Good evening. I could use some help. I’ve gone down a few different rabbit holes researching hunting tripods recently and think I’m making this way more complicated than it needs to be. Much like this post, I’m probably trying to do too many things at once. Your assistance is appreciated. (I apologize if this thread is in the wrong spot. I’m new to posting here and picked the forum that seemed to fit).
I’ll start with my use case: Elk hunting this year, during a rifle season. Binos only, no spotter, though I might add a spotter for future hunts. I would also like the ability to shoot off of it, at least from a sitting or kneeling position but standing would be nice. Arca-Swiss compatible head. Tripod could also be used in future for pronghorn and whitetail hunting. Trying to keep this tripod and head lightweight and under $300 or thereabouts, so please don’t tell me RRS and outdoorsman make the only good stuff. I’m sure it’s great, but it’s not in the cards for me right now.
Currently, I have an old vortex aluminum tripod that can handle 10x42 binos from a seated position and not much else. I also have Primos tall trigger sticks tripod. The former works for seated glassing but is too flimsy for a rifle. The latter is taller and can support either rifle or binos, but it’s not terribly stable for either when seated because of the legs having to be splayed out to get that low. It’s also long and cumbersome, though it’s very easy to deploy. Unless I add a tripod, I’m planning to make the Triggersticks work.
Okay, now to my most specific question: Does anyone have first hand experience with and feedback on Leupold’s Alpine CF-425 tripod? Per my best internet research, it appears to be a rebranded Leofoto LS-224 with a lh-25 head. Weighs 2 pounds; rated to support 13 pounds. I have no doubt it will handle binos fine. But has anyone shot off of it? Outdoor life says, “It’s a handy shooting platform when paired with aftermarket accessories such as Spartan’s Davros head and rifle socket,” but I haven’t found any other review of someone shooting off it and OL provided no additional detail. I love the weight and can find the Leofoto version for $220, but I want to be able to shoot off it. I’m hunting, though, not shooting PRS, so I don’t need to shoot 1,000 yards.
A related question is just how stout does a tripod and head need to be to support a hunting (8 pound) rifle? Is the 13-lb rating enough, or do I need 20- or 30-pound ratings to get stable (or more)? Will sirui’s va-5 fluid head (or these others) support an 8 pound 30-06 for an occasional field shot (plus enough practice to be proficient)? Is the increase in glassing smoothness for the fluid head worth needing a perfectly level tripod?
As you can see, I have lots of questions and few answers. In the attached survey I’ve identified a few options that I think are reasonable choices for my budget and parameters. But I don’t know what I don’t know and would appreciate your input, experience, and expertise. What would you take? If you have experience with any or all or others, please let me know. Thank you.
I’ll start with my use case: Elk hunting this year, during a rifle season. Binos only, no spotter, though I might add a spotter for future hunts. I would also like the ability to shoot off of it, at least from a sitting or kneeling position but standing would be nice. Arca-Swiss compatible head. Tripod could also be used in future for pronghorn and whitetail hunting. Trying to keep this tripod and head lightweight and under $300 or thereabouts, so please don’t tell me RRS and outdoorsman make the only good stuff. I’m sure it’s great, but it’s not in the cards for me right now.
Currently, I have an old vortex aluminum tripod that can handle 10x42 binos from a seated position and not much else. I also have Primos tall trigger sticks tripod. The former works for seated glassing but is too flimsy for a rifle. The latter is taller and can support either rifle or binos, but it’s not terribly stable for either when seated because of the legs having to be splayed out to get that low. It’s also long and cumbersome, though it’s very easy to deploy. Unless I add a tripod, I’m planning to make the Triggersticks work.
Okay, now to my most specific question: Does anyone have first hand experience with and feedback on Leupold’s Alpine CF-425 tripod? Per my best internet research, it appears to be a rebranded Leofoto LS-224 with a lh-25 head. Weighs 2 pounds; rated to support 13 pounds. I have no doubt it will handle binos fine. But has anyone shot off of it? Outdoor life says, “It’s a handy shooting platform when paired with aftermarket accessories such as Spartan’s Davros head and rifle socket,” but I haven’t found any other review of someone shooting off it and OL provided no additional detail. I love the weight and can find the Leofoto version for $220, but I want to be able to shoot off it. I’m hunting, though, not shooting PRS, so I don’t need to shoot 1,000 yards.
A related question is just how stout does a tripod and head need to be to support a hunting (8 pound) rifle? Is the 13-lb rating enough, or do I need 20- or 30-pound ratings to get stable (or more)? Will sirui’s va-5 fluid head (or these others) support an 8 pound 30-06 for an occasional field shot (plus enough practice to be proficient)? Is the increase in glassing smoothness for the fluid head worth needing a perfectly level tripod?
As you can see, I have lots of questions and few answers. In the attached survey I’ve identified a few options that I think are reasonable choices for my budget and parameters. But I don’t know what I don’t know and would appreciate your input, experience, and expertise. What would you take? If you have experience with any or all or others, please let me know. Thank you.