 323/ib-30 rig has way more wobble than my RRS33/anvil when clipped in, more than 75% IMO

But when shooting off a game changer on a table (directly mounted to the tripod - no head) I think the difference is way less. It’s more stable IMO then with a head and clipped in to the rifle. I think the ultimate rigidity of the tripod which is always a plus, is a little less critical when shooting off a bag

 

[4O6shootist]

Not clear of the OP is asking about this since he mentioned he is asking about legs/no head

My 323/ib-30 rig has way more wobble than my RRS33/anvil when clipped in, more than 75% IMO

But when shooting off a game changer on a table (directly mounted to the tripod - no head) I think the difference is way less. It’s more stable IMO then with a head and clipped in to the rifle. I think the ultimate rigidity of the tripod which is always a plus, is a little less critical when shooting off a bag

Agreed. Good natural poa from a bag atop the Tripod Apex has given me the least amount of wobble from high positions. If I'm shooting a lower position where I can get my elbow atop my knee, I think clipped in a slightly better.

 

[Bluedog82]

I have the Leofoto 364 and their Anvil knockoff. It’s pretty decent, but not the most sturdy for long shots. The Warrior is much better for that.