Looking to upgrade spotter tripod
- Thread starter 88man
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406LIFE
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I picked up the Vortex Summit SSP a couple weeks ago on ebay for a deal. It's been great. I like the twist lock on the legs, quick and easy deployment. My last one had the levers, and I din't like that at all. Plus lifetime warranty...
I use the Vortex Pro GT Tripod. I like it, but it is a bit heavy. With that being said, the weight is helpful in the wind. Also don't take 406Life's comment about the lifetime warranty lightly. I have already used mine, I dropped it and busted up the head. Vortex didn't ask any questions and I had the parts I needed in a couple of days. I think it costs around $150.
TRS_Montana
Well-known member
I also just picked up the vortex summit. After talking to a very helpful employee at Sportsmans Warehouse for a while, I am convinced that the leg clipping mechanisms (as opposed to the twist-lock mechanisms) are unreliable. He explained that they start to slip, and over time, the gets worse. I was looking at the Vanguard Alta series (which are mostly the clips) and he convinced me that the twist locks were much better.
I don't have much experience with other tripods, though. That said, I am very happy with the summit.
I don't have much experience with other tripods, though. That said, I am very happy with the summit.
wannakillabigbull
Well-known member
What size/weight of spotter? All tripod heads have weight limits that they'll be able to hold. For example the Vortex Summit SS-P worked great for my 50mm 24 oz spotter, but couldn't hold up my 65mm 48 oz spotter.
406LIFE
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Thats a good point. The Summit is also made more for packing than lugging around in a truck. Mine pulls double duty. Also, FWIW, the hook on the middle of the tripod is for adding weight to adds stability; I just use my pack when its needed.
jmden
Member
The Sirui T-025X with T-10 head is a pretty light tripod but supports loads up to 13.2 pounds while weighing less than 2 lbs. I've used it for several years and seems like a pretty good tripod.
I have an Alta series. That salesman is full of it. mtmuley
7mm08mo
Well-known member
I personally steer away from twist locks, had to many fail on tripods and shooting sticks. Snap locks seem IMHO to hold up way better. I have a vortex high country right now. Not bad not great but serviceable. Hasn’t yet let me down.
Dinkshooter
Well-known member
suck up the $ pain and buy an Outdoorsmans and don't look back
Did that 3 or 4 years ago. Happy with the purchase, but can't compare it to other quality tripods. I use it a ton for my small camera lenses as well.
keep an eye on the slik sale tab on their page, they have been closing out "old" models. I just bought a 724 for $162 a couple weeks ago.
this would make for a great setup if you need a head as well. A deal popped up for me for an extra 10% off the first order.
this would make for a great setup if you need a head as well. A deal popped up for me for an extra 10% off the first order.
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TRS_Montana
Well-known member
Could be. I'll keep it in mind if the twist locks on the summit become a disappointment down the road. One negative comment I have right away with the summit is that the head sucks. I bought a nikon window mount. I am going to tap a piece of machined aluminum that will screw on to the summit tripod and serve as an adaptor for the nikon window mount so that I don't have to switch heads.
The different mounting bases between tripod and window mount are a pita for sure. I have separate tripods for my chrono and rifle range scope. My hunting spotter has it's own tripod. Wish I could have a universal base. To the op, my Alta 233AO is rock solid with a 65mm. It holds 6 lbs. mtmuley
lastlight
Well-known member
Spending extra money on a tripod/head is worth it IMO. I didnt break the bank too bad and love my set up for many reasons; weight, twist locks (no noise like levers make), micro pan head, I can glass standing, etc.
-ProMaster Professional XC525C Carbon Fiber Tripod ($300) weighs 2 lbs 12 ounces
-Outdoorsmans micro pan head ($330) and weighs 7.5 ounces
I run my Vortex Razor HD 10x42s along with a Vortex Razor HD spotter 11-33x50 and they work well. My next purchase would be a 65mm spotter and the micro pan head can handle those as well.
-ProMaster Professional XC525C Carbon Fiber Tripod ($300) weighs 2 lbs 12 ounces
-Outdoorsmans micro pan head ($330) and weighs 7.5 ounces
I run my Vortex Razor HD 10x42s along with a Vortex Razor HD spotter 11-33x50 and they work well. My next purchase would be a 65mm spotter and the micro pan head can handle those as well.
