Tripods and Heads

Joined
Nov 25, 2016
Messages
3,721
Location
Utah
Just too many stinking choices
I have searched for several weeks and narrowed it down to a couple units sold as a set as well as some individual parts and pieces


Manfrotto Befree Live Video Head

Manfrotto 190go! Aluminum Tripod

ProMaster Professional XC525C Carbon Tripod

Sirui ET-1204 Carbon Fiber Tripod


Thought I would ask you what you use in a similar application
If you match the below situations please tell me your
tripod/head set up
thx

Holds an 80 size spotter
Able to back pack carry for my 60 size as well
Want it to fold down to 12"- 18"
Max Height around 57"-60"
Weight- tripod- under 2lbs- 2.5 lbs
Style of head- Pan 2 way ( not 3) (not micro)
 
Joined
Sep 3, 2014
Messages
529
Location
Sabinal, TX
I’m either going to get the Promaster tripod or a Slik 634 and I’m putting a Outdoorsmans Pan Head on it. I’m running a 85mm ATX.

Slik has blemished/refurbished 634cf legs on sale for $170 right now. I was going to go that route for sure but I film (just the cameraman here, lol) for a TV show and my camera is pretty heavy - I’d like a lightweight tripod that I could also use for the camera, in a pinch. The Promaster has a much higher weight rating so I’ll probably end up with it and $120 less in my bank account. If it weren’t for that, I’d be jumping on the Slik 634cf! Still might. Lol


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mfllood3800
Joined
Nov 25, 2016
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Brushy
Thx for the heads up I will check out the sale, assuming it is at Slik directly?
I visited their site, but didn't see anything that caught my eye.
 
Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
1,447
Without a doubt the Promaster is the way to go. It is compact, light weight and sturdy. The ball head it comes with can hold what you need and one leg comes off to act as a monopod and you can mount the head on it as well. It has a 1 year no fault warranty that we increase to lifetime for members of this forum. Normally it is $299.99 but for you guys it's only $249.99
Give us a call if you have any questions
Look forward to hearing from you
Joel
 
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mfllood3800
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Nov 25, 2016
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Utah
I had you on my list to call.
We all appreciate your support here on RS as a sponsor.
 
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mfllood3800
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Nov 25, 2016
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Called Joel, Thx great working with you
I love the NY accent, and working with the owner directly.....makes me feel like I am dealing with father Guido himself.
You guys are awesome.
Answered questions, made it simple and quick- love it.
 
Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
8,307
I bought a promaster from cameraland a couple years ago at a great price, no regrets. I also bought a sirui t-0025x from them to chop up for an UL setup and they were willing to sell it cheaper without the head which I didn't need. Worth asking if you don't need the ball heads these things come with.
 

jr87mustang

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 21, 2015
Messages
221
I would go with the Slik 634 over the Promaster simply because you can stand up and glass. My butt gets tired now and again and being able to stand up and glass is really nice. I seem to stand about 25% of the time and at 5'-11" the Promaster was too short to use. With everything else being pretty equal with these tripods it was an easy choice for me.
 
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mfllood3800
Joined
Nov 25, 2016
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Location
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My height is short- I am only 5-8". The smaller to medium ones work for me if the head is tall enough- but you bring up a great point. I knew I needed to have a min height, not just for standing, but sometimes I set it up, get in the truck and glass from there (without the window mount expense)

I did actually order my set up less the ball head, and saved more, on top of the great discounts he offered so I came out in good shape.

I don't need another head laying around anyway.
I already have way to many tripods, heads and gear like that.
There will be some sales coming soon.
:)

I really wanted an outdoorsman, and will look at that pistol grip with a panner for my bino set up, but needed a perfect spotter set up for my Dec Az tag.
The stuff I am using is great, just not perfect, and it appears there is rarely a one size does all. Each item is specific to what you want/need.
Thx everyone for your input.
 
Joined
Nov 13, 2017
Messages
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Location
Alaska
I would go with the Slik 634 over the Promaster simply because you can stand up and glass. My butt gets tired now and again and being able to stand up and glass is really nice. I seem to stand about 25% of the time and at 5'-11" the Promaster was too short to use. With everything else being pretty equal with these tripods it was an easy choice for me.

Do you glass with a straight or angled spotter? I'm 6'2", have an angled spotter and was really thinking about the Promaster but if I can't use it standing I guess I'll have to look for something else. Do you have a few inches to spare when standing with the Slik 634?
 

colersu22

WKR
Joined
Apr 10, 2016
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Wa
Do you glass with a straight or angled spotter? I'm 6'2", have an angled spotter and was really thinking about the Promaster but if I can't use it standing I guess I'll have to look for something else. Do you have a few inches to spare when standing with the Slik 634?

My buddy tried out my promaster xc525c with his bino's and he is 6' 1'' and had to hunch a little to use it so he went with the slik 634 and benro S2 head and he said it is nice to be able to stand straight up and glass. I don't think he threw his angles spotter on and tried it out but most of the time we just glass with bino's cause the country is kind of thick. We are heading out for late elk in a week and I can have him test it out and let you know what he thought.
 
Joined
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Thanks for the kind words. Never knew I had an accent!!

It is always a pleasure and an honor to help the members of this forum. You are a great group and very loyal. In our minds service and loyalty are paramount. The rest seems to work itself out.

By the way Promaster does have a new series of tripods, The Specialist Series that go up to 80 inches high for people that need the height.

Again, thank you for the GREAT support. This holiday season don't wait for promo posts if there is something you need. Say the magic word, Rokslide and we will do the right thing.

Have a great day and THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
 
Joined
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Messages
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Location
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My buddy tried out my promaster xc525c with his bino's and he is 6' 1'' and had to hunch a little to use it so he went with the slik 634 and benro S2 head and he said it is nice to be able to stand straight up and glass. I don't think he threw his angles spotter on and tried it out but most of the time we just glass with bino's cause the country is kind of thick. We are heading out for late elk in a week and I can have him test it out and let you know what he thought.

That would be awesome. I was hoping maybe with an angled scope it would be tall enough. At least it sounds like the Slik 634 would work.
 

jr87mustang

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 21, 2015
Messages
221
Do you glass with a straight or angled spotter? I'm 6'2", have an angled spotter and was really thinking about the Promaster but if I can't use it standing I guess I'll have to look for something else. Do you have a few inches to spare when standing with the Slik 634?

I don't run a spotter, I have 15's so I can't help you with that....but I would assume you would gain an inch or two with the angled spotter. I do know that when I have my binos on the tripod and I am on flat ground with it extended all the way it is 2-3 inches too tall for me. BUT as soon as you run it on a side hill you loose some inches too. The 634 is a decent amount taller than the Promaster, if you want to stand it is the way to go.
 

deadwolf

WKR
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mfllood3800
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The promaster I got is huge as far as height. It comes with the extended longer c/f center pole, and the shorter alumn on. Anyone short of saskwatch could stand and use this even with a straight spotter.
It will be a great tri for the big swaro 80- super sturdy
 
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California
The promaster I got is huge as far as height. It comes with the extended longer c/f center pole, and the shorter alumn on. Anyone short of saskwatch could stand and use this even with a straight spotter.
It will be a great tri for the big swaro 80- super sturdy

Your referring to the xc525c right? On S&S archery it says the max height is 59" which isn't tall enough for me to glass standing using binos because I'm 6'2". The Slik 634 isn't much better at 63", maybe I have to give up on standing and glassing.
 
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mfllood3800
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Hey the panning swivels and a tall head
Might get you another 6" above the tripod

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