Vanguard ABEO 243AV Tripod

The Vanguard Abeo 243AV tripod was designed with both sportsmen and photographers in mind and has many great features that make it multifunctional and reliable.

The Abeo 243AV can extend to a maximum height of 61.75 inches, making spotting or taking photos while standing upright very comfortable. The multi-positioning legs allow the tripod to be used in the seated position or while lying in the prone position. By pressing the pin located near the bottom of the central column, then unscrewing the accessory holder, and lastly inserting the central column from the underside of the canopy, one can even put the tripod in a low profile position for viewing or taking macro photos from only seven inches above the ground. This angle is perfect for hunters who enjoy photographing their harvested trophy from the ground level, either in the field or designated photo location.

The ABEO 243AV tripod was packaged properly with no missing or damaged parts when I received it. Along with the tripod came an instruction manual for PH Series heads, a manual for the tripod, and a warranty card. Also included were two Allen wrenches, one hex head wrench, and a 3/8-inch camera screw. A carrying case with a shoulder strap is included in the box as well.

Pros

• The foam grips makes this tripod easy to grab and maneuver, whether in cold or rainy weather.
• The quick-flip leg locks make it easy to lock the legs into place at the desired height with no issues while wearing gloves. Unlike twist lock legs, you can visually see it snapped into place and not worry about the tripod possibly collapsing if a leg isn’t completely locked.
• The Abeo 243AV features a universal attachment plate which can be used by cameras as well as spotting scopes under 8.8 pounds.
• Good vertical extension reaches a height of 61.75 inches.
• Includes an accessory hanger which, when filled with any weighted object, makes the already solid tripod even more stable.
• The multi-position legs allow versatility to set up anywhere without the fear of uneven terrain, and the bubble level allows the user to correct the angle of view.
• The ball head clamp stays in open position for quick set ups. Once the optic is seated in place it is locked securely and the user must press the lock release button to detach the optic. Combined with the locking lever, the user can have confidence that the optic will not fall off, even it the ball head swivels unexpectedly.
• At a weight of 4.51 pounds and a folded height of 26-5/8 inches, this tripod can be packed and carried easily.

Cons

• The PH-113V may be a bit stiff out of the box when panning on the horizontal plane. I contacted customer service and they advised to use the smaller Allen wrench (included in the bag) and loosen the three set pins from the underside of the center column platform. I did and the panning movement was greatly improved.

Author’s note: After performing a series of tests on the Vanguard Endeavor XF 60S Spotting Scope and the Vanguard ABEO 243AV tripod, I highly recommend each and have found that when used together they make a fantastic combination with outstanding features. Vanguard has once again offered high-quality products at affordable prices.

Features

• Lightweight
• Multi-positioning legs adjusting to 25-, 50-, and 80-degree angles
• Foam grips
• Includes PH-113V video pan head
• Anti-spin central column
• MSRP: $219.99

Detailed specifications

• Extended height: 61-3/4 inches
• Folded height: 26-5/8 inches
• Weight: 4.51 pounds
• Maximum loading capacity: 8.8 pounds
• Number of legs: 3
• Leg Diameter: 24mm
• Head Specs: PH-113V
• Bubble level: One piece
• Quick shoe included: QS-66
• Tilt: +45 degrees – 90 degrees

David Dellucci

David Dellucci is a retired Professional Baseball Player who played 13 seasons in the Major Leagues winning a World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001. Dellucci is an avid hunter and fisherman. Some of his fondest memories have been made sharing the outdoors with his family. He developed his love for the outdoors by tagging along on hunting and fishing trips with his father and grandfather at the early age of 4. Feeling that outdoor activities are essential to positive developmental skills of children he is passionate about conservation and wishes to pass along future memories in the marshes, swamps and forests with his children. He is on the Advisory Board for the National Wildlife Federation's Vanishing Paradise Campaign. In 2005 Dellucci received a Commendation from the Louisiana House of Representatives and was recognized by the Senate for his charity work for the residents of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas who were directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He heads the Dellucci's Dream Foundation which puts on free baseball clinics and has done charity work for wounded soldiers in our armed forces. David has been inducted into the Catholic High School of Baton Rouge, University of Mississippi, and Louisiana Italian-American Hall of Fames. Dellucci also runs the Extra Innings Baseball Academy in Baton Rouge and contributes as a weekly radio baseball analyst and color commentator for College Baseball games. He is married to the former Rachel Reynolds.