Best glassing tripod for less than 150$

[sebstol1]

Hey folks,
Wondering if anyone has a recommended tripod setup for glassing with binoculars for less than 150$. Certainly I've found some tripods that are less than 150$ but I'd love to hear any hunters perspective on a good, cheaper tripod setup.
Thanks, God bless

 

[jryoung]

Schmaltz sold me a Sinno tripod a couple of years ago, and I figured for $100 it would be okay. Shockingly, I keep trying to upgrade but fail. It's light, compact, durable and very affordable. It doesn't look like it is still made from Sinno, but this Sirui is a spitting image and I'd be shocked if they aren't the same product....same specs all the way around.

I'm going to try and carry my carbon fiber slik that I bought on sale, but I have a sneaking suspicion my Sinno will still get in my pack a majority of the time.

Sirui T-005X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head (Red)

Buy Sirui T-005X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head (Red) featuring Load Capacity: 8.8 lb, Max Height: 54", Min Height: 4.1", Folded Length: 12.2", Leg Sections: 5, Weight: 2.3 lb, Reverse-Folding Legs, Removable Center Column for Low-Angles, Arca-Type Compatible QR Plate, Includes Soft Case...

www.bhphotovideo.com

 

[Deleted member 16014]

Only one in that category I've used is the Slik Sprint Pro with 3-way head. It was decent, lasted me a good 5-6 years of hard use. I've heard good things about the Sirui JR linked.

 

[MThuntr]

I just picked up a ProMaster Guide GD525CK for a few bucks more than $150 but it came highly recommended on another forum. I haven't had a chance to mess with it quite yet but things to move very smoothly.

 

[375H&H]

Vanguard 264AO was my choice and I absolutely love it. Tons of little features that make a difference whether on ice, rock, dirt, severe wind, or steep incline of which I have tried it on all with flawless performance.

Amazon.com : Vanguard Alta 233AO Aluminum Alloy Tripod with 2-Way Magnesium Alloy Pan Head : Camera Tripods : Camera & Photo

Amazon.com : Vanguard Alta 233AO Aluminum Alloy Tripod with 2-Way Magnesium Alloy Pan Head : Camera Tripods : Camera & Photo

www.amazon.com

 

[ScottP]

Hey folks,
Wondering if anyone has a recommended tripod setup for glassing with binoculars for less than 150$. Certainly I've found some tripods that are less than 150$ but I'd love to hear any hunters perspective on a good, cheaper tripod setup.
Thanks, God bless

I have a slik carbon fiber one, can't recall the name and it was just under $200. It's quite nice. I have a sirui aluminum for work - heavier, but nice as well. holds a heavy spotter a bit better. I have a benro pan head but am only impressed by the weight, not function. The pan up and down is really grabby. The work rig has a manfrotto, which is excellent, so smooth, but 2x the $$.

 

[AZBridger]

I've been through LOT of tripods over the years. I am now using a carbon fiber tripod i got on amazon for about $120 and put a manfrotto 700rc2 on it for about $70. A little more than $150, but a guy would be real hard pressed to find a better setup for that price. I've used most tripods and heads over the years including outdoorsman's and i like this setup better than the rest.

 

[sebstol1]

Thanks for your help everyone

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Schmaltz sold me a Sinno tripod a couple of years ago, and I figured for $100 it would be okay. Shockingly, I keep trying to upgrade but fail. It's light, compact, durable and very affordable. It doesn't look like it is still made from Sinno, but this Sirui is a spitting image and I'd be shocked if they aren't the same product....same specs all the way around.

I'm going to try and carry my carbon fiber slik that I bought on sale, but I have a sneaking suspicion my Sinno will still get in my pack a majority of the time.

Sirui T-005X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head (Red)

Buy Sirui T-005X Aluminum Tripod with C-10S Ball Head (Red) featuring Load Capacity: 8.8 lb, Max Height: 54", Min Height: 4.1", Folded Length: 12.2", Leg Sections: 5, Weight: 2.3 lb, Reverse-Folding Legs, Removable Center Column for Low-Angles, Arca-Type Compatible QR Plate, Includes Soft Case...

www.bhphotovideo.com

I have the same one courtesy of Schmaltz. Pretty great value.

 

[CForest]

Keep an eye on the slik clearance page. I think I paid 160 for a 734 and is super sturdy.

 

[Trial153]

Might find a slik 634 for around 200 on Ebay

 

[Wyomuleskinner]

I bought a slik for $100 been real happy with it. About 2 months ago I had it in the back of my truck -20 and got it out to look at some goats. A piece broke (I blame the -20 weather) called slik. $10 later I’m back in business.

 

[BrentD]

I have a Slik. I like the tripod itself but the head is sticky and jumps around. Very hard to pan smoothly and with precision. I am beginning to realize that the head is more important than the tripod.

 

[rfra]

Budget option...

3WE sells a carbon fiber tripod for $115 on Amazon that looks suspiciously similar to another commonly touted carbon model which sells for a lot more (draw your own Chinese manufacturing facility conclusions). I picked one up out of curiosity and am not disappointed. It comes with a pretty decent ball head. I put a $30 GkGk G06 fluid pan/tilt on it and am very pleased. This is a very solid tripod even at standing height.

So if you dont care what name is on the side, you can have a full height carbon tripod with arca-swiss fluid pan head in a 3.5# package for under $150.

Pics with my Athlon Ares 65 for scale and is extended well above my standing viewing height (I'm 5'9").

 

[Flatlander3]

Why are tripods so dang expensive? Knowing nothing about them, i would gues on average they should be 30 to 50 dollars and high end, 100$. You can barely find one for 100$

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Why are tripods so dang expensive?

Because when it comes to tripods many people want them to be both lightweight and durable. That combination is expensive for pretty much anything, especially with tripods which have a number of moving parts and adjustments.