Budget Tripod - Night Stalker vs Slick 700 vs PRS vs Pig vs ???

[Yerman]

Hey guys, I’ve got a Konuspot that needs a new Tripod. The one it came with is just not cutting it anymore.

I eventually want to upgrade to a better spotting scope and quality tripod, but for now, I just need a good sub ~ $150 solution.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Night Stalker, Slik 700, PRS, and the Pig. Here are some thoughts/questions.

From what I have read:

- twist lock legs are better than the lever lock legs so I am leaning towards the Night Stalker

- pan/tilt is better than ball for accuracy so I am leaning towards the Slik

- wait time on the Night Stalker is up to 8 weeks right now so I am leaning towards the Slik

- with the referbished versions available the Slik is a lot cheaper

- I listed the Pig and PRS because I’ve seen them recommended here quite a bit but can’t find anything that really stands out

Any thoughts? This is just going to be for a spotting scope, no rifle shooting. Any other recommendations?

 

[azred33]

I found a Zomei Z818 tripod and have hung 25lb of weight with an 85 size spotter on it and it would have taken more. Rock solid in the wind. With a PIG saddle it shoots well too. It is cheap but well made with twist locking legs, large ball and a hook that juts out of the tub side for easy access when hanging weight. If you want dead on accuracy get a gear head, for speed a pistol grip. Here is what I prefer:

manfrottto gear drive
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00URXUC9O/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

slick ball grip
https://www.adorama.com/slaf1100e.html

Zomei Z818
https://www.ebay.com/itm/351807849681

 

[cameraland]

We have a fantastic tripod that would be perfect for you. Sirui makes the A-1005 tripod. Ultra compact and very sturdy. Can fit in a back pack. It comes with a ball head, that is removable. This is normally $139.99. We also have a pan head from Promaster that is normally $49.99, the 6160. As a member here we can offer you the combo for $139.99 and then there is a $10 mail in rebate. The tripod has a 6 year warranty and the head has a 1 year no fault warranty.
Give me a call if you have any questions

Thanks
Joel
516-217-1000
Camera Land

 

[Yerman]

Thanks for the votes and replies so far. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the Slik bipod but I'm not sure I want the lever locks on the legs. I shoot in very dusty conditions and I'd like to have something that comes apart easy. Any comments on the ability of the Slik to fend off dust?

 

[Timetoshoot]

Take a look at my comments about RRS leveling base and pig tripod. https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...g-tripod-used-with-spotter-and-rifle.6588524/
Love it for spotting, and any missed shots are on me, not the gear.

 

[TacT-MecH]

I use the slik 700dx legs in conjunction with the Desmond db-55 ball head (now coupled with a hog saddle). This will be used for shooting and spotting So far This has proven to be a solid and reliable setup. (I have been working overtime for the last 3 months so my hog saddle use has been limited.) But the 700dx and db-55 is a great budget option. Last time I got to shoot, Branden, from custom gun coatings, made hits at 1000yds standing using this setup. Good luck.

 

[molzarella]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/brand-new-heavy-duty-tripod.6879288/#post-7057091

check out this one I have listed.... It's built by a national champion silhouette shooter....

 

[gingerking5566]

I bought a Viper 65mm and a Celestron tripod. It's a budget setup but will glass pretty darn well for +/- $700. I hunt mostly for elk and just need to see that an animal is mature so I think it fits my needs well. I can see clearly for at least 3 miles. I'll upgrade the tripod at some point because it's a little older and there's better options under $200