With its Pro-Series Universal Tripod, Zeiss has taken a shot at correcting all of the most common frustrations and annoyances hunters have with tripods.
Independently designed from the ground up, Zeiss Pro-Series Universal Tripod boasts legs built with ten layers of rigid carbon fiber connected to an aluminum framework. It includes an Arca-Swiss mounting system, for rapid, reliable and easily interchangeable mounting of a myriad of devices, including Zeiss tripod accessories.
“Most premium tripods are sold bare bones,” according to Kyle Brown, Zeiss director of marketing/product. “You pay a premium price, but then still must spend hundreds more on a ballhead and other components just for basic operation. We believe that when you purchase a top-tier tripod, your investment should deliver everything you need to get started as a complete package. That is why all Pro-Series tripods come as full kits.”
One of the biggest complaints leveled against ordinary tripods is their difficulty to adjust, and the time required to make adjustments. This is exacerbated should you have cold, wet or gloved hands, as so many hunters do. Every locking lever, button, twist lock and adjustment knob on the Pro Series Universal Tripod has been oversized to make it easier, less frustrating and far more user-friendly to manipulate in the field when seconds count.
The click stops on each leg are easily operated with one finger via a large thumb lever and allow for a choice of multiple leg angle settings at 24, 55 and 85 degrees. At full width, all three legs are almost flat on the ground, allowing the user to lie prone while using whatever device is mounted. Conversely, maximum height with center column extended and head attached is 73 inches, providing comfortable viewing even for those well over six feet tall. The center column is both extendable, and removable. The tripod comes standard with the Zeiss Fluid Head which pans and tilts, and has a telescopic handle that can be installed for left- or right-handed use. The head's working load is 11 pounds.
Next, despite its mere 6.17-pound weight, the tripod will support up to 132.2 pounds of load. Removable rubber feet can be replaced with spikes (included in the kits) for use in icy or unstable terrain. All center columns include an extended bottom hook, on which additional weight can be added for even more stability in windy conditions. Finally, an extended 1/4-20 adapter plate with rubberized anti-slip strips and safety pin for secure, solid mounting of non-Arca-Swiss compatible optics or devices completes the package.
For more information on this excellent tripod, visit zeiss.com/hunting.
