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11/28/2009 03:05:42 PM · #1 |
Can anyone recommend a good travel tripod?
I am looking for something that will pack in a suitcase, but not weigh it down too much.
I need normal height (not table top), and a good ball head, or at least a 3-way head.
Thanks in advance. |
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11/28/2009 03:29:27 PM · #2 |
| Have you thought about the Gorilla Pod. I don't have one but I had always thought that one of these would be perfect for travel but it's probably not what you are looking for. |
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11/28/2009 05:14:22 PM · #3 |
Don't know the name off-hand, but my friend had the same problem as you, so we went down to the store and picked up this collapsible, plastic tri-pod for $300. I though, Oh, It's probably going to be a piece of junk because it's made of plastic. When in actuality, it was easier to use and more stable then my metal tri-pod! 0.o
It uses geometry, rather then a stronger material to hold up heavier cameras. Where my tripod is flimsy, it relies on strong metal to keep itself steady, weighing it down, while the plastic tri-pod I found didn't need to.
I'll post back here when I get the name of the tri-pod.
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11/28/2009 05:22:43 PM · #4 |
I carried this on my last trip...
Manfrotto 785SHB
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11/28/2009 09:22:56 PM · #5 |
I use the Manfrotto 345 which is a mini in a travel case. It is meant for table tops and it holds a small camera or a video recorder. It is not idea, but then I have larger tripods for more outdoor work. But, they do not travel easily.
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11/28/2009 10:33:34 PM · #6 |
Okay, I'll openly say I'm yet to see one of these in person or any real reviews of it, but something to consider.
Tamrac Zipshot Super small, lightweight, very fast setup. I would be concerned about if I can change the angle/length of the legs independently at all or not (don't think leg length can change, not sure about angle). |
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11/29/2009 04:51:54 AM · #7 |
Maximum load on that is 1361g though, which pretty much rules it out for the OP.
That said, having looked up the specs on the tripod we usually take away (Veblon Ultra Maxi F), that has a similar rated load, but happily takes whatever we throw at it (that said, haven't mounted the 400mm on it..!)
Depends very much on what you want it for - I rarely use the tripod, but we also carry a cheap and cheerful monopod which I find more flexible and useful. |
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11/29/2009 07:20:46 AM · #8 |
Gitzo has a "Traveler" series of tripods which are quite light and fold up more compactly than most. These tend to be a bit on the short side if you are tall -- if that is an issue for you, also look into the lighter weight ones of their other offerings.
ETA
ReallyRightStuff has an ultra-light ballhead that is rated at 8.8 lbs and a mid-sized one rated at 18 lbs.
ETA links
Message edited by author 2009-11-29 07:27:22. |
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11/29/2009 10:46:38 AM · #9 |
| Thanks for the info everyone! |
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11/29/2009 05:56:35 PM · #10 |
Got the Gitzo GT1550T
Light and strong, but man is it pricy! The store gave me a little discount and there's a $100 instant rebate. Brought it down from $700 to $550.00 |
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11/29/2009 06:46:44 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by kleski:
I carried this on my last trip...
Manfrotto 785SHB |
I bought this whilst in the US last week as I couldn't carry my larger (and heavier) tripod. It actually did a pretty good job and I would highly recommend it :-)
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11/29/2009 06:58:03 PM · #12 |
I travel fairly extensively for work and sometimes carry my camera with me. When I do, I carry my wife's tripod. By taking the ball head off, I can carry the tripod and the head in my regular carry-on suit case. Security has never hassled me about it.
The head is a Manfrotto 488RC2 and the tripod a Manfrotto 3001BPRO. |
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11/30/2009 11:47:50 AM · #13 |
My shooting budy travels at least once a month to various locations and uses this:
Gitzo GT1840
It is compact, not as expensive as the other models, and still light while holding his D3 with 200MM lens.
The ball head is a must for travel.
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11/30/2009 01:03:45 PM · #14 |
| I have the Gitzo 1541-Traveler. The legs fold 180 degrees around the head making it pretty compact. It weighs very little... |
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11/30/2009 02:35:02 PM · #15 |
I have a Gitzo GT3530LS paired with the BH55 from www.reallyrightstuff.com this setup cost me its weight in gold.
and I almost felt raped after the purchase.. considering that I could have bought a very nice L lens instead. But let me tell you that every time I use the tripod, it exceeds my expectations .. I mean .. I've been in the water, sand, snow and some very strong winds doing 150 sec exposures it never moved a hair and never let me down..the thing is rock solid!! a pure pleasure to use .I feel like it's the last tripod I'll ever own...So my advice is this ... buy once, buy the best and don't look back ...
Message edited by author 2009-11-30 15:09:11. |
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