Manfrotto MT290XTC3US 290 Xtra Carbon Fiber Tripod

This is a good tripod for backcountry hunting when using a large spotting scope and as a rifle rest. Very stable and easy use in the dark or while wearing gloves. It is not super light but much lighter than my current AL tripod.

Nice, lightweight tripod! Legs seem to extend smoothly, even if they get a little dirty. Lightweight enough that hiking with it is no problem.

This is the carbon fiber version of my old tripod. I bought it to reduce the weight that I carry. The tripod works great, the head fit perfectly. Very happy with this purchase.

I have been very happy with my old but heavy aluminum Manfrottos, but wanted something lighter for bicycling and hiking with my spotting scope. I had purchased another brand of carbon fiber legs (slightly more expensive than these) and returned them immediately because the center tube was unstable when extended. This tripod is stable, and because it has an aluminum (not carbon fiber) center tube, it can be extended and securely tightened with the lock screw. The flip locks open and close easily, secure the legs without slippage, and the legs slide in and out very smoothly. I did not have the problem of the flip lock bolts being too long as mentioned by another reviewer. I put a Manfrotto 128rc qr head on it and am very pleased with the whole rig.

I have had nothing but cheap tripods and wanted an upgrade for some light camera work and to hold my binoculars and spotting scope. After some discussion with the good folks, they recommended this over my other more heavier choice. Out of the box, it had a fingerprint made of paint or adhesive so I was concerned about over all quality after that. But the rest of the tripod is good. I had to adjust the clamp nuts with the supplied wrench after a week of testing binoculars. I always use lever lock units and know to check regularly by pushing down on the tripod. I have this paired with the Sirui VA-5 head and a Acratech Leveling Base which pushes the height to what I need. I am 5 foot 9 inches and i stand while using binoculars to look over corn fields on uneven ground. The adjustments for angle work well and are fairly quiet if you slow down and I like the rubber cushion for the center column. I do see earthquake in my 18x binoculars when fully extended and have found it gets better if I put the lower leg sections in about an inch below the stop. I'm sure this is true about a lot of tripods and at 18x I'm sure everything will look a little jumpy. I compared this to a Vortex Ridgeview tripod a friend lent me and this one has less leg flex than the Vortex but its heavier over all. I went this route because of the flexibility this affords me when I'm not out wondering around in nature. My whole setup is heavy and unfortunately is longer than I wanted folded up. But to get the height and stability, the weight was unavoidable. The only thing I do not like about this tripod is the little bag hook below the head mount. I tried several bags and it only made things worse if I could even get the bag handle on there. I have not used the sling loop. It appears to be plastic so I am not crazy about clipping it to my pack.

I'm a fan of Manfrotto but this tripod died after 6 months of light use. One of the legs just came out and won't sit back in again.