Tripods??? Where to start???

[winniethepooh]

I’m looking for an entry to mid level tripod set up to try out. And frankly the options and brands are quite overwhelming. It will be used mainly on my ax308 with arca rails but would also like to use it for my manners stock remington. Any recommendations?

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I'm running a Desmond DCF-432 carbon fiber tripod with a Sunwayfoto leveling head and arca clamp. Cost is about $300 all in and so far it's been very stable with two rifles in AX AICS chassis out to about 600 yards. I'm very happy with the set up.

 

[Chasing3]

Trigger Monkey what Sunwayfoto model do you have? I am considering their stuff but not sure how they compare to RRS

 

[Trigger Monkey]

I'm running a DYH-66i, it's about $80 and supports 33 lbs with +/- 16 degrees of tilt, that being said I don't think it's really fair to compare my Sunwayfoto leveling base to a RRS. A Ford Fusion has four wheels, a steering wheel, and leather seats but it's not a Mercedes Benz. One thing about the DYH-66i though is that the bubble level on the side can interfere with completely screwing on an Arca clamp, at first I used an adapter to raise it up higher to clear the thumb knob but I eventually just cut the level off.

Benro also has a nice leveling base for about $120 that has a 100 lb capacity with +/- 15 degrees of tilt.

 

[Strykervet]

I have a nice Sirui that would probably work for shooting from but I got it for a spotting setup. It supports 27lbs., will work from the prone or standing and is very nice. Cameraland can help you out, just call them. I was overwhelmed by tripods too but I called them and they squared me away after telling them what I needed it to do, couldn't be happier. Make sure to tell them you're a member here.

If I was gonna get one to shoot from, and I may one day, I'd probably consider the PIG 0311 but I don't know how much they support. I'd imagine a lot considering what their niche is. I like their compact version best but not sure which one I'll go with. I'd like it to support a .50 HTI.

 

[MikeInUtah]

Skip the cheap stuff and frustration. Either work off RRS or Feisol.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Yeah that's it, just go buy the most expensive stuff, at least they'll look like they know what they're doing.

The PIG 0311 has a listed capacity of 26 lbs.

 

[Anderson_A]

I have the Desmond it’s ok but I used the two vets no name tripod a few times and it’s far more stable than my Desmond if it’s in your price range I think it’s a great value

 

[jsimonh]

I bought a Gitzo CF that works with all the series 3 RRS gadgets. Stayed patient and bought a RRS BH55 for a great deal off of Ebay. Got about 600 into the setup and works great. I used a RRS TA3 for a bit but I personally like the BH better.

 

[Nik H]

What about the PVA COMP-40???

Seems like a good compromise in terms of price against an RRS

 

[Rangemaster]

I went with the leofoto 404c which can hold up to a 100lbs, then all you need is a 75mm half bowl adapter and a arca swiss mount. This is a heavy tripod at about 8lbs, but I can shoot off it at any position even standing its rock solid.

 

[mrtoyz]

LeoFoto stuff is pretty nice for the money.

 

[aard3]

I went through a couple cheaper options, but was never happy with them so I finally just bit the bullet and went with RRD Tripod and their Anvil ballhead.

If i was buying another tripod I would take a hard look at the PVA tripod, and see if it would fit the RRS ballheads or leveling base

 

[Diver160651]

Yeah that's it, just go buy the most expensive stuff, at least they'll look like they know what they're doing.

The PIG 0311 has a listed capacity of 26 lbs.

Says someone who must not have spent years and countless rounds working on technique on Monfrotos only to find that the better tripods are cheap when you consider the entire picture..

 

[winniethepooh]

Looks to me the consensus is buy once cry once with tripods as well

 

[trob_205]

Really happy with my pig 0311 tripod and sunwayfoto leveling base...

 

[Sledge1]

Looks to me the consensus is buy once cry once with tripods as well

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Monk Medic]

Hog Saddle with the PIG 0311 tripod.
Good price, good quality, does 99.9% of anyone is going to use it for.
When I wear it out, I’d buy another.
Plus you’re supporting a veteran owned business.

 

[lennyo3034]

How much should I read into the weight ratings on these leveling bases? The Benro is 110 lbs while the RRS is only 25. However looking at the size and build of both, I see no reason to think the RRS is weaker.

Is this just varying levels of BS from the manufacturer?

 

[mrtoyz]

Agree it’s tough.
I’m an RRS guy, begrudgingly lol! It’s the best IMO. However if you just flat won’t pay that kind of coin then these other suggestions are your best bet.
IMO stay away from anything with a center column if you are truly using it for shooting. They make the construct inherently more unstable that a ball head or leveling base.
Finding a tripod with a center column tall enough to shoot standing is challenging. As I said above I would give the LeoFoto tripods a hard look. I have one. I’m impressed with their quality and stability.

 

[Chet790]

Anybody recommend a Vanguard bench to tripod?

 

[Strykervet]

Yeah that's it, just go buy the most expensive stuff, at least they'll look like they know what they're doing.

The PIG 0311 has a listed capacity of 26 lbs.

Well, guess that fixes that! I wouldn't have figured, like I said, I'm not getting one myself just yet so I hadn't really investigated them, but with their following I figured they'd support much more. The Sirui I have will do 27 and was only $136 w/ball head, so I guess I'll keep looking and look into some of the ones mentioned here for shooting off of. I don't plan on doing it right away myself so I have time.

But for a spotting setup, this $136 Sirui is on par with Manfrotto, maybe better, and at 8" it goes lower, solid and well made, light and inexpensive (they make a CF model though) and supporting 27lbs., it's more than enough for a spotter, LRF, PVS, PEQ and mount. And since it supports 1lb more than the PIG, I guess it could make for a decent shooting tripod too for most rifles. Absolutely zero complaints either way, and still recommend calling Cameraland because I'd likely never have found the one I got if I'd had to dig through 'em all myself.

 

[PDXGS]

I went with a Manfrotto Aluminum and then to Carbon - eventually added a RRS leveling base....saving the clams for an RRS or Feisol leg set now.

 

[mustang-cars]

I went with the Feisol 3372 and RRS TA-3 leveling head route. Works well for the matches I attend.

 

[indys28]

Has anyone tried/checked out the Feisol CRETAC tripod system? Looks promising, but not sure how it compares to the Leofoto or RRS tripods everyone seems to favor.

http://www.feisol.net/cretac/cretac-rifle-tripod-3372.html

 

[mrtoyz]

Feisol is good stuff for sure. 3372 is beefy and the 3342 is just on the edge of being too light IMO.
My problem with Feisol is that their heads and leveling base are lacking when it comes to smoothness and controls.

 

[razzle]

I have a Sirui N-3204X carbon fiber tripod that I use for photography, and plan to use it for shooting once the Arca Swiss handgrip is out for the MDT ESS. It is top quality and very robust, and crouches very low because of the removable center column. If you are not familiar with Sirui, I recommend checking them out.

 

[matthew9999tx]

Check out the nightstalker tripod from nightgoggles.com I just got mine a few days ago haven't shot off it yet but it looks promising. Mounted the Ruger precision rifle on it and it feels solid can go from standing to prone and carbon fiber too. I only paid $310 for the tripod, pig saddle, and it even came with pan/tilt ballhead. Haven't seen anything else better for the price.

 

[Darkside-Six]

Check out the PIG0311. I picked one up last fall when they came out and I believe they’re right around $150. Made by hog saddle. Very rugged and well built Tripod. I also have an AX308. I would go with. RRS clamp mount though.

 

[tex68w]

No one mentioned Crux Ordnance, should be on par with RRS.

 

[winniethepooh]

It seems pricier than RRS

 

[tex68w]

It seems pricier than RRS

About the same if not less when considering their combos. Neither is cheap though. I just went the RRS route but I got a deal on the tripod so that helped to sway my decision.

$1120 all in

https://cruxord.myshopify.com/colle...m/products/pmg-k06-kit-34mm-tripod-with-riser


VS

$1025 + $280 = $1305

http://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/TVC-33-Mk2-TFC-33-Mk2-Tripods-SOAR

and

http://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/TA-3-LC-SOAR-Series-3-Leveling-Base-with-Clamp

 

[man32ahan]

The PVA with RRS leveling base and Vyce is my go to setup.

 

[rsb]

Precision Rifle Solutions has a great adapter/ quick release, that is mounted on their Slik tripod.



The adapter:
https://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/apps/webstore/products/show/7387137

the rest of the setup:
https://www.precisionriflesolutions.com/apps/webstore/products/show/7540843

you can upgrade to a carbon fiber tripods with their QR later as budget allows.

Starting from scratch in a year with rifle scope(s), LRF(s), wind meter(s), Applied Ballistics knowledge bundle, and the the rabbit hole called reloading gets expensive.

 

[rockmyglock]

I also have PIG 0311 with leveling base and shoot with an AX308. Solid tripod. Use the RRS BAX15 plate. The PIG with leveling base is more than adequate for my needs at this point. Even carried this combo on a couple backpack hunts this year. I shed weight with other gear to make up for it.

It isn't light, but the price to value ratio is there.

You WILL have some flex in the legs when the rifle yaws. Focus on establishing a proper shooting position. When tapping on the stock of the AX (pitch axis) is much more stable than my other rifles on the same tripod.

If you insist on buy once cry once, get the RRS. I plan to get one down the road. It's a super solid setup, lightweight. It's American made and top notch build quality.

 

[skatz11]

Here’s my budget tripod set. I’m looking forward to testing this out tomorrow.

SLIK 700DX (center column removed)
Sunwayfoto DYH-90B Leveling Base

I got the leveling base used on Amazon for $50. It feels pretty solid.

I’ll see how it works with for $150 total. I’d like to get a full RRS setup eventually.

 

[gonzaga]

Any links to the two vets no name tripod?

 

[Bkultra]

https://www.twovetssportinggoods.com/collections/tripods/products/two-vets-sporting-goods-tripod

 

[Rangemaster]

Here’s my budget tripod set. I’m looking forward to testing this out tomorrow.

SLIK 700DX (center column removed)
Sunwayfoto DYH-90B Leveling Base

I got the leveling base used on Amazon for $50. It feels pretty solid.

I’ll see how it works with for $150 total. I’d like to get a full RRS setup eventually.

View attachment 6961715

View attachment 6961716

Here is mine on my LeoFoto 404c with a Hog Saddle. This is rock solid setup.

 

[gonzaga]

Thank you for the link, I am going to check them out.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I'm just going to add this, for the moment. I bought My Lady a Sirui tripod some years ago, when I picked up a camera system for her. (Cameraland is DEFINITELY where you want to shop) This tripod that I bought has the 'twist' locks, as opposed to the quicker 'lever locks' on all the leg segments.

If I had it to do over again, (as in, the nest tripod I buy) it will come with the lever-locks. Simpler and faster, and from what I understand they are just as strong.

Manfrotto ball-heads though, they're where IT'S AT.

 

[mjsand44]

Does any one have any experience with Cruxord set up? How does it compare to the Really Right Stuff. Price is so close I am having a hard time choosing.

 

[winniethepooh]

I have been looking at the LeoFoto stuff. We need some traction on the group buy

 

[Eustice]

Tagged for interest.

I have a Pig0311 and a Pig saddle. Torn on whether I want a ballhead or a leveling base. My heaviest rifle is 16 pounds so I don’t have any monsters to support. I know the leaving base will be more stable but the ballhead will give more movement. We have a place 90 minutes from me that does high-angle shooting so I’d like to be able to that. Not sure how limited I’d be with the leveling base.

Any brands to stay away from as far as ball heads and leveling bases go?

 

[mrtoyz]

Tagged for interest.

I have a Pig0311 and a Pig saddle. Torn on whether I want a ballhead or a leveling base. My heaviest rifle is 16 pounds so I don’t have any monsters to support. I know the leaving base will be more stable but the ballhead will give more movement. We have a place 90 minutes from me that does high-angle shooting so I’d like to be able to that. Not sure how limited I’d be with the leveling base.

Any brands to stay away from as far as ball heads and leveling bases go?

I was not happy with the Feisol ball heads or leveling head.
I use RRS and Leophoto currently

 

[Eustice]

Any input on Sunwayfoto versus Benro for leveling bases?

How are leveling bases to adjust versus a ballhead?

 

[Banango]

I'm using the field optics research 5436c costs less than $300 and is rated for 95 pounds. I got to use the cruxford once at a match and it was a solid tripod. One of the guys running a leofoto claimed his 364 was more stable than the cruxford.

 

[Strykervet]

For me it started and ended at Cameraland. I tried looking myself but was just overwhelmed by how many there were.

So I called them, they had a sale over summer, and I got a Sirui (ET1006?). If you're hung up on Manfrotto, forget about it. Sirui is on par with and sometimes better than Manfrotto, they're both top line mfg.'s. I basically told them what I needed it to do --hold a heavy LRF/spotting scope setup, be used in the prone or standing, not be too heavy, be able to support more weight. I got one that goes down to 8" prone without the use of horizontal arms or gimmicks, it' just goes that flat. Supports 27lbs., more than some dedicated rifle tripods. Super happy with it and it only cost $135 or so shipped.

They make a carbon fiber model for about $200 more. It's nice, but I'm not humping it for miles so I figure it won't matter and the weight savings isn't THAT much. I'm happy with this one, zero complaints. Sure glad Cameraland knows their shit because I doubt I'd ever have found this one on my own.

Here it is in the prone setup, the eyepiece is about 9" off the floor.

Here it is in the seated position. It has two center posts, a long one for standing and a short one. I use the short one for all but standing. I got the cheapest ball head that came with it since I didn't know enough to know what I needed. But hindsight I'd probably prefer a pistol grip ball head for convenience. Other than that, I'm happy and may get another just like it for a rifle since it supports 27lbs.

 

[Sand Sock Gear]

I have been looking at the LeoFoto stuff. We need some traction on the group buy

I can do group buys on Leofotos. I am a distributor for them Contact me

 

[chasedeer]

Really most tripods are either too big and clumsy or too small to be effective for combined use as a rifle support and spotting scope stand that is usable for tactical comps or field shooting. manfrotto tripod is great