Reviews & Ratings for Vortex Summit SS Tripod ST-4 — 6 reviews — Page 1

I purchased this tripod for use with spotting scopes (and occasional gun-resting) while backpack hunting. I found it to meet all of my expectations. It was an excellent, lightweight, and very compact tripod that set up quickly and intuitively in the field. I used multiple spotting scopes mounted to the unit and found it to be a solid rest and I never needed to add additional weight to counterbalance the scope (although this may be necessary with other scopes, or higher power scopes). The design also appeared to be pretty robust to getting dirt and grime into the joints, which gave me confidence deploying the tripod in a variety of field conditions without a second thought.

The only downside I found with the tripod was the ball head that the scope swivels on. The ball head had a tendency to loosen quite quickly (particularly if moving the tripod); sometimes something as simple as brushing the spotting scope with the bill of my hat couple knock it loose. This would be especially problematic if your scope (or camera) was susceptible to getting banged around on the tripod, or if you are trying to maintain the scope in a certain position. I think that if you really tighten down the pin on the ball head, you could probably counteract this tendency.

So in summary, with some cognizance of these issues, I think this would be a highly functional tripod, and particularly well suited for backpack hunters, or anyone that seeks a light weight spotting scope.

This tripod by Vortex is one nice piece of equipment.Stores easily in my Alpen 788 carrying bag.Extends quickly and locks tight.Muliple leg adjustments.The quick release plate also fits my Summit window mount.One tripod ,two spotters and a binocular tripod adapter make for rapid switch outs,no fiddling between optics.When scoping out in fast moving situations,this tripod with extra mounting plates attached to my optics,makes the Vortex Summit tripod the only tripod I'll ever need .Compact enough for table top,extends to full size in a snap.Vortex really nailed this one,GREAT PRODUCT, 5 Stars!

This tripod is light and easy to extend. It is highly adjustable and seems sturdy. The only problem seems to be contracting the legs. You need some experience with the tripod before you can get the rotation of twisting it correctly. Wish they some click stops rather than a twisting lock.

This was exactly what I was looking for in a back country tripod. I tend to return back to home base every day while hunting in the back country and as such try to travel as light as possible assuming there will be days I am packing out meat as well.

This is light weight, packs out of the way and yet offers a stable platform for glassing, whether it be binos or a spotting scope.

Seems strong enough but I would still be careful with it. That tends to be how lightweight gear works. You give up some weight but can't treat it like a punching bag.

Sadly it is not in season here yet so it has only been tried out in the field on a day hike and glassing the hills for the sake of trying it out, but really there is no difference. That's hunting less the opportunity to bring home game.

If you are gear weight conscious and take care of your stuff and want some value you've found it!
Pros: Light Weight, Packs small and great value!
Cons: No pan head, but you could add one

I just returned from my 7-day whitetail hunt in AZ and spent hours glassing with my 4 lb Leicas on this thing - and it is awesome. If you hunt in the back country, this tripod is a must if you are looking to shed weight in your pack. Its quality is bullet-proof and so far out-performs its competitors for the money that it is ridiculous. My only complaint is the head - there is no handle and for my type of glassing, this is essential. A buddy of mine machined a super-lightweight one for me and that made this tripod near-perfect.
Pros: Lightweight, high quality, length
Cons: No handle on head