Tripod for scouting and hunting

[jbuck88]

Looking for a solid lightweight tripod for taking out scouting before hunting season. I won't be shooting from it, so I'm hoping that I can keep the cost down.

Low end end would be sitting on the mountain top looking down into the fields, and I would also like to be able to use it standing at 6'2". So I hope that's not too much to ask for. It's a Leupold Mk4 spotter if it matters.

Thanks.

 

[ken226]

I bought a refurbished Slik 700DX, directly from Sliks website. They have a section for closeouts and refurbished items. It was 69.00 and has been fantastic. Its only a few pounds, plenty strong and looks great after I did a custom Kryptek cerakote job on the legs.

Mine was a legs only setup. They sell a complete refurbished for about a hundred bucks.
https://slikusa.com/product/refurbished-pro-700dx-amt-tripod-silver/

 

[Westy35]

I’ve used the ultralight Velbon for backpack hunting for years. It works great.

Im 6’4”, and it works for me standing with my angles Minox spotter which runs about 3 lbs.

 

[rippit]

Davis and Sanford tr654c is pretty good for around $125-170. A little cheaper option is the Neewer 66" carbon tripod. Both compare pretty well to the sliks for less money

 

[g.ross]

Slik AMT 700DX with a manfrotto pan head has work for me .

 

[Sendit6.5]

I hear a lot of people using a Slik 700DX and I'm wondering if that isn't awfully heavy? I've got a PRST tripod ([video]http://stores.hogsaddle.com/prst-carbon-fiber-tripod/[/video]) that I use with my Hog Saddle that only weighs 4.1 pounds, bare, plus the weight of the ball head and saddle (3.4lbs) and it's not something I'd want to carry into the back country. The Slik 700DX is heavier. Also, they both seem pretty bulky. Wouldn't something really light, say 2.5-3lbs be better for holding a spotting scope while scouting/hunting?

I've been using a Meopta 65mm on a BogPod tripod for years and it's been OK. Very easy to carry and if I broke it, no big deal - they're cheap. I just ordered a Swarovski ATX 85mm, though, and I'm considering buying a new/better tripod. Is it a stability issue that leads people to use these bigger heavier tripods?

There are often times where I'm actually using 2 tripods these days - my PRST for my rifle and (currently) my BogPod for my scope. This way I can sit on the ground and watch a giant oat field or a 800yd sendero (wide Ranch Road for non-Texans, lol!). This way I can run both with very little movement. I'd rather not have to switch out my rifle and the spotter on a single tripod in situations like this - the movement is too risky and potentially to loud. Besides, if an animal is moving and you need to shoot quickly, the time lost could mean an opportunity lost.

Has anyone tried the something like the Slik Lite CF-422? [video]https://slikusa.com/product/lite-cf-422/[/video] 2.3lbs carbon fiber with a 6.6lb weight rating and a minimum height of 8" (great for prone shooting) and a max of 70". I'm thinking a bungee cord to a pack or a tent stake would keep it plenty stable.

Thoughts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sendit6.5]

Slik 700 with a leveling head and a QD rail mount.. Not too heavy at all (humped it around this fall in very steep country in the middle fork of the Boise River in Idaho)

Here it is set up for dry fire practice in the back yard. I live in the country so I can pick targets out to 800 yards.....usually eurasian collared doves in trees around 600 yards. I use a back bipod for stabilizing and also use it as a walking stick when humping in steep country.

tri light by ChorizoUSMC, on Flickr

Chorizo -

Thanks for the input! I like that setup. I use that BogPod bipod for calling all the time. Never thought of using it as a rear support before. Nice to have that much room off your porch. I can only reach 250 from mine and have to drive 3 miles to the ranch to stretch out past 400. Ringnecks are a good idea! Lol!

You here in S Texas also?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chorizo]

Chorizo -

Thanks for the input! I like that setup. I use that BogPod bipod for calling all the time. Never thought of using it as a rear support before. Nice to have that much room off your porch. I can only reach 250 from mine and have to drive 3 miles to the ranch to stretch out past 400. Ringnecks are a good idea! Lol!

You here in S Texas also?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Idaho, my friend, Idaho. Ringnecks get close enough to shoot with my shotgun!

 

[chorizo]

Here is a medium weight setup for rock chucks

rem 7 by ChorizoUSMC, on Flickr

rem7gemtech by ChorizoUSMC, on Flickr

hit short story by ChorizoUSMC, on Flickr

 

[chorizo]

slow motion with clear trail

slow hit 2 by ChorizoUSMC, on Flickr

 

[Sendit6.5]

Idaho, my friend, Idaho. Ringnecks get close enough to shoot with my shotgun!

Dang, I didn't know y'all have ringnecks up there! I grew up in Moose, Wyo, just north of Jackson and I didn't know what a ringneck was until I got here...almost 30 years ago. I thought they're were a Texas 'thing!' You lucky dog! I'd love to move back up there but my wife and kids are pure Texas and could never take a winter up north- like I can't take the summers here!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[chorizo]

Sorry to hear that, as Texans are welcome here always, as long as you displace a Californian when you come.

rooster2 by ChorizoUSMC, on Flickr

My old dog, Jake now passed for over a year.

13412999_10210218083597174_280095313840948527_n by ChorizoUSMC, on Flickr