I realize that there are hundreds of other possible options, but am listing these first. Legs: Slik Pro 700 DX legs, 500 DX legs, Manfrotto 055's, Vortex STX-70's Slik Pro 580 DX combo: smaller in every way than above, but with better head, although still not fluid. Well reviewed for photography, but can't really find reviews for birding? Head seems to be not fluid-type? Slik Pro 700 DX combo: big, cheap, heavy, cheap, sturdy, and cheap.

Here are the candidates I've come up with: Of course I want to spend as little money as possible, like everyone else. I think I prefer a 2-way head, but that seems to be uncommon. It needs to be sturdy, and I don't really care if it weighs a lot (well, let's draw a line at roughly 8lb. It will get rained on maybe several times a year. I want my new tripod to last for years, and to be flexible enough for whatever future needs I have (digiscoping?). or 1.8kg), and the crank has broken a gear tooth. The old Velbon df-40 just isn't enough tripod for my heavy scope (about 4lb. Rotation, backwards and forwards tilt, as well as portrait orientation tilt each function independently of each other and can be locked into place.3-way, pan-and-tilt head can be rotated 360°, and tilted 90° backwards or forwards, as well as sideways for portrait orientation.

Foam covers on each of the legs provide a secure and comfortable grip.

Legs can be locked at 16°, 40°, or 65° angles.

Legs each feature three sections, an independent spread, a 3-position angle lock, and a flip lock for rapid deployment.

Column is reversible, facilitating low-angle photography where an attached camera is positioned among the tripod’s legs instead of above them.

Tripod can be set to a maximum height of 60.0″, 65.8″ when the column is shortened as well as fully raised, and 75.0″ with the complete column fully raised.

Center column is multi-sectional, allowing it to be converted to a shortened center column that allows the tripod to be set at a minimum height of 25.4″, or 16.1″ when the column is shortened.

Push-and-pull center column for rapid camera, lens, or sport optic positioning.

Foam covers on each of the legs provide a secure and comfortable grip while moving the tripod, and rubber feet help to enhance stability on a wide variety of surfaces. Each of these three movements function independently of each other and can be locked into place.įor added versatility, the center column is reversible, facilitating low-angle photography where an attached camera is positioned among the tripod’s legs instead of above them. The head can be rotated 360°, and tilted 90° backwards or forwards, as well as sideways for portrait orientation. The SLIK Pro 700 DX Tripod provides a maximum height of 60.0″, 65.8″ with its center column shortened as well as fully raised, and 75.0″ with the complete column fully raised.Ĭameras, sport optics, or camcorders that are compatible with a 1/4″-20 mount can be connected to the quick release plate, which is secured to the tripod’s pan-and-tilt head using a quick release cam lock.

This feature permits a minimum height of 25.4″ or 16.1″ when the center column is shortened. The included push-and-pull, rapid center column is multi-sectional, which allows it to be converted to a shortened center column. Each of its 3-section legs features an independent spread, a 3-position angle lock, and flip locks for fast deployment. This SLIK Pro 700 DX Tripod with 700 DX 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head supports up to 19.8 lb, measures 29.9″ when folded, and includes a quick release plate.

Slik 700dx pro 3 way pan tilt head