Please Help! Need Tripod/Head, but dont know jack!!!

[Wyzrd]

Hi all, so I'm looking for a decent tripod/head combo for my 20-60x80 spotting scope. I don't know shit about decent tripods but have been doing some research, and it's overwhelming the amount of different brands/price ranges there are! My budget is about $500 max for the tripod and head. I was considering the newer NF cf tripod, or just getting a Sirui (spelling...?) head or Manfrotto, and putting it on a Vanguard tripod...?

I do know I'd like a lighter tripod (carbon fiber for hunting) but it's not required. Stability is more important to me. Must handle weight up to about 15-17 lbs. Head must have a smooth 360 degree panning feature and hopefully locks everything down solid when needed. Anyways, if anybody can help out or point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it!!!

 

[Wyfox]

Hog Saddles new PIG tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-40 head. I just ordered the PIG tripod to use(dont have it yet), it's not as light as carbon but the price was right for a quality tripod. A good quality head is a must and that's where I would put most of your budget.

 

[Wyzrd]

What's up Wyfox!? Thank you for the recommendation! I'll definitely look into that tripod. As far as the head goes, the limited research I have done so far leads me to believe exactly what you said about investing in a good head. As much as I'd like to own a full RRS set up, I just don't think I can swing that right now. Do you know of any other good solid/smooth panning heads that won't eat up all of my budget? So far I've been looking at Sirui, Manfrotto, NF, and possibly Vanguard.

Anyways, thanks again bud and I will look into your recommendations.

 

[Wyfox]

Doing great, It's hunting season!
Check out the Feisol ball heads, Mile High and Bison Tactical both carry them.
I'm going to get the RRS BH-40 next(Really want the tripod but it's not feasible for me either), I'm have a couple Manfrotto heads now and want to switch to a better head with Arca swiss plates. Not a fan of the Manfrotto RC2 plates that I'm running now. When I get the PIG0311 tripod I'll let you know what I think.

 

[kthomas]

Although I have no experience using them, I saw in a B&H Photo catalog a tripod company called "Oben", which makes carbon fiber tripods that can support 40lbs for prices between $200-400.

They are supposedly made specifically for B&H photo. Might be worth a look.

 

[Wyzrd]

Doing great, It's hunting season!
Check out the Feisol ball heads, Mile High and Bison Tactical both carry them.
I'm going to get the RRS BH-40 next(Really want the tripod but it's not feasible for me either), I'm have a couple Manfrotto heads now and want to switch to a better head with Arca swiss plates. Not a fan of the Manfrotto RC2 plates that I'm running now. When I get the PIG0311 tripod I'll let you know what I think.

Right on bud! Yes sir, I can't wait to get up in the mtns in pursuit of big mulies and elk!!! Yeah man, the extent of my experience with tripods was just a $200 Vanguard a few years back. It worked but just wasn't smooth/fluid enough for me when I was glassing. I saw those Feisols on MHSA and Bison Tactical and they do look like a good alternative to the RRS tripods/heads. Thanks again for the suggestions and good luck hunting out there this season!

 

[Wyzrd]

Although I have no experience using them, I saw in a B&H Photo catalog a tripod company called "Oben", which makes carbon fiber tripods that can support 40lbs for prices between $200-400.

They are supposedly made specifically for B&H photo. Might be worth a look.

Thanks for the heads up on those Oben tripods/heads. I saw some of them while perusing B&H (too damn much to choose from!) and they do look promising as well. A lot of good features at a very good price point! I'm getting it narrowed down! Currently looking @ Feisol, Manfrotto, Oben, and Sirui. Thanks again sir!

 

[Captramrod01]

The bh-40 rocks. Absolutely go that route for the head. For the tripod I believe the best buy right now is a used gitzo g1325. You can find them for around 300 bucks.

 

[Wyzrd]

Ok, so I suck at taking good pics, but here's the tripod and head I got for now... Tripod is a Benro GoPlus Travel FGP18A. Eventually I'll get a nice carbon fiber tripod for lighter weight while hunting/hiking, but this set up is lighter than the one I used to have (Vanguard), and it's very sturdy! I love this Feisol VH40 video head! It's very fluid and smooth while panning and making other adjustments! Anyways, here it is with a Zen Ray ED2 20-60x82....

Also, other than a Hog Saddle for attaching to the tripod to hold a rifle, are the QD mounts that LaRue or ADM make, any good? Or do you guys prefer the Hog/Pig Saddle for your tripod shooting? I'd love to get into a full RRS set up, but just can't swing that kind of coin just yet.