Lightweight Tripod advice

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fhwong

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I got my Xpan II about 1 week ago and realise that I need a tripod.

However I need a smallish and lightweight one as I will be carrying it in my backpack and treking everywhere.

Could someone give some suggestions what to look at?
 
I personnally use a Gitzo tripod Basalt series, very lightweight and very quick in action .8 kg for 1.20m high, with either the M6, the Rollei TR and the Fuji (but with a cable release for the last two ones.)

Since then I almost do not use my ol' heavy weighted manfrotto (only with huge tele or a spotwatch for the moon or birds....)
 
I use a Manfrotto three-section Carbon One tripod with a short center column and a Velbon PH253 mag alloy ball head. I place a 6x12 panorama camera on it. It is seems to be the best compromise for a light and compact unit and still be tall enough to be useful. Gitzo has good carbon-fiber models as well. I perfer the flip leg locks rather than the collar locks so I went with Manfrotto.

Have have taken a very small Gitzo aluminum tripod (Reporter?) on two or three-week trips in 3,000m mountains. It was small and compact, and worked well, but the height was a problem.
 
Thanks all .. such fast replies!!

I have had a look online at the Gitzo - Basalt Series Weekend 3 section tripod. It was and is one of my choices.

It appears to have a hook at the bottom of the centre peice to hang my rucksack for added stability.

The weight 0.7kg is good, and the folding size is reasonable at 42.5cm. However I am slightly concerned about the max height which is 1.12m. Do people find that this is a problem? Should I really get one that is 1.5m high? As this is more akin to my own actual height.

I am also looking at the Velbon - Ultra Maxi SF Tripod the specs are simialr 0.75kg weight 1.22m max height, though the folded size is smaller 32.7cm.

Does anyone have any experience with Velbon?

Is having a quick release system for the head important as well?

Obviously the answers to a lot of my questions are really your own preferences, but it would be interesting for me to hear them.

This is my first real camera, and first time buying / using a tripod so I apologise for my naive questions. I only shot my first couple rolls of film EVER last week!
 
Concerning the Gitzo (i suppose this the same for the other ones), at max. elevation ,your gear may vibrate quite a lot even with your rucksack attached. It will stabilize the tripod itself but not the last elevation leg. It means, at max elevation you need a cable release. (or you have to take only the tripod base elevation which is significantly less than what stated)

Take also attention of the maximum weight allowed. I Think the Fuji is a maximum (1.5 kg) for the Gitzo Pod. (and center also the weight to the pod...).

And finally, yes, moderate elevation may be a problem you have to live with..
 
Does anyone have any experience with Velbon?


Hi,

I do use a Velbon Ultra LUXi F with PH-145Q head. It goes up to cca 161cm and still light enough...

Cheers,

nemjo
 
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Although I don't have a panorama camera, I have wondered about getting another tripod/head setup myself - especially for travel. I currently have a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BN tripod with a 322RC2 ball head. It works very well, it is stable, it sets up and adjusts quickly, but it is really big and heavy. It is nothing that I want to travel with.

Based on a recommendation on photo.net, I have just starting looking into "Really Right Stuff's" ballheads with a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod. It looks like you could easily get the total weight down to under 4 pounds in a very small package (e.g., BH-25 w Gitzo 1027 CF legs). Their ballheads appear to be very well made; they have them for panorama cameras, as well. They aren't cheap, however. Does anyone have experience with this or one of Really Right Stuff's other setups?

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/index.html
 
Manfrotto 190D + 141RC head...

alot cheaper than gitzo, fairly light weight but sturdy and robust...
i also like the leg mechanism for extending/shortening... quick n easy, and saves the fingers in cold weather (not the snappy mechanisms)..

My opinion, not the best, but good enuff, and reasonably priced!!
 
Is having a quick release system for the head important as well?
Click to expand...

I never use them. It does not take much time attaching a camera to a tripod. They just make the camera more bulky to store in a bag. And if you remove the quick plate each time, it does not make much sense to have one.
 
Why would you have to remove the quick plate each time?

I can see how you might be concenred about adding weight to the camera. However, I would not consider any support system without the inclusion of a QR system.

If you're on a budget, you might consider the Feisol tripods (do an ebay search). They are Taiwanese copies of Gitzo's. Good prices if you like the Gitzo style units. I prefer snap locks, though.

For a ball head, I'm considering either the Acratech or the Kirk BH3. The former is less than a pound and the latter is like 1 oz over. Both are light and less expensive than the RRS one.

That would bring you in at under 4.5 pounds, or about 2kg.

allan
 
Have a Velbon for travel and trekking where size and weight is an issue—it fits in my carry on. While not great, it gets the job done. Also have the Gitzo for more serious work usually by car or mounted on a Kelty packframe with my camera bag. I prefer using my homemade bean bag to both...skip
 
What's your budget?
I would look at a Slik 340 DX. I have use it with a Manfrotto 486 head for every time I've shot the Xpan on a tripod while backpacking.
From what I've seen of the Velbon lineup, none of their tripods are serviceable as far as replacing broken legs, locks etc., but I may be wrong as I'm not famliar with the entire selection.
I would stick with big names like Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kirk, etc. Their gear will likely outlast your camera, has waranty coverage and available spare parts.
cheers!
 
I have the velbon Maxi 343 E for travel there is nothing better...in my opinon...its quick to set up and stable. small when folded.
and the price is right!
 
Just to update everyone.

I have pretty much decided on getting the Gitzo - Basalt wekkend 3 section at 0.7kg.

However I have yet to see one in the flesh - finding somewhere that has it in stock in London is proving somewhat difficult.

However I am still undecided on tripod heads.

Been looking at the suggestions posted above - Kirsk BH-3 (But it seems I will have to purchase in the USA?)


Does anyone have any other suggestions? Perhaps the Gitzo G0077 - or will the Xpan be too heavy?
 
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