travel SMALL tripod

[Jubilee32]

Will be in France for a week or so and want to take along a very small tripod I can use when I really can't resist it - Will be taking 5D, 17-40 and 28-70 and nifty 50. I will be restricted on luggage.

Should I take a beanbag instead and fill it with French Green Beans or Limas or French field peas??? French fries are likely not the choice . . .

[jrsforums]

Will be in France for a week or so and want to take along a very small tripod I can use when I really can't resist it - Will be taking 5D, 17-40 and 28-70 and nifty 50. I will be restricted on luggage.

Should I take a beanbag instead and fill it with French Green Beans or Limas or French field peas??? French fries are likely not the choice . . .

Suggest you consider the Velbon Ultra Luxi SF. I got it for the same thing....traveling with limited use, but available when needed...very light (2.1 lbs) and folds to ~ 1 ft (13.4")...extends to 48". Head is removable if you want to use a different one, but it does work fine.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=322192&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Ultra-Luxi-Tripod-Socket/dp/B000246WNI/sr=8-1/qid=1170642907/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-8059304-5159324?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

B&H has better spec info; Amazon better price.

[Jon]

I'd suggest the Slik Pro 613 CF (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=2636&A=details&Q=&sku=376194&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation); under 3 lb. with a 486RC2 head. It's also 4 ft. at max. extension and it fits nicely into a suitcase for the trip over. About $210 at B&H; IIRC I got mine at Adorama for a bit less than B&H had it at the time.

[Tony-S]

(I just posted this in another thread.)

My Manfros stay at home when I'm traveling. I bought a Velbon DF-Mini for high portability and low weight - for something like $30. Folds down to 12", has a max height of 21" and has a 3-way pan head (not removable). The heaviest load I've had on it is my 30D with 200mm f/2.8L.

[sstalker]

I purchased a CF Slik 614 based on info from this site.

I have had a Slik U212 (5.6 lbs) for 25 years and it continues to serve me well except I tend not to take it in the field when I should, just because of the weight. Also, taking it on a plane was a PITA. The 614 is going to Alaska with me this summer. I would not dream of taking the U212.

My 614 is about 21 inches collapsed and about 2.2 lbs with a Stroboframe ball head (6 oz). The legs are exactly what the specs said (1.9 lbs). The tripod is sturdy for its weight. B & H is about $230.

Thanks again to those who contribute and maintain this site.

Steve - Toledo

[Jubilee32]

Thanks for all your comments - lots to look up and decide. I don't mind carrying the Manfrotto around with me - just not while the whole family is scrambling for luggage space.

Will probably try one of the Velbons and see how it works

[jr_senator]

I have a Leica Tabletop Tripod and Slik Standard Ballhead.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=391&A=details&Q=&sku=30592&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=140&A=details&Q=&sku=48600&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Jubilee32]

thank you - I will check it out