What’s the best tripod for under $500

[Shifty05]

Never owned a good tripod and finally used one last season and realized the nesscecity of it. I’m also switching glass this year to a Leupold gold ring spotter. Would like the ability to clamp and rifle into it for a rest aswell. What should I get?

 

[benchracer]

This is what I have:

https://store.sirui.com/products/sirui-standard-series-carbon-fiber-tripod-kit

It is for use with optics. I am very happy with it. The VA-5 fluid head is outstanding for optics use. For use with a rifle, a ball head is a better choice:

https://store.sirui.com/products/ball-head-k-10x

There are various ways to attach your rifle to the tripod, from something like a Triclawps Shooting Saddle to various rail mount systems (Arca, Picatinny, etc.).

Once you have decided all of that, you will need to decide whether or not you find it practical to use the same tripod for both optics and for mounting your rifle, or if it would be better to use a second tripod for shooting. Either way, the gear starts to add up pretty quickly.

After thinking it over, I decided to reserve the tripod for optics use. I decided that field shooting practice using a sling and pack is a more practical solution than carrying the extra gear required to shoot from a tripod.

Others may see things differently...

 

[Spearhead]

All I will say is Rudolph . Light,rugged and work!

 

[mdwest]

I’m sure there are lots of better options out there… but I’ve been perfectly happy with my bog pod death grips… I put a death grip head on a mini tripod (6”) that I can use in a blind, and have one of their carbon fiber full size tripods that can be used outside of a blind…

Again, I’m sure there are more rugged, more stable, tripods with fancier options and functions out there… but I’ve had zero issues out of the bog pod… when paired with my Christensen 300 prc it makes for a very accurate combo..

 

[Nhoro]

I use a manfrotto camera tripod. I made a simple v out of metal that clips into the quick release. You can also get a clip on head from primos etc that grips your rifle. I have found a camera tripod is more stable and you can use it for camera work as well.

 

[Inline6]

Two vets
Vortex

I'm running the RRS with an anvil head. I clip my binos, spotter, and rifle into them. They exceed your price point. They might be worth looking at.

 

[Rare Breed]

Never owned a good tripod and finally used one last season and realized the nesscecity of it. I’m also switching glass this year to a Leupold gold ring spotter. Would like the ability to clamp and rifle into it for a rest aswell. What should I get?

I really like the new Blaser II. It is a four pod for lack of a better term. The handle swivels which is fantastic if the animal is walking. No lifting of your gun just smooth quiet movement left or right

 

[HACT07]

I'm running the Leofoto SO-322C. 2 section, slightly thicker legs (32mm vs 28), and plenty stable for running a 22lb rifle off.
Super easy to deploy on the clock when needed. I also use it for photography as all my photo gear is set up for arca as well.
Overall, I've been happy with it.

 

[AimSmall]

Tripods for Hunting

Tripods for Hunting - At Field Optics Research, we offer a range of best Hunting Tripods, Tripods spotting Scopes, tripods for binoculars, tripods for Backpacking and more.

www.fieldopticsresearch.com

 

[WAB]

I went with the new Peak 44 Teton tripod. Excellent balance of stability and weight. The head design is stellar.

 

[BeeMaa]

All - I believe the OP is talking about a tripod for optics, not shooting sticks. Although there are some that do both.

When it comes to most things, you can have two of the following...but not all three.
High quality
Low weight
Low price

Buy once, cry once because you are not likely to be thinking about how much you spent on your gear while on the hunt of a lifetime.

 

[gearguywb]

I use a two-vets with an Anvil 30 head. I have an Arca rail on my spotter and the same on my long range rifle stock so I use it for both

 

[YancyW]

Leofoto carbon fiber, I have found none better.

 

[samson7x]

Two Vets here as well. I use an RRS head but others would work fine.

 

[Wyfox]

Leofoto if you're on a budget, RRS if you're not. Leofoto is a direct chinese rip off of american made RRS. Two Vets are really nice too.
Depending on your rifle I highly recommend getting an Arca plate mounted on your stock and use a Arca style ball head.