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Which Tripod: Manfrotto vs Vanguard vs Cabelas

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Agustinmx View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Agustinmx Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Which Tripod: Manfrotto vs Vanguard vs Cabelas
    Posted: August/10/2010 at 20:05
Hello guys, I can't decide  which tripod to choose for my Spotting Scope yet. (Zeiss Diascope 85mm 20-60X) I'm really ignorant about tripods and heads, and can't decide which one will be more suitable for me.
I need something light and easy, to carry on the hunt, and that wont hurt my wallet again !!! I am considering max budget $200-$250 as much, but would be very happy with a $100 unit, if there is anything worth it at his price.

I'll use it for hunting and some shooting ocasionally... want it light, portable and easy to use.

I have checked these models but dont know which one to choose:

Vanguard Alta 233AO 3.53 lbs  @ $99.00
Cabelas Carbon 56 lbs @  $229.00
Manfrotto198RC /190XB@ $230.00

I haven't hear good stuff about vortex and nikon tripods.... I am interested on vortex too.

I'd like to hear your opinions and recomendations

Thanks a lot

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BeltFed View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 11:06
Get Your Popcorn Ready
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 16:16
I can only comment on Manfrotto tripods, as I own one.  Mine is very durable and sturdy, albeit a bit on the heavy side.  But, it has plenty of adjustability for any situation.
 
I've heard great things about Gitzo tripods, but they are pretty expensive.
 
I'm not certain of this, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Cabelas tripod you mention is actually made by Manfrotto. 
Ted


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Agustinmx View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Agustinmx Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 22:12
Thanks,

I am now paying attention at vortex tripods, they seem to be good quality at reasonable prices, hope there is somebody here who can give an opinion about.


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Agustinmx View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Agustinmx Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 22:22
These are some of my options:

Manfrotto 128RC/190XB  6.2 lbs  @ $230                    56.3 in
Vortex ProGT Kit             5.8 lbs  @  $99 now on sale  63 in
Cabelas Carbon             4.3 lbs   @  $199                  56 in
Vortex Ridgeview Kit       3.6 lbs @  $129 Now on sale  60.9in
Vanguard Alta 233AO     3.53 lbs  @  $99                      57in


By price, by weight, by height it seems like the Vortex Ridgeview is the best option, however dont know yet which other model should I  include. here ........

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jvr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/23/2010 at 18:39
I have had no experience with any of the listed tripods.  I am however a professional photographer and worked with the manfrotto/bogen tripods; mono pods and light stands (a lot).  they make great stuff; my equipment has been shipped around the country and banged up; still works great!  I just came back from a trip to costa rica (pleasure not work) and all the guides in the rain forest and cloud forest were using manfrotto (yes I know cabelas does not have a store there yet).  Many of them were ancient; but still working fine.  Now; if the cabelas carbon is really made by manfrotto and cabelas gives it their lifetime warranty.  Wow; the best of both worlds.  So my money is on the manrotto product.  Also I have seen two of the gitzo carbons fail during pro football season (600mm lens are tough on monopods)  They were however well used and some years old.  (super light though)

for what it is worth; good luck


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Agustinmx View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Agustinmx Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2010 at 13:42
Which other tripod head can I use instead of the manfrotto 128RC, for a Zeiss Diascope 85mm, it seems for me that this head is heavy and huge for carring it uphill ........
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