Next-Level Stability: ZEISS Unveils Their New Pro-Series Tripods
In competition shooting, especially in disciplines like PRS and NRL, stability is everything. A good tripod provides a solid shooting platform when natural support is limited or unavailable. Whether you're engaging targets from uneven terrain, awkward shooting positions, or elevated vantage points, a tripod helps eliminate wobble and isolate shooter movement, two key factors that directly affect precision. Beyond shooting, tripods are also essential for spotting and recording impacts through optics or thermal devices.
Tripods @ TFB:
A reliable tripod can make the difference between a missed shot and a clean hit, especially when time and accuracy matter.
This brings us to ZEISS’ new product launch, a new line of four Pro-Series Tripod Kits, aimed at addressing long-standing frustrations users often have with tripods in the field. These new tripods are built from scratch rather than modified from existing designs. The Pro-Series tripods are focused on durability, ease of use, and fast deployment.
One of the more notable features is the single-point leg adjustment system found on the MAX-DUTY models. A quarter turn of a large twist lock fully extends or collapses each leg, eliminating the need to adjust multiple sections individually.
The legs are constructed from ten layers of carbon fiber and are connected to a sturdy aluminum frame. All kits use the Arca-Swiss mounting system, which has become the standard for securely attaching optics and accessories. ZEISS also includes a full set of accessories and components with each tripod, making them complete out of the box.
Control interfaces like twist locks, levers, and knobs are intentionally oversized for easier handling with gloves or in cold, wet conditions. Each leg has three angle stops (24, 55, and 85 degrees), adjustable via a large thumb lever. Fully splayed, the tripod sits nearly flat to the ground for prone use. At full height, the tallest model extends to over 82 inches, accommodating even the tallest users. All models include a removable center column for added flexibility.
Weight ratings range from 88 to 154 pounds, depending on the model, enough to support heavy rifles or large spotting scopes. Rubber feet are standard but can be swapped for included spikes when operating on unstable or icy ground. A center hook allows you to hang weight for additional stability.
There are four kits in the lineup: UNIVERSAL, LIGHTWEIGHT, and two MAX-DUTY variations.
UNIVERSAL Kit
The UNIVERSAL kit is the most versatile, featuring the ZEISS Fluid Head with an Arca-Swiss top mount and a 1/4-20 adapter plate with non-slip strips and a safety pin for non-Arca optics. The head offers both pan and tilt movement. With the center column and head installed, it reaches 73 inches and collapses down to 30.5 inches. It supports up to 132.2 pounds and weighs 6.17 pounds. MSRP is $699.99.
LIGHTWEIGHT Kit
Geared toward users who need to move frequently—such as birders or field spotters—the LIGHTWEIGHT model shares most features with the UNIVERSAL but has a longer center column for quicker fine-tuning. Its thinner carbon legs cut total weight to 4.6 pounds, but it still supports up to 88 pounds. Maximum height is 69.3 inches. MSRP is $799.99.
Both kits include the tripod, fluid head, center column, adapter plates, spiked feet, leg wraps, carry bag, tool kit, and manual.
MAX-DUTY Kits
The MAX-DUTY kits are aimed at competitive shooters and include either the Ballhead V-60 (MAX-DUTY V) or the lower-profile Ballhead L-55 (MAX-DUTY L). The V-60 allows for up to 115 degrees of tilt in multiple axes, while the L-55 offers 90 degrees of tilt with a lower center of gravity. Another option, the Q-75 ballhead, can be purchased separately and features a simplified single-handle adjustment and a hook for adding weight.
The MAX-DUTY tripods come with large, sturdy carbon fiber legs measuring 36, 40, or 44 mm in diameter, providing a solid and stable platform in almost any setting. The MAX-DUTY V model extends up to 71.5 inches—or 82.7 inches with the center column and head attached—and folds down to just under 40 inches. With the head and center column, it weighs 12.1 pounds. The retail price is $1,399.99.
The MAX-DUTY L extends to 69.7 inches (81.5 inches with center column and head), collapsing to 36.6 inches, and costs $1,299.99. Both models support up to 66 pounds when the heads are attached.
Each MAX-DUTY kit includes the tripod, either the V-60 or L-55 ballhead, a removable center column, flat plate adapter with 3/8-inch stud, extended 1/4-20 adapter plate, a shoulder-strap tripod bag, tool kit, spiked feet, and a manual.
Though all Pro-Series kits come complete, ZEISS also offers some specialized accessories. Ballhead V-60 and L-55 heads can be added to the UNIVERSAL and LIGHTWEIGHT models. For any tripod, there’s a tripod-to-binocular adapter compatible with Arca-Swiss and 1/4-20 mounts, plus a universal Arca-Swiss binocular clamp that fits various sizes and brands.
Shooters will appreciate the padded Rifle Saddle Clamp, adjustable from 1.1 to 3.1 inches and Arca-Swiss compatible. The Multi-Device Rail, also Arca-Swiss compatible, lets you mount multiple devices at once, like pairing a phone with binoculars or a video camera with a spotting scope.
For those tricky, windy spots, the Accessory Rock Bag attaches to the center column to add weight and boost stability.
Zeiss seem very confident with their new product, and the Pro-Series Tripod Kits comes with a full 10-year warranty once you register your tripod.
Here’s a direct link so you can find out more: https://www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/int/hunting/spotting-scopes/spotting-scope-accessories/tripods-accessories.html
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Interesting that Zeiss would announce tripods immediately after announcing they are getting out of the optics business
Looks like re-badge'd Lefoto stuff