What tripod for G1

[Geert]

Even though I don't have my G1 yet, one of the main reasons to upgrade to that camera is the wish to make more use of available light with the longer exposures which are available (and usable) on the G1.

With my current 1.3 megapixel P&S camera, I often can get away with using my elbow + lower arm as cheap and ultra-portable monopod, as shutter speed is limited to 1/8th anyway, and the possible blur often is not noticable because of the limited resolution, noise and other camera problems. Looking at Pekka's pictures I realize that the G1 will be a completely different story, as it is possible to take beautiful pictures at long exposures with incredible sharpness and little noise.

So my first accessory will be a tripod. I realize if I buy a tripod which is too flimsy, I won't be able to improve much on the one I'm using now :). On the other hand, if I buy one which is too large and heavy, I won't have it with me.

Question: what kind of tripod are your guys using? What kind of shooting do you do? I'd like to put it in my backpack when walking through New York, where I live. The main issue is whether I should go for a somewhat lower and sturdier tripod, or a less stable higher one.
Any recommendations in the sub-$100 and sub-2 kg (4 pound) range? Thanks in advance!

-Geert

[Olaf]

I bought the Cullman Magic 1 many years ago. I used it with my film camera system. With heavier lenses it was not stable enough, so was dissapointed... Aquired the G1 in December 2000, and suddenly LOVE my Magic 1. Unlike any other tripod, it packs flat and thus is easy to bring along in my backpack. Another great plus is that the head is a ball-head - so much faster and easier than a three-way head! Also if looks matter, the anodized aluminum tubing matches the G1 so well you would think they were made for each other. Shortly after I had bought my Magic 1, Cullman introduced the Magic 2 - basically the same tripod, but with an extra feature: by screwing one of the legs off and screwing it onto the detachable center post you get a monopod! This would be my recomendation: The Cullman Magic 2.

[anotherbrian]

After buying the G1, I decided it was finally time to upgrade my old tripod as well. I've always had inexpensive tripods, and decided the G1 was a good excuse to buy something more upscale.

After searching around on photographyreview.com I got overwhelmed by the choices (and prices!) and decided to go to a camera store and see how usable they were. Wow! Ball heads and quick releases sure make things easier. :-)

I finally settled on a Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 leg set (~4 lbs, $110 mailorder, on sale for $100 in local shop) and a Bogen/Manfrotto 3265 (grip action?) ball head (~1.5 lbs, $80).

I chose the leg set because it was the lightest, but sturdiest, I could find. The knobs (rather than levers) for the leg extensions are slow to use, but I'll adapt.

I chose the grip action ball head because it was extremely easy and fast to use, and also because it provided a couple extra inches of height. I'm ~6'2", and found that without extending the leg set's extension, I had to stoop a lot. The ball head also provides the quick release convenience.

If you are looking for a stable platform for the G1, I don't think you would go wrong with the 3001 legs. They're relatively inexpensive and lightweight (compared to other Bogen and Gitzo's): I hauled them around strapped to my backpack for a week in Yosemite and didn't have any problems. If you're on a budget, an inexpensive ball head (~$20) would keep costs low, and could be upgraded later (then reused on a monopod?).

Regards,
Brian