Vortex Optics Summit II 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with 2-Way Pan Head

2025-07-29T20:00:00

Sturdy light

Ian C.

Originally posted at

2025-05-12T20:00:00

When the center pole was extended it became a little shaky with a Viper scope

scott c.

Originally posted at

2025-04-19T20:00:00

excellent tripod, super light and easy to use

Nick M.

Originally posted at

2025-04-08T20:00:00

PERSONALLY I THINK THAT THE TRIPOD KIT WORKS WELL FOR ME BECAUSE OF IT'S PACKABILITY, IT IS EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASILY ADJUSTABLE, THE ONLY DOWNSIDE I COULD SEE WOULD BE FOR TALLER FOLKS. I AM ROUGHLY 5 FOOT 10.

Hayden R.

Originally posted at

2025-03-11T20:00:00

The Vortex Summit Carbon II tripod has some great qualities, but overall, I don't love it. The lightweight design is a big plus, making it easy to carry on long outings without adding too much bulk. However, the adjustment knob is a major downside for me. It feels awkward to use and doesn't provide the level of control I'd like. Additionally, the height is too low, which makes it uncomfortable for extended use. While it has some good features, I wouldn't choose it again for my setup.

max j.

Originally posted at

2025-03-06T19:00:00

The Vortex Summit Carbon II Tripod Kit is hands down one of the best lightweight tripods I've used in the field. Right out of the box, you can tell it's built for serious hunters-carbon fiber legs keep it incredibly light, but it's rock-solid when fully extended. Whether I was glassing for elk on uneven terrain or setting up for a long-range shot, this tripod held steady with zero wobble. The twist-lock legs are smooth and quick to deploy, and the adjustable height options make it versatile for both standing and prone setups. Plus, the ball head is fluid and precise, making it easy to track game without any jerky movements. I'm giving this tripod a top score because it checks every box-lightweight, stable, durable, and easy to use. At just over two pounds, it's a no-brainer for backcountry hunts where every ounce matters. It's compact enough to strap to a pack, yet strong enough to support my spotting scope or rifle without a problem. If you're serious about glassing and want a tripod that won't weigh you down or let you down, the Summit Carbon II is worth every penny.

Broderick M.

Originally posted at

2025-02-24T19:00:00

I have many tripods this for being lightweight is the most rugged in its class that I found. Really easy set up and take down.

ROBERT I.

Originally posted at

2024-12-30T19:00:00

Great tripod for the price point. Used it with binoculars to glass for deer. I'm 5'11" and at full extension it is slightly too short for me with the binoculars causing me to crouch a bit. That wouldn't be an issue with a spotting scope.

Jon K.

Originally posted at

2024-12-20T19:00:00

because you asked

Jonathan S.

Originally posted at

2024-12-14T19:00:00

Affordable

Court J.

Originally posted at

2024-12-02T19:00:00

Mount on top tends to loosen and is not completely stable.

Paul S.

Originally posted at

2024-11-24T19:00:00

Light, packable, and easy to use!

William K.

Originally posted at

2024-10-24T20:00:00

I've been using this tripod for the last couple months both for scouting deer and backcountry elk trips in Colorado. It worked great even with a full size spotting scope and completely extended. I would recommend the vortex Summit Carbon 2 tripod to any beginner looking for a lightweight tripod. It's would have been nice if Vortex added an extra mounting base plate. But either way it's a great product so far.

Todd D.

Originally posted at

2024-08-26T20:00:00

Absolute Trash. I've used this on a few hunts. Legs are stripped out and wont extend. Pan Head became loose and unusable. I am unable to secure/ get my spotting scope steady on the tripod.

Gunnar R.

Originally posted at

2024-08-21T20:00:00

lightweight awesome tripod. panhead is smooth. some people will complain, but we need to campare apples to apples. Sure, it is not as stable or smooth as other 20 pound tripods on the market, but you have to consider the weight. I'm hunting mountain terrain and every once counts! this is the best tripod in it's class. I did have an issue with the twist handle... I lost it in the mountain. but once again vortex came through with their amazing warranty, no questions asked and mailed me a new handle.

Erich

Originally posted at

2024-07-15T20:00:00

Still have this tri pod, light weight, packable for hiking and glassing. Still a decent tri pod, the legs are just a tab small. Don't recommend it for shooting tripod, but maybe just glassing and spotting scope.

teng y.

Originally posted at

2024-05-25T20:00:00

This is a great, lighter weight improvement on the old style. I really like the updated mount. Arca-Swiss is a great setup, and works with all my other gear and cameras. The one thing I have an issue with, and it goes with most tripods, if you raise the center post there is play in the stability of the optic. You can tighten up the base of the head, and it comes with the hex wrench for it. I have added extra hex wrenches to my kit to tighten things up when it gets loose. When not extending the center post, the thing is rock solid. I like everything else about it. My birding setup just got much better for longer treks. Thanks Vortex!

Devin H.

Originally posted at

2024-04-12T20:00:00

This tripod has been absolutely flawless and is light weight. The only draw back I could see is the height if you are taller and want to stand. I used it with a Viper spotting scope and mostly sit while glassing. I'm 5'11'' and have no issues standing but that is close to the limit. As far as the legs go, if you turn the locking mechanism the wrong direction they are a bear but that is totally user error. I have done it once but was able to feel it by turning it back the correct direct. Ours get used about 300 days a year at home and 14 days on western hunts.

Jhcampbe9974

Originally posted at

2024-04-10T20:00:00

Great weight and good price combines yo make this a very high qauilty tripod. I have used this tripod on many extended Alaskan back country trips. From sheep to caribou hunts it has always performed well. I highly recommend this tripod.

Colin

Originally posted at

2024-04-10T20:00:00

This is a great product, except Vortex missed the boat on the head assembly. It has fallen apart, and it is not smooth at all. They should have stuck with old head with the ball, it was much smoother and durable.

Eric H.

Originally posted at

2024-01-16T19:00:00

I love the size and weight of this tripod. Good quality and great warranty!

David C.

Originally posted at

2024-01-12T19:00:00

This is a quality product that is light and easy to pack in the woods.

Cameron W.

Originally posted at

2024-01-08T19:00:00

10/10

Timothy S.

Originally posted at

2023-12-07T19:00:00

This tripod is light, easy to operate, and durable. I have taken it out about ten times and used with my 20-60x85 scope and have no issues. Even my six year old can set up and operate. I only wish it was a little taller since I am a tall person but knew the maximum height when I purchased so no complaints

Ashton H.

Originally posted at

2023-11-27T19:00:00

I use this tripod with a Razor HD scope for birding. This tripod is very light and packable. I can carry it in my backpack and never feel like I should have left the scope at home, even if I don't end up using it. The light weight seems to come with some sacrifice, though. The legs jam up and don't always loosen - I sometimes end up having to use a lot of force to retract some of the legs, like the locking mechanism doesn't disengage. In general the tripod is not that stable. It seems to bounce and jiggle easily - although I tightened the brackets with a hex wrench and that helped. Also, the head is not very precise. I get a bird in my scope and tighten the handle, and the scope sometimes drops a bit. Or I need to move it just a little and the scope sticks at first, then slips and moves way off target. Overall, I will continue to use this tripod for birding when I am covering some distance because it is lightweight and very packable. But eventually I will want to get a more sturdy tripod with a smoother head to use when I'm just spending time in one location.

Dan M.

Originally posted at

2023-11-26T19:00:00

It's nice and light. The adjustments are easy. I use it for hunting. Only issue is the you have to crank the pan head handle to make sure it keeps still.

Evan S.

Originally posted at

2023-11-13T19:00:00

Very light weight and pretty compact. Not a very tall tripod and when extended to its full height it is a bit unstable through glass. Best used as a spotting tripod at lower levels like sitting position

Jonathan W.

Originally posted at

2023-10-29T20:00:00

I have not used this tripod with my rifle, only with the spotting scope. The quarter turn knobs on the feet are great for quick set up and break down of the tripod, but the lowest section of the foot seems to loosen easily. Might be operator error. I was hoping for a snug but not dragging turning radius on the base, but it seems that the base is also a screw so it tends to loosen when swinging left on the glass. Because of the inability to maintain snug fit and track simultaneously, I would recommend swapping out the entire upper mount for a ball head or something a bit more rifle friendly if you are looking for a shooting tripod. Overall weight and pack out size are impressive. Full adjustable height range works out great at the range so my (shorter) wife doesn't have to stand on a chair to use the provided mounted spotting scopes. Also, not having to move or reset from shooting position to check hits was nice. If I can find a suitable head for rifle mounted shooting I will update the review with some pictures and results. So far, I'm happy with the product, would recommend it to anyone who wants the light weight option.

Quentin A.

Originally posted at

2023-09-20T20:00:00

Pan head is horrible. Which, is what you'd expect for the price of this tripod, so not a big deal. But, I'm most disappointed in the 1/4 turn locks and legs. I have 2 sections on 2 separate legs that are very, very difficult to adjust. This costs valuable time when setting up to glass. Sometimes I leave the sections extended, which makes the tripod less packable.

Ben K.

Originally posted at

2023-09-16T20:00:00

Great tripod!! Lightweight for packing in on high hunts

Scott C.

Originally posted at