Shooting/Optics Tripods

[shotgunshooter3]

For those of you who use a tripod setup for shooting, some questions:

What brand?
What min/max height?
Twist or clamp adjustments?
Carbon fiber, aluminum, or other?
What mounting system?

I have a pretty basic Slik aluminum tripod that I've used with my binos to good effect, and I have a V rifle rest attachment for them, but I am interested in potentially upgrading to something more robust with an ARCA setup and adding ARCA rail segments to my hunting rifles and PRS gun. I'm interested in seeing what's out there, but the price of a lot of tripods blows my mind for what should be a simple system.

Primary use for my tripod would be glassing and as a rest for hunting.

[sakodude]

https://www.csharpsarms.com/product/c-s ... ng-sticks/

This is as modern and fancy as I have used

[CPJ 2.0]

I’ve shot lower end, and higher than balls on a giraffe end.

Is there $1000ish difference ?

No.

Is there a difference ?

Yes.

But There’s some middle ground where 98% of needs are served. A couple here have got them recently, they can speak better about them.

I do know the twist lock rules. There’s no dingus hanging out like dog balls to get snagged.

And ARCA is the way. Some heads have both picatinny and ARCA capability’s built in. I wouldn’t worry about that though, and just go with ARCA.

[Zee]

The graduation has been mind boggling.
I started with shooting sticks we made.
Then, manufactured shooting sticks.
Then Bog Pods with Y heads.
Then aluminum Manfroto with Pig/Hog Saddles.
Then Carbon Fiber Manfroto with the same.
Then, life changed!!

Enter RRS Carbon Fiber Tripods & ARCA!!

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Ran the dog crap out of a RRS Carbon Tripod and RRS Ball Head w/ ARCA for a year. Opened up a whole new world of stability and standing/sitting shots out to 1,000 yards! Absolutely love it!

The change in stability and getting away from a center post were epic. ARCA is the best platform outside of a bench rest for weight and mobility. Then, nobs instead of clamps that come loose and hang on things, yes.

Now, I have carbon a 2-Vets Tripod w/RRS Head as well and run them both.

Buy once, cry once. Get the most stable tripod you can afford. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Or, don’t ever use someone’s tripod that’s better and maintain ignorant bliss.

[Zee]

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[shotgunshooter3]

Do you think the cost of the RRS over the 2-Vets is justified?

[Zee]

Do you think the cost of the RRS over the 2-Vets is justified?

The Two-Vets works well.

[Zee]

Probably different models for both, but, from a standing setup standpoint, I like that the 2-Vets only has 3 sections. Less to extend.
From a sitting position, the RRS gets lower without expanding the legs.

I have noticed, with how I walk with the extended legs over my shoulders, that I bump the legs of the 2-Vets more than the RRS. I think the later has a wider base or something.

[CPJ 2.0]

One thing I’d NOT get is a tripod with the center dingus. It’s fine for a camera or spotting scope. It’s not stiff enough for shooting. I don’t care how good the tripod is. It adds joints clamps and complexity that isn’t needed.

[CPJ 2.0]

And because I’m me….
I’m curious who makes the two vets tripods. Pretty sure it ain’t….two vets. Just speculation. Maybe you can find the same model at a lower price from the people it’s actually made by.

[Zee]

LeoPhoto seems to be a good brand as well. I don’t run one, but know several guys that do and like them.

While weight is what you try to avoid many times, mass/diameter of the legs is essential for stability. Stay away from the spindly legs to shave weight.

[ericb622]

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I seem to recognize that rifle

[jwv2023]

If you are a western hunter, i.e. a still hunter constantly on the move, then weight is the #1 consideration for you. For your rifle and all of your gear. The less weight you have to hump, the better. As far as shooting rests, right now I have settled on the Primos Gen 2 trigger stick. To deploy, you just pull the trigger, and it adjusts easily to the height you need. I personally prefer a sitting position when shooting, whether with a tripod or not. It works well for that.

[bullsi1911]

I can tell you that carrying Zee’s tripod with the .243 attached across plowed fields in the pitch black night while trying to keep up with that speedy little hobbit and trying to keep some semblance of “stealth” is damn near impossible

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But it worked!

[Zee]

I can tell you that carrying Zee’s tripod with the .243 attached across plowed fields in the pitch black night while trying to keep up with that speedy little hobbit and trying to keep some semblance of “stealth” is damn near impossible

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But it worked!

I tend to push people through a trial by fire. You did well.

And, I’ve stopped using that tripod for a main support. We’ve upgraded.

[Diver43]

I can tell you that carrying Zee’s tripod with the .243 attached across plowed fields in the pitch black night while trying to keep up with that speedy little hobbit and trying to keep some semblance of “stealth” is damn near impossible

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But it worked!

I have to agree. Carrying that rifle is no joke, but on the tripod over your shoulder it was very doable. If an out of shape retired guy can do it, just about anyone can do it . and pitch black it indeed was. The tripod was rock solid when deployed

[Zee]

I can tell you that carrying Zee’s tripod with the .243 attached across plowed fields in the pitch black night while trying to keep up with that speedy little hobbit and trying to keep some semblance of “stealth” is damn near impossible

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But it worked!

That’s actually my 16” .308 Win you used.
And one of my Manfroto tripods.

[CPJ 2.0]

I can tell you that carrying Zee’s tripod with the .243 attached across plowed fields in the pitch black night while trying to keep up with that speedy little hobbit and trying to keep some semblance of “stealth” is damn near impossible

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But it worked!

That’s actually my 16” .308 Win you used.

I don’t think I’d be talking smack about mixing up calibers.

[Zee]

I can tell you that carrying Zee’s tripod with the .243 attached across plowed fields in the pitch black night while trying to keep up with that speedy little hobbit and trying to keep some semblance of “stealth” is damn near impossible

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But it worked!

That’s actually my 16” .308 Win you used.

I don’t think I’d be talking smack about mixing up calibers.

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[Jay]

I have a Leofoto carbon fiber. While I’ve only had it a few months, so I can’t speak for longevity yet, it’s been working well for me. Cam lock on the ball head is a must. I wouldn’t do twist knob. And ARCA is also the way to go, although the Leofoto head will take ARCA or pic rails. ARCA spreads the weight better.

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[Jay]

BTW, I hear through the grapevine the Vortex carbon fiber tripods are made by the same place as Leofoto..

They aren’t RRS or Two Vets. The ball head isn’t as nice as the RRS, for sure. But the Leofoto works just fine for me so far.

[CPJ 2.0]

Aside from wiggle wiggle wiggle (just a little bittle) issues, here’s why I wouldn’t own one with the center dingus. You cant fold it down all the way like is pictured.

[Zee]

.308 Wins
168gr ELD-Match
Synchronized 283 yrds standing off 2-Vets Tripods and RRS ARCA Heads
The entry holes were 2” apart from each other and had one exit path!

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[jkp]

.616 Winchester. When .308 just won't get it done.

[Zee]

.616 Winchester. When .308 just won't get it done.

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