So to answer a couple of your specific questions. Took a pic at lunch of my tripod with the ball head attached. Roughly 5.2 lbs ready to hunt, looks like OAL fully collapsed about 25". I can tell you that everyone who I have hunted with that started with an aluminum Bog Death Grip, comments on how light mine feels, and how solid it is compared to that. After borrowing mine nearly every single one of them has upgraded. Mostly to this same setup I have. Not saying it is the only option, not by far. In fact looks like it isn't even an option any more, I just looked on their website and says it has been discontinued. You can ask Infidel 762 though, I think he got one from them a few weeks ago. I know he likes his a lot.
Most of my rifles are going to be 7.5 lbs to 10 lbs with loaded mag, batteries, sling, ready to hunt.
My tripod and head are not top end, not by any stretch. Generally I spend the least I can, and still get something that is going to do the job well. I guess you would say low to mid range of "quality" gear. I don't want cheap crap, but don't want to break the bank either.
As others have said, whether day or night, sitting has its issues which must be dealt with. The biggest is rapid transitions, especially if on a slope. Having a tripod that adjusts easily and quickly helps a lot, and knowing how to make those transitions, and anticipating the issues. Having said that I believe sticks are still the best option in close country or where any angle can happen. Tripods still can have their use sitting. Open vistas where shots can be long, and generally you can see them coming and have time to adjust, it can work well.
IMO where a tripod REALLY shines is standing, especially at night. From the standing position a tripod is fast. Really fast, when you get used to it. I would even make the argument "potentially" faster than offhand, because even though you might move slightly faster offhand, once you get on target the shot off the stabilized tripod is going to be faster because you are so much more stable and will settle way down quicker. And the difference in accuracy is not even in the same category.
Last week we did some night calling. Killed 4, 3 of those were 190-235 yards, all one shot DRT, from standing. Not super impressive or anything but easily achievable.
I'm no expert, not by any stretch. Just an old country boy that's been shooting coyotes for 35 years or so.
Here is a video of some of our pig shooting last year. I'm not saying all my shooting was the best, lol. I have some good days, and some pretty bad ones as well. But all of this was standing off a tripod. It shows how fast a tripod can be and still settle down on target quickly. The key is learning how to set one up and how to move behind the tripod.
https://rumble.com/v18gmxc-2021-2022-thermal-pig-hunting.html
