Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › Members' Lounge (General Discussion) › Lightweight tripod for backpacking
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Lightweight tripod for backpacking

post #1 of 16
9/17/09 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 
Hello,
I am looking for a lightweight tripod for backpacking.
Here are the models that I have so far.
Any suggestions?

The camera will be a Nikon D700 camera with a 55-200mm Zoom Lens.

Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Weight (minus head): 1650g
Max. Height: 175cm
Packed Length: 65cm
Max. Load: 8kg
Head: 804RC2
Weight: 750g

460MG 3D Magnesium Head with RC2 Quick Release - Supports 6.6 lbs (3kg)


Slik Pro 714CF II
 Weight (minus head): 1390g
Max. Height: 153cm
Packed Length: 46cm
Max. Load: 5kg
Head: SH-806E £92
Weight: 700g

Induro CX114
 Weight (minus head): 1300g
Max. Height: 148.6cm
Packed Length: 49cm
Max. Load: 5kg
Head: SA-12
Weight: 400g

Velbon Sherpa Pro CF-535 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Weight (minus head): 1320g
Max. Height: 158cm
Packed Length: 54cm
Max. Load: 4kg
Head: PH-157Q
Weight: 580g









Reply
post #2 of 16
9/17/09 at 1:51pm
I'm no expert but I have the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3, it's light and well made though I don't do much hiking.
I would suggest a ballhead for maximum versatility.
Reply
post #3 of 16
9/17/09 at 2:13pm
Manfrotto with ball head. They have a few on amazon which are very slim and light.
Reply
post #4 of 16
9/17/09 at 2:32pm
Thread Starter 
Hello,
What ball head do you recommend?
How about this one?

Manfrotto 488RC0 Midi Ball Head with 030- 14 RC0 Rapid Connect Plate

Reply
post #5 of 16
9/17/09 at 4:12pm
It depends on how much you are looking to spend, some people swear by the Arca Swiss quick release system with Really Right Stuff and other insanely expensive ballheads. I bought a grip action ballhead, its nice but if I had to do it again I think I would go with a more traditional style.

the one you picked is probably good but I like the rectangular RC2 quick release system: Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with | 488RC2
Reply
post #6 of 16
9/17/09 at 5:45pm
I've had mine for awhile but I use a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod (can no longer recall the model) with the Arca Swiss quick release ball head. Rock Solid performance, light weight, quick set up take down and there are not enough superlatives for the Arca Swiss head. Neither the tripod or head have ever failed, nor have they failed to please me.
Reply
post #7 of 16
9/17/09 at 6:02pm
The Gitzo Traveler is the gold standard for ultra-lightweight tripods. Quite expensive, but worth every penny.
Reply
post #8 of 16
9/17/09 at 6:16pm
Thread Starter 
Hello majid,
I am a little blown away buy the prices of these tripods!

Gitzo GT-1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs — $574.95

The Manfrotto is a little more in my price range.
Even then, $300 bucks!!

Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod — $299.95

weight:
2.8 lbs
closed length:
22.8 in
minimum height:
3.1 in
maximum height:
57.5 in
maximum height (with center column down):
48.0 in
weight:
2.8 lbs
load capacity:
11.0 lbs

Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with Rapid Connect 2 System (Quick Release) $114.90

Reply
post #9 of 16
9/17/09 at 10:44pm
How about a good monopod? The last time that I was stomping around with a big camera, the monopod seemed to be a preferable option for everything except night photography.

I know that the common wisdom now says that you must invest in a quick-release system, but I'm not sold. Unless you know that you'll be doing A LOT of shifting between cameras, why shouldn't you purchase one of those remarkably durable classic metal art-balls with screw-mount from Ebay? Arca-Swiss is great, if you've got the dosh. I got a wonderful, heavy Cambo CBH-2 last time (big enough for medium format), and the Bogen/Manfrottos tend to be pretty iron-clad.

Reply
post #10 of 16
9/17/09 at 11:17pm
That's also what I was going to suggest... a monopod would be much more backpacking and hiking-friendly.
Reply
post #11 of 16
9/18/09 at 3:28am
I highly recommend the Velbon Sherpa Pro CF-535.
Have used one for some weeks and it is relatively light weight, compact and feels stable. Competitively priced as well.
Reply
post #12 of 16
9/18/09 at 4:10am
I've never found monopods satisfactory. Avoid Arca-Swiss ballheads. my B1 is a doorstop because of the notorious stiction problem. Acratech Ultimate Ballheads are lighter and more reliable because of their open ball design.
Reply
post #13 of 16
9/18/09 at 4:23am
Photoethnography.com - Classic Cameras Leitz Tabletop. Maybe not good with long lens though.
http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Carmagn.../dp/B00026CAZ0 Wow, I have used the Leitz but would love to try this one. Tie a rock holding bag to it
I lugged around a Bogen that was good for protection.
Reply
post #14 of 16
9/18/09 at 1:52pm
If you can find the Manfrotto 725B, I would recommend that as an excellent backpacking tripod. Comes with a nice carrying case, its light, and it can take good weight, comes with a ball head as well and a very nice quick release plate. I've used mine with heavy lenses like the Minolta Beercan and it worked out well.
Reply
post #15 of 16
9/18/09 at 5:11pm
Slik Pro 340DX tripod is my favorite as it fits inside my travel bag .. lightweight.. sturdy

Slik | Pro 340DX Tripod (Black) with 3-Way Pan/Tilt | 613-338

it can handle a heavy lens (ef70-200f/2.8L IS with canon 1.4x teleconverter), canon 30d with vertical grip/battery holder and 580ex flash gun (not shown in this picture)



compared to slik pro 700DX and a Manfrotto studio tripod on shortest length
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › Members' Lounge (General Discussion) › Lightweight tripod for backpacking