A solid tripod doesn't have to cost as much as your scope. The Athlon Midas AL28 is the budget-friendly entry in the Athlon Midas tripod line — a 28mm aluminum tripod with center-shaft design, 36mm Arca-Swiss ball head, and 22 lb capacity that provides stable glassing and shooting support without the carbon fiber price tag. At 4.9 lbs, it's light enough for the truck and sturdy enough for extended glassing sessions.

Key Features

• 28 mm Aluminum Alloy Legs — Lightweight and rigid at 4.7 lbs, with three leg sections and high-tension twist locks for fast, secure adjustment.
• 26 lb Load Capacity — Supports spotting scopes, binoculars, cameras, and rangefinders. For heavier rigs or rifle-mounted use, step up to the carbon fiber CF29 (33 lbs) or CF32 (55 lbs).
• 36 mm Arca-Swiss Ball Head — Friction control dial, ball lock knob, and dedicated fluid pan lock for smooth tracking and one-hand panning. Quick-release plate mounts any Arca-compatible device.
• Center-Shaft Design — 10 inches of fine height travel without adjusting legs. Counterweight hook at the base adds stability in wind.
• 65" Max / 17" Min Height — Full standing height to seated glassing. Legs adjust to three angle stops (80°, 55°, 25°) for rapid repositioning.
• Multi-Terrain Feet — Rubber feet for hard surfaces; included spiked feet screw in for dirt, snow, or soft ground.
• Bubble Level — Built-in circular bubble level on the ball head for precise alignment.
• Folds to 27" — Compact enough for a day pack. Includes a soft-sided carrying case for transport and storage.

Ideal For

• Spotting scope users who need smooth fluid panning and Arca compatibility for quick scope swaps at the range or in the field.
• Birdwatchers and wildlife observers who want a stable, lightweight tripod with precise leveling for long glassing sessions.
• Photographers looking for an affordable, Arca-ready tripod for telephoto lenses, video panning, or general fieldwork.
• Hunters who need a portable glassing platform — 4.7 lbs and 27" folded for easy carry on day hunts.

Midas Tripod Series

The Midas line covers aluminum and carbon fiber options across five leg diameters:

• Midas AL28 — 28 mm aluminum, 26 lb load, 4.7 lbs, center-shaft design (this product)
• Midas CF29 — 29 mm carbon fiber, 33 lb load, 5.5 lbs
• Midas CF32 — 32 mm carbon fiber, 55 lb load, 5.7 lbs
• Midas CF36 — 36 mm carbon fiber, 66 lb load, 7.7 lbs
• Midas CF40 — 40 mm carbon fiber, 88 lb load, 8.4 lbs