Many outdoor activities can lead to unwanted fatigue; the kind that can sabotage the experience. Unfortunately, this becomes clearer each year for me. Digiscope photography falls into this class. Why? Because, many outdoor dwellers couple it with the likes of hiking, biking, and mobile hunting. Depending on the situation or target species, even birdwatchers experience lethargy in the field. Reasons include long walks, rough terrain, and yes, the very gear they tote.
If you plan on traversing outdoor spaces to visually pull in far-away photo subjects via digiscoping, it’s important to, at a minimum, manage the variables that make your trek physically taxing.
There is no greater cause than equipment weight. There’s a reason the term “ounce-counter” is so popular among hikers and other outdoorsmen. Digiscope photography requires a variety of gear, including smartphone devices, optics, adapter kits, and, for most, tripods.
Already bulkier in size than most digiscoping gear, tripods easily pay their way despite their weight. But is there a tipping point?
For many there is.
When it comes to traveling afoot, tripod weight matters. While you need the weight to be manageable, at the end of the day, the tripod needs to provide the stability necessary to effectively capture images. In my experience, tripods can weigh anywhere from 2 pounds to over 50 pounds. That’s a wide range that, if smart, digiscope photographers pay close attention to.
Other Tripod Considerations
Before discussing tripod weight, let’s look at a couple of other key variables.
Physical size is certainly something to cogitate, as you have to balance it with your optics, smartphone, digiscoping kit, and other digiscoping accessories. If you’re lucky, it can fit in your backpack. At a minimum, it can be carried over the shoulder with a strap.
What about the price?
In my experience, tripod price tags are all over the map – from about $25 up to $1,000. In light of that, I regularly utilize two models, ones of different size and cost. Admittedly, I’m far from an accomplished photographer. My “cheapie tripod” cost me a mere $36. It reduces down to less than 20 inches in length, fitting into any of my backpacks. This comes in handy not only during my photo excursions but also in the car or airplane. While it can be treated as disposable at its price, with care, it has lasted a long time.
My other option is the PrimosTrigger Stick Apex Carbon Fiber Tripod, which comes in at about $565 (tripod plus optics adapter). I love this tripod largely because it is both ultra-sturdy and also works well for rifle hunting (its base purpose). Nevertheless, while it works well for shooting, it easily accepts spotting scopes and binocular adapters for digiscoping with the use of a separate Optics Adapter ($65).
The Trigger Stick Apex Tripod (R) accommodates optics and cameras when paired with the optics adapter (L)
This tripod, however, only reduces to 32 inches, too large for a backpack. But it has its advantages as well as it, as mentioned, doubles as a great hunting brace.
Finally, it’s important to consider ruggedness when it comes to tripods. As expected, my low-cost tripod, while decently built, is not meant to take a lot of punishment. While the manufacturer might claim otherwise, it’s likely to break if you, say, accidentally step on it.
Disclaimer; I’m particularly hard on gear, even careless at times. Still, this one is designed well enough to last a long time with proper care. I will always like its small size and modest weight. At its low price point, it can practically be viewed as disposable.
Costing more than a dozen times more than the inexpensive tripod, the Trigger Stick Apex is much more rugged. But its stout carbon fiber-wrapped aluminum legs and greater size make it bulkier and heavier. Nonetheless, it’s a good alternative for outdoorsmen like me who are always on the go and can be hard on gear. It better withstands rough terrain and weather conditions.
Weight and a Tale of Two Tripods
My $36 Joilcam tripod folds up to 20 inches and extends up to 67 inches. It sports a ¼ inch screw mount for all the accessories I need, including spotting scopes, binoculars and adapters, and smartphone cradles. Best of all, its aluminum and plastic construction means it weighs in at only 2.85 pounds. While this may seem inadequate, it still easily holds 15 pounds of gear. This means that it not only supports binoculars, but bigger bulkier spotting scopes.
The Trigger Stick Apex is on the heavy side but also serves as a great
hunting brace.
At its price, it’s a great knock-around pair for many digiscoping treks.
My other tripod, the Trigger Stick Apex tripod is a much more robust option.
Its rugged construction supports a whopping 50-lb load capacity that would crush many other digiscoping mounts. The removable mounting plate makes switching from spotting scope to gun yoke quick and easy in the field.
Paired with the Heavy Duty Optics Adapter, the Trigger Stick Apex will accommodate cameras and optics with a standard 1/4″-20 screw and 3/8″-16 bushing, and polymer plate.
At 7 pounds, the Trigger Stick Apex is about 2.5 times heavier than the budget tripod. However, its heavier, stouter design provides significantly more stability. If you want to eliminate blurred images at the hands of vibration, the heavier choice is the ticket.
Conclusion
Mobile digiscoping can require a lot of gear. Aside from your optics, smartphone, and digiscoping adapter, there are myriad items needed, including chargers, shutter buttons, and even drinking water. If you’re digiscoping in conjunction with a hobby such as hiking, you’ll need even more gear.
Try alternative tripods of varying price, bulk, and yes, weight.
Once you’ve chosen alternative tripods, test them in the field. Then you can turn your attention to size, quality, and weight for future trips. Remember that even the lightest tripod will add considerable bulk and weight to your setup. 3 pounds may not seem like much until you’ve toted it with all of your other gear for a couple of miles.
Admittedly, I typically don’t walk more than a mile. For me, I pack my heavier, sturdier tripod and pack around it. There can be a fine line between digiscoping success and failure. The steadiness a formidable tripod provides makes it easier to leave some other items at home, at the hotel, or in the truck. I’m there to capture the best images possible, and I like to stack the odds in my favor.
I reserve my lightweight tripod for those forgiving conditions like flat terrain and longer hikes.
From the latest lightweight carbon fiber tripod to budget aluminum models, weight matters. Assess the kind of trip you’re making and pack accordingly.