What's the lightest table top tripod that will hold a 5D?

[SunTsu]

I'm looking for something really light for travel. Does anyone have any recommendations for a really light table top tripod that I can easily fit in my camera bag? It would need to support a Canon 5D and lens which is about 3 pounds, 12 ounces.

[Woolburr]

I don't know that there really are many that I would trust my camera on.

[atomick]

What about the Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom (http://www.joby.com/gp3.html)? It's supposed to support 6.6 pounds, and has gotten rave reviews (Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GP3-01EN-Gorillapod-SLR-Zoom-Flexible/dp/B000KFRSG4), review with video at FinalCutTips (http://www.finalcuttips.com/episodes/gorillapod/ep014.mov)) thus far, and weighs 8.5 ounces.

A smaller, cheaper version is on my to-buy list for off-camera flash use, so sorry, no direct experience with it that I can share.

[blam]

http://www.thecamerastore.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=31903

what about these bean bag ones? i dont know if you could put a long lens on one though

[SunTsu]

I think I'll order this one from BH. I'll let you guys know how it works out after.

Cullmann Kobold Compact Tabletop Tripod/Monopod with 2-Way Pan Head (Quick Release)

It says it will support the weight of the camera, but I think I'll still make sure there are not strong winds nearby.

[SunTsu]

So I've heard what great customer service B&H has and I have to share my experience too because good service is SO rare nowadys.
I called them three days ago to add two items to my order. They called me back and said the whole order was on hold pending verification. So I called them today and then at the same time, I got an email saying the order had been shipped...without the two items I had added.

So I asked if he could do something for me on the shipping....he asks his supervisor...next thing you know, he says he'll waive the shipping for the additional items. I don't care so much about the mistake because mistakes happen, but what I do care about is that they fixed the problem. So far, they've gained another loyal customer and I think they're doing the right thing because loyal customers in this segment could mean thousands of dollars in business up the road. I know I'm already thinking of getting the 5D replacement and god knows how many more lenses.

So if anyone from B&H is reading this, please keep up the great service.

[michael_]

this is what i will get eventually.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=163877&is=REG

Novoflex MiniPod Table Top (Tabletop) Tripod
The Minipod offers maximum stability combined with unprecedented flexibility in a compact package.

This is achieved by means of the individually variable angle at which each of the legs can be set. Preset positions for angles of 30°, 60° and 90° enable the user to adjust the Minipod's position perfectly to any terrain, especially when working at very low levels. Tilt capacity is up to 135°.

The Minipod can comfortably support equipment weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb). Together with a strong ballhead you can easily hold ultrafast telephoto lenses with large bodies.

Optional leg extensions available.

[michael_]

So I've heard what great customer service B&H has and I have to share my experience too because good service is SO rare nowadys.
I called them three days ago to add two items to my order. They called me back and said the whole order was on hold pending verification. So I called them today and then at the same time, I got an email saying the order had been shipped...without the two items I had added.

So I asked if he could do something for me on the shipping....he asks his supervisor...next thing you know, he says he'll waive the shipping for the additional items. I don't care so much about the mistake because mistakes happen, but what I do care about is that they fixed the problem. So far, they've gained another loyal customer and I think they're doing the right thing because loyal customers in this segment could mean thousands of dollars in business up the road. I know I'm already thinking of getting the 5D replacement and god knows how many more lenses.

So if anyone from B&H is reading this, please keep up the great service.

They are great, i placed an order two days ago and realised i ordered the wrong damn sized adapter, i rang to obtain a remittance # so i could send it back, when the customer service guy realised i was from australia he asked for my number and said he would call me back so i didnt spend my money on a call, gave me a remittance number and said he would give me 28 days to send the item back as opposed to 14 and will ship the right filter for me for free when they get this one back, B&H are awesome.

[SkipD]

What's important with a tabletop tripod is not so much the amount of weight that it wil support, but how wide the "feet" are spaced apart. The problem with using SLR cameras with most tabletop tripods is that the center of gravity of the camera/lens is so far to one side or another that the little tripods just cannot safely support the rig. The entire rig often wants to tip over.