First Impressions of Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod promises stability and portability for serious glassing and shooting. As a seasoned outdoorsman, I’ve wrestled with countless tripods that were either too heavy to haul into the backcountry or too flimsy to handle the recoil of a rifle. I was hoping the Midas CF36 would bridge this gap, offering a lightweight yet rock-solid platform for my optics and firearms.
My aging tripod, a clunky aluminum beast, was finally giving up the ghost. Its legs were wobbly, and the head felt like it was filled with sand. I needed something that could handle the weight of my spotting scope and my precision rifle, all while being light enough to carry on extended scouting trips. The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod’s carbon fiber construction and promised stability were major selling points.
Unboxing the Midas CF36 was a pleasant surprise. The carbon fiber legs felt incredibly light, and the rubberized finish gave the tripod a premium feel. The build quality seemed top-notch, with smooth leg extensions and secure locking mechanisms.
I’ve used tripods from Vortex and Manfrotto in the past. While those were decent options, they either lacked the rigidity I needed for precision shooting or were too bulky for backpacking. The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod seemed to strike a better balance.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The tripod looked and felt the part, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was excited to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod on a recent elk hunting trip in the Montana backcountry. The terrain was rugged, and the weather was unpredictable. This was the perfect environment to assess its performance.
The tripod excelled in providing a stable platform for my spotting scope, even in gusty winds. The quick-release Arca plate made it easy to attach and detach my optics. No learning curve was involved; setup was intuitive straight out of the box.
Initially, I was impressed by how well the tripod handled uneven terrain, but I did notice that I needed to pay close attention to securing the leg locks properly. One leg almost collapsed under the weight of my optic. This was quickly remedied and was probably just my fault for not fully engaging the lock.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. The carbon fiber legs have held up well to being scraped against rocks and exposed to the elements. Maintenance is simple: just wipe down the legs with a damp cloth after each use.
I have noticed a few minor scuff marks on the rubberized finish. These are purely cosmetic and don’t affect the tripod’s performance. Overall, the Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod has exceeded my expectations. It’s lighter and more stable than my previous tripod.
Breaking Down the Features of Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod
Specifications
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod boasts impressive specifications. Its carbon fiber construction provides a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio. The 36mm tube diameter offers substantial rigidity, even at maximum height.
The tripod features a ball head and includes a quick-release Arca plate, ball lock knob, friction control knob, and fluid pan control knob. It extends to a maximum height of 71 inches and weighs in at a relatively light 7.7 pounds. These specs are essential for stability when using larger optics and during long glassing sessions.
Performance & Functionality
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod performs exceptionally well in the field. It provides a stable and versatile platform for a variety of optics and shooting applications. The fluid pan control knob allows for smooth and precise movements, which is critical when tracking moving targets.
The tripod’s weight hook also adds functionality by allowing you to hang additional weight for increased stability. A potential improvement might be to include spiked feet as well as the included rubber feet for additional grip in very loose terrain. Overall, the tripod meets and exceeds my expectations in terms of performance and functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod features a sleek and functional design. The rubberized finish provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The tripod is also surprisingly lightweight for its size and stability, making it easy to carry on long hikes.
The design is user-friendly. The leg locks are easy to operate, and the ball head adjustments are smooth and precise. There is no significant learning curve involved in using this tripod.
Durability & Maintenance
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod’s carbon fiber construction ensures excellent durability. The tripod is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With proper care, this tripod should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe down the legs and head with a damp cloth after each use. Periodically check the leg locks and ball head adjustments to ensure they are functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod comes with a quick-release Arca plate. This is compatible with a wide range of optics and accessories. While there are no specific Athlon Optics accessories designed for this tripod, it is compatible with most standard Arca-Swiss style accessories.
Pros and Cons of Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and portable for its size and stability.
- The Carbon Fiber construction provides excellent rigidity.
- Smooth and precise ball head adjustments.
- Quick-release Arca plate for easy optic attachment.
- Weight hook for added stability.
Cons
- The $669.99 price point may be prohibitive for some users.
- Rubber feet may not provide sufficient grip on very loose terrain.
Who Should Buy Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod?
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod is perfect for hunters, bird watchers, and competitive shooters. Anyone needing a lightweight yet stable platform for their optics or firearms will benefit from this tripod. This tripod is also great for landscape photographers.
This product might not be ideal for casual users who only need a tripod for occasional use. The high price point might not be justified for those who don’t require the tripod’s advanced features and durability. A must-have modification is an option to add spiked feet for icy or very loose ground.
Conclusion on Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod is a high-quality piece of equipment that delivers on its promises. Its lightweight design, combined with its exceptional stability, makes it an excellent choice for serious outdoorsmen and shooters. The price is justified by the tripod’s performance, durability, and features.
I would highly recommend the Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line tripod. If you need a reliable and versatile platform for your optics or firearms, this tripod is worth the investment. Add the Athlon Optics Midas CF36 36mm Tube Carbon Fiber Tripod to your kit and experience the difference a quality tripod can make!