Vanguard is a reputable company when it comes to photo and video-related products for over 26-years and when it comes to tripods, the company’s reputation is partly due to the quality of their tripods. Vanguard has continued to grow as a company and now integrating an optics-line which have won over hunting and bird watching enthusiasts, the company continues to thrive.
But in this day and age where there is plenty of competition when it comes to tripods, fortunately Vanguard is known for its quality for their monopods, tripods, mounts and ball and pan heads.
The product that I am reviewing is the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick, a tripod that functions as a gun tripod and a DSLR/Video and spotting cope lens tripod, bipod and also as a shooting stick.
WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGE:
Inside the package is the Quest T62U which is a 3-in-1 tripod, bi-pod or monopod and has a removable third leg. There is a detachable soft rubber “U” shaped yoke (which turns left or right ala 360 degrees), detachable spacer and a detachable shooting stick with each leg featuring lever leg locks with anti-slip rubber feet. On top connecting to the yoke is a 1/4″ tread bolt which is perfect for spotting scopes, SLR/DSLR’s and camcorders.
The legs are 3 section, 20 mm lightweight aluminum alloy legs and weighs about 35.3 oz. and extends up to 62 inches (extended height) and 27 1/2 inches (folded height).
Also, included is paperwork for Vanguards 5-Year-Limited Warranty.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
I tested the Vanguard Quest T62U in a variety of situations. For one, I tested it via digiscoping but also DSLR use, primarily outdoor and also indoor. I really enjoyed the extension and height of this tripod. And the first thing that came to my mind was how this 3-in-1 product will now be my traveling tripod/bi-pod/monopod. It’s compact enough to fit in a car and a larger camera backpack, but for its height and function, I can foresee using this for a lot of my outdoor shots.
Here at my studio, I have plenty of tripods and monopods but what I enjoyed about the Quest T62U is its multi-function, especially its height. For one, this a tripod that hunters, nature/bird enthusiasts will love for its multi-function ability. And because of its height extension, I absolutely love how high this tripod goes compared to my other tripods that I use.
But it’s important to remember that this is lightweight aluminum alloy legs. If you are going to attach expensive equipment, you may want to be careful as it will hold a spotting scope, camera, rifle, etc. But anything heavy, this is not what this tripod is for. In fact, for outdoor use, I would prepare by bringing a sandbag to make sure that wind does not knock this tripod over.
In fact, if you need absolute strength for rugged areas or want the best in protection, I highly recommend looking into magnesium die-cast tripods such as the Vanguard Abeo or something sturdier. But if it’s just a sole piece of hardware and you’re not going to leave it stationary where many people can hit it. It’s you and this tripod alone, then the Quest T62U is absolutely magnificent.
I do highly recommend one other thing for purchase along with the Quest T62U or any tripod, bi-pod or monopod and that is a good ballhead. Otherwise once you tighten your DSLR or spotting scope, you won’t have much chance to rotate your hardware. So, I recommend purchasing a ballhead, may it be Vanguard BBH, SBH, a Manfrotto ballhead or even considering a pistol-type (which I prefer using). Just something reliable and won’t break on you.
JUDGMENT CALL:
The Vanguard Quest T62U is a magnificent 3-in-1 product that will function as a tripod, bi-pod and monopod. With the multi-functions, especially for those who hunt due to its inclusion of the U-shaped yoke, for its price, you really can’t go wrong with this product. It’s a well-built Vanguard product.
But I must emphasize that this is lightweight aluminum, so try to avoid using this as a backup for your light stands or expensive lighting equipment. If anything, use it for your rifle, your spotting scope or your SLR/DSLR and you should be fine. Again, if you do go outdoors, I recommend adding maybe a little weight via a sandbag if you know you are heading out to windy conditions, especially rugged areas.
Last, while you can use this product immediately, photographers may want to look into a ballhead accessory if you need more rotation for your shots.
Overall, there really is nothing I can complain about this product. For its pricepoint and its function, especially with the Vanguard name, it’s a wonderful product that comes with a 5-year warranty. So, whether you are a hunter, spotting birds or wildlife or a photographer that needs a reliable product that they can easily travel with, the Vanguard Quest T62U 3-in-1 Shooting Stick is highly recommended!
