Vortex Optics High Country Tripod with Quick Release Ball Head, 5lbs Capacity, 53" Max Height

2021-04-10T20:00:00

This thing is garbage. I'm writing the the review I wish I saw before I got this thing. First and foremost this tripod is tiny, I'm 5'10 and this tripod is not tall enough for me, with all of the legs fully extended I have to squat down to look at anything that is remotely angled upward. Stand that some of these products are geared towards hunters who would likely be using them on a slope and sitting down but some of these things are just inexcusable. Second the three adjusters on the legs makes it a pain to set up, there are some people that might like this feature as you can get a little bit more adjustable however for me I find it extremely annoying to have to flick three switches for each leg and have it still not be at the correct height for me. Third it is extremely shoddy, the tripod was nice and light however it feels very weak and makes me nervous when I have my Vortex Viper on it. When I say it is shoddy I also mean that the locking mechanisms have some play in them even when they are completely tightened down. There is also the hilarious fact that the headmount can be swapped out however there is no lock on it to prevent it from simply unscrewing as you are moving the scope around if you're not paying attention. The legs are also extremely thin, I'm not entirely sure what it is made out of but I don't trust them not to bend or snap. I am very disappointed in this product and would be trying to seek a refund however I received it as a gift. I don't know if I will be buying any more vortex tripods in the future because my experience with this one.

YourProductSucks

Originally posted at

2020-11-04T19:00:00

I was surprised how short it was at max length: I'm 5'10" and am using a straight eye piece scope, and really have to crouch down to use it while standing. I suppose I should've checked the specs before buying it, but even so, might think twice about this one unless you are fairly short or have an angled eye piece. I was also quite disappointed how wobbly the mounting plate was when I first used it in the field, but then realized that the screw attaching the mounting plate to the ball was loose: remove that screw with a 5mm Allen key, cover the threads with Loctite, and crank it down again as soon as you take it out of the box. Otherwise, I do like the safety stop on the mounting plate that mitigates the risk of dropping your scope when removing it from the tripod, the ball works well, the leg locks seem tight so far, it is certainly light weight, and it otherwise seems to function well enough for a (relatively cheap tripod.

MasterP

Originally posted at

2020-05-22T20:00:00

I just bought this and A Vortex Viper HD Spotting Scope. The spotting scope is amazing but tripod wobbles with the scope attached. The tripod is not very sturdy and does not support the weight of the scope very well at all.

NavyDavy

Originally posted at

2020-04-14T20:00:00

This tripod is light, compact, and sturdy. I have mounted my phone, Kaibabs 18x56, and a spotting scope on this tripod. When glassing it is best used sitting down or standing up if tripod is on a higher platform. The pan and tilt is smooth with the tighting and loosening of a knob. When the pan and tilt knob is locked you do not have to worry about losing the acquired target. This tripod fit great in my pack. I will be upgrading to the Pro GT since I am 6ft tall and would rather glass while standing.

mu529

Originally posted at

2020-01-13T19:00:00

Bought this a few months back to couple with my Spotting Scope. It was worked out great. I was skeptical at first of the lightweight design and thin legs but it held up in some pretty stout Colorado Prairie winds. The legs are quiet to set up and very adjustable to account for terrain. Tall enough to be used while standing or sitting and works great.

Mac05

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

I got this tripod with my Vortex Viper spotting scope and it is extremely lightweight. This is definitely meant to be taken out on backcountry hunts and go on more rugged adventures. The legs are kinda thin and would be easy to break if a tree branch where to fall on it or something like that where to happen. Remember this can be used for spotting people when percision shooting but isn’t the greatest for things like that, if you are gonna be using this to spot shots at long ranges I would recommend one of the nicer vortex tripods that are a little more stable and have a handle to move the scope, this one seems to be more of a lightweight backcountry tripod you can take anywhere without it weighing you down.

ArionN21

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

Ive used this tripod for a few years now, its been dropped, and all kinds of banged around and its still a great product without any damage. One thing I did notice is that the baseplate of the diamondback spotting scope fits perfectly but once I moved up to an HD spotting scope the base didn't fit and I had to purchase an adapter, no biggie it wasn't expensive.

jasdtaylor

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

I purchased this tripod last year before my deer and elk hunts in Arizona. I am very happy with my purchase. It was just what I wanted.

Grantf

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

Great match with my Viper spotter! Nice and light weight for those long days in the mountains chasing elk. Wish it had a handle though.

Grimers0077

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

I’ve had mine for about 5 year and I use it for so many things ! It’s great quality and I love it ! I recommend it to anyone

Breclay

Originally posted at

2018-11-13T19:00:00

I use mine only with binoculars. I don't use a spotting scope because I don't want to carry the bulk and weight. It is tough, light, packs well, adjust easy, keeps binoculars very stable even in the wind. It does not extend long enough to use comfortably when standing which for me is okay.

jgibbons

Originally posted at

2018-10-22T20:00:00

Biggest waste of $100, ever. Pretty embarrassing as a guide when your clients show up with a more stable tripod than yours. I thought I could trust the Vortex tripods would be as good as their glass. Shame on me for not doing more experimenting with the tripod in store. Shaky and unstable, slop in all the moving parts makes it almost impossible to keep a deer in focus at maximum zoom.

MattB

Originally posted at

2018-03-26T20:00:00

Ive used this many times for coyote hunting. It’s light and easy to pack.

JTcooper

Originally posted at

2018-03-25T20:00:00

I purchased this last week, along with the Vortex Diamondback 20-60x60. Truly a great combination. The High Country Tripod is lightweight, super easy to set up and configure, and is a bargain at this price point. I haven't owned it long enough to pack in with me yet in the backcountry, but at the weight of this tripod, it will be a dream come true.

TripleJay

Originally posted at

2018-02-28T19:00:00

I picked this model up for a Razor HAD with 65mm objective lens. It's light, folds down to a reasonable size and steadies the scope really well. I take it hunting and hiking in the back country, so the size and weight are very important to me and this tripod exceeds my needs.

BGH22888

Originally posted at

2017-11-17T19:00:00

I don't hunt without this anymore. I've spotted more bedded animals with binos and a spotter off this tripod this year than when I used to hunt without it. I keep my bino adapter attached, then swap to my 33x Razor spotter when needed(swaps fast with quick release plate). Total day trip pack weight still at about 22lbs with the tripod and spotter, very manageable. Well worth it's weight if you're hunting big country, in my opinion.

AndrewMT

Originally posted at