I really like
this Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod PRO-2 head I got from opticsplanet. It was under 300 last year when I got it. I spent a lot of time behind it last year with my binos and am really happy with it.
Other than square range setups where you can use a buggy or short hop from the vehicle to practice or that's how the PRS match is set up, where heavy doesn't matter...
There are TWO camps for hunting and tripods; the same is true for most field matches or matches require you are far away from your vehicle. One camp that wants the lightest cheapest tripod for glassing, but then carries shooting sticks and or a longer bipod or settle on shakey higher CEP shots, and those that ditch the sticks, bipod, and get a light but uber stable tripod that runs dual duty for glassing and shooting.
Particularly, in the West, where the distances can be rather far, the latter seems to work far better for me.
Not only is the total net weight usually lower, but the stability is much higher, especially when using a large spotter in high-wind or making that longer shot with a much lower CEP.
Things have rapidly changed. I used to be the only guy I would see (surely, not the only one doing so) using one tripod for both. In the Mountains particularly at a camp, it was not uncommon for people to rib me about my tripod. Today, almost every one of those same guys are running high-end tripods. My point is when you think about your purchase really think about your future possible needs.
Someone thinking about using a tripod for field matches or hunting you might find the
third topic in the thread on tips and tricks on tripods somewhat helpful. It is actual post #54
See the 2021 match schedule here: https://www.avenaltactical.com/ including the next UKD Team Match, 2 PRS Pro Bolt series, PRS SW Regional Qualifier, and monthly Hunter and PRS regional series, matches. Because our match was sold out 10 months in advance, we feel we should offer a spin up...
www.snipershide.com
While the tips are geared towards our UKD field matches, they are all based on Western Hunting. For instance, you're behind low cover, a tip on how can you quickly and quietly set up your tripod for a standing long-range tripod shot above your concealment, all set-up is done while under cover. See tip 9b.
Near the very bottom, Also of some interest, might be the stability difference between tripods with center column and one without as a through the scope video. In these clips I purposely choose non-shooting because it shows clearly the drastic difference just when mounting the rifle or bumping it.
