Not sure what lightweight hunting tripod to get?
Look no further.
I’ve exhaustively tested ALL the lightweight hunting tripod on the market. In fact, I tested everything, including ease of use, weight, range and so much more.
By the end of this guide, you’ll find the perfect lightweight hunting tripod.
Are you ready?
The 3 Best Lightweight Hunting Tripod
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best lightweight hunting tripod:
- Manfrotto MK190 X-PRO3: Best Hunting Tripod for Spotting Scope
- SILK Spring Pro III: Best Lightweight Tripod for Hunting
- Vortex Optics Pro GT: Best for Long-Range Hunting
1. Manfrotto MK190 X-PRO3: Best Hunting Tripod for Spotting Scope
The Manfrotto MK190 X-Pro 3 is the best tripod hunting stand for spotting scope.
It’s constructed with very sturdy materials, operates smoothly, and is simple and reliable.
It gets low enough to conceal while you’re hiding in the woods, and the center column is fully adjustable to hit small game at any angle.
Is it worth the higher price tag?
Let’s find out!
Build
The X-Pro 3 is made with aluminum legs and a three-way aluminum head. It’s a little heavier than carbon fiber, but offers increased stability.
The build quality is excellent, and you can expect it to remain steady even in moderate winds. The legs are thicker than those made of carbon fiber, and the four different leg angles can easily adapt to any terrain.
The quick power lock leg locking system allows you to smoothly release all locks on each leg with just one hand and a single movement, and the triple locking system guarantees scope position stability.
The tripod features a 90-degree rotating center column for increased flexibility, meaning the vertical column can swing freely until it’s completely horizontal. Switching from vertical to horizontal orientation requires no disassembly whatsoever, and can even be done with an optic attached!
It even includes a ⅜” scope attachment and an Easy Link connector to support lights, so it’s easy to use at night and in other low-light situations.
The overall build and ball head are both very sturdy and durable, thanks to the heavier aluminum construction.
Ease of Use
The X-Pro 3 is smooth operating, quick to set up, and offers precise control.
The ball head and legs are very simple to adjust. The base is solid and all controls lock smoothly.
The legs also have a friction control feature for secure balance on all terrains.
I’ve found through experience that, if you take it out onto the sand, it’s very easy to disassemble and clean afterward! All you need is an Allen wrench.
The rotating center column makes this tripod incredibly versatile, and the built-in bubble level helps you frame it just right to get the most precise shots.
Size
This tripod extends up to a maximum height of 63”, and down to just 3.5”. With the center column down, the maximum height measures 53.1”. It folds down to 23.2” for easy transportation.
At 4.4 lbs, it’s a mid-weight tripod. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a carry case as many tripods do. So, if you’re going to take it hiking, I’d recommend investing in a good, comfortable carry case.
While it’s not as light as carbon fiber models, it is sturdier.
In fact, it can hold up to 13 lbs of equipment, no problem!
If you ask me, a bit more weight is a small price to pay for one of the sturdiest tripods of its size around.
Price
You can find this tripod online for anywhere between $350 – $550, depending on where you shop.
It’s definitely one of the pricier options, but the level of stability it provides alone is enough to make it worth the investment.
Just make sure you take some time to shop around and find the best price!
Is the Manfrotto MK190 X-PRO3 Worth it?
The Manfrotto MK190 X-Pro 3 has exceeded my expectations.
Although it’s a bit heavier than other tripods, it makes up for this in overall quality and versatility.
You can go high, you can go low, and thanks to the friction control, you can use this tripod anywhere.
I’d recommend this tripod to anyone looking to get nice, sturdy shots.
- Compact for better transportability
- Precise control
- Built in Bubble Levels
2. SILK Spring Pro III: Best Lightweight Tripod for Hunting
The SILK Spring Pro III is the best hunting tripod on the market today.
It’s very simple to use, fully adjustable, and very lightweight.
How well does it stand up to similar tripods?
Let’s see!
Build
The SILK Spring Pro III is made of high-quality aluminum alloy and comes in your choice of a matte black or gunmetal finish.
The metal SBH-100DQ ball head’s movements are all controlled with a single locking knob, and it includes a SILK 6252 quick release plate for easy attaching and detaching.
If you use tripods with multiple guns, you’ll be glad to hear you can pick up an additional quick release plate for just $12.95.
The detachable ball head has a ¼”-20 female base mount and a ¼”-20 male threaded screw for attaching a firearm to the tripod.
The Spring Pro III also features a two-section reversible center column.
It gives you a full 0-90 degree vertical tilt and a 360-degree panning range.
Overall, it’s a very high-quality build, and the head is particularly well-made.
The Spring Pro III is a very sturdy, solid, and durable piece of equipment with no wobble whatsoever, yet it’s also very lightweight and compact, making it the perfect tripod stand for hunting.
Ease of Use
This tripod is incredibly easy to use and handle.
The reversible center column features a “Rapid Flip Mechanism”, which lets you quickly adjust the height from as low as 6.2” to as high as 62.9”. This gives you infinite flexibility, and positively enhances target acquisition.
The round, split center column can be separated for low-angle shots, and even inverted if you want to shoot straight down.
The quick attach and release functions are simple to use, even while wearing gloves.
With winter quickly approaching, this is a huge bonus for anyone who hunts in the snow.
The tripod’s legs spread independently, and there are rubber grips on each for added balance.
The legs extend with a simple flip-lock mechanism, but there’s really no need to waste time extending each leg, as the tripod is very easy to level by just adjusting the ball head with the center column.
It’s simple and quick to use, even on the go, and gives solid, consistent performance every time.
Height and Weight
The Spring Pro III weighs only 36 oz, but can support up to 4.4 lbs of equipment.
While it’s not ideal for heavier firearms, it’s just right for those of us who travel with lightweight rifles and shotguns. It even comes with a fitted travel case for this exact purpose!
As mentioned previously, the adjustable legs feature a flip-lock design for slip-free adjustments.
When folded, the tripod is 18.5” tall.
It’s adjustable up to a working height of 62.9” with the center column and legs fully extended, and down to a working height of 6.2” when both are fully folded. With just the legs fully extended, the working height is 51.1”.
You can get low enough to shoot turkeys, rabbits, or squirrels, and high enough to shoot even the highest-flying birds.
Lightweight hunting gear is essential for anyone who travels long distances to find their game.
This tripod is light enough to comfortably carry in a hunting backpack, but still tall enough to raise to eye level and sturdy enough to stand up to all but the heaviest winds.
Price
The Spring Pro III retails for around $90, including the fitted travel case.
With some similar tripods retailing for upwards of $300, this is an excellent value for the product you get.
Is the SILK Spring Pro III Worth it?
The SILK Spring Pro III is a versatile, high-quality hunting tripod.
Simple to use, endlessly adjustable angles, and lightweight enough to carry all day in a backpack, this tripod is sure to meet all your needs as a traveling shooter.
If you like to keep the weight on your back down while hunting or shoot with lighter weapons, this is the tripod for you.
- 📸 📸 📸 [Built for Travel] The SLIK Sprint Series tripods are compact and lightweight, delivering rock solid performance in a travel ready package.
- 📸 📸 📸 [Multi-Function Center Column] The center column can be removed and reversed to position the the head between the legs instead of on top. This offers ground-level and top-down...
- 📸 📸 📸 [Fast Operation] The patented “Rapid Flip Mechanism” allows for single handed operation of the leg angle adjustments. Easily set the legs to 1 of 3 locking position with a simple...
3. Vortex Optics Pro GT: Best for Long-Range Hunting
The Vortex Optics Pro GT is the best long-range hunting tripod on the market.
Whether you’re hunting small game or seeking something more predator-like, you’ll be shocked at how sturdy, smooth, and simple to operate this tripod is.
Is the Pro GT worth the price you pay for it?
Let’s find out!
Build
The Vortex Pro GT is made with sturdy, anodized aluminum legs and a rugged, three-way quick-release pan and tilt head.
The rest of the build is made with plastic and steel for reliable, sturdy performance, and it’s capable of supporting firearms up to 10 lbs.
It has rubber feet to ensure solid balance and stability on slick, rocky, or sandy surfaces.
If you ever need more balance, like when shooting in harsh, windy conditions, there’s a balance hook on the center column to attach a weight.
Under normal circumstances, however, you can expect no shakiness whatsoever.
Ease of Use
The Pro GT is smooth and easy to operate. It moves fluidly, provides solid support, and the flip-lock legs allow for quick height adjustments.
To adjust the height of the center column, just loosen the height adjustment knob. To adjust the leg length, just flip the lever on each leg to unlock them, slide the legs to your desired position, and flip the lock back!
The quick-release mount plate also allows for easy and quick scope installation or removal.
To attach a scope, flip the plate lever lock outward to remove the plate, attach the plate to your rifle (making sure to tighten the mounting bolt from the bottom of the plate and flip the D ring so it lays flat), put the plate back into the holder, and lock it back in place.
You can control the three-way pan and tilt with just one hand to easily follow your target. Twist the handle counterclockwise to adjust it, and twist it clockwise to lock it back into place.
It’s so simple, shooters of any age can operate this tripod!
Size
This tripod extends up to a height of 67.1” and down to a height of 23.9”.
Folded, it’s 24.6” tall and 5” wide. It includes a convenient carry case, which is helpful if you do a lot of walking through the woods while hunting.
Weighing in at 4 lbs 10 oz, it is a little heavy. This, however, is expected, and a small trade-off for such a sturdy tripod.
Although it is a bit bulky, it’s still relatively easy to carry.
Price
The Vortex Pro GT MSRPs for around $300.
It is a little more expensive than most tripods, but the quality is consistent with those double, even triple the price!
Although it is a bit of an initial investment, you’ll be satisfied with the product you receive.
Is the Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod Worth it?
The Vortex Optics Pro GT gives reliable performance at a price you just can’t beat.
It’s a sturdy, relatively lightweight tripod that won’t break the bank. I’d recommend it to anyone who needs a tripod they can count on in any conditions.
- Redesigned to handle any conditions, for reliable performance, look to the Pro GT tripod
- The sturdy anodized legs combine with a rugged 3-way quick-release pan/tilt head to deliver smooth, solid support for your optics. Rubber feet provide solid footing on slick surfaces
- Flip lever leg locks are valued for rapid set up and height adjustment. The balance hook holds extra weight on the bottom of the center column for greater stability in windy conditions
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my best lightweight hunting tripod guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you:
Which hunting tripod will you pick?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.