Tripod selection help (for travel, hiking, etc)

[rparchen]

I was at my local camera store trying to decide on what tripod I would like to get. I'm trying to stick in the $150'ish range if possible. I looked at the Manfrotto 728B and it seemed pretty sturdy and I think it would even fit in carry-on luggage, but I'm worry since it doesn't have a removeable head (I don't think it does anyways). What do you guys recommend? Is it possible to get a compact (20" or under when closed) sturdy tripod that would hold my equipment? I figure it would be best to get a tripod with a removable head since that would make it more compact. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Tony-S]

I have the Velbon Mini for airtravel. Folds down to 12", but its max height is only 25". I end up sitting on the ground when I use it (which isn't too bad so long as it's dry). Only $30. If I lose it, it's no big deal. It even takes my 30D with the Sigma 100-300 and 1.4x TC (haven't had a chance to try it with the 2x). It's also great for maco work because the legs spread enough to get about 6" off the ground.

[JohnJ80]

You can get cheap tripods, stable tripods and light tripods. Of those three characteristics, you can pick any two but not all three.

I presume you want 'stable' and for hiking you want 'light', I think you might have trouble with that $150 price. I think you may want to up that number considerably.

To me, light means that the ballhead and tripod comes in under 4lbs.

If you don't want to spend more, the consider one of the clamps or a tabletop tripod.

J.

[Tsmith]

Bogen 3001BD is 3.7 pounds without the head

[JohnJ80]

With an average ballhead - it will be closer to 5. A small ballhead like the RRS bh25 (lightest I know of), it would be at 4.2lbs.

J.

[rparchen]

I agree about two of the three, what if I go for price and stability? The Manfrotto 3021BN is $149, would the 3047 head be a good choice? That would put me closer to $225 for the setup, but hopefully it would hold my 30D securely.

[gjman]

Woo hoo I get to post my std reply....again.

Slik Sprint Pro GM with Ball head compared to the std workhorse 3021BPro
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/SprintPro/2006_1123SlikSprintPro0033.jpg

3/8 to 1/4 bushing allows you to mount the a Manfrotto (or Kirk or Arca or RRS) head onto the Slik 1/4 thread
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/SprintPro/IMG_1166.jpg

Manfrotto head on the Slik Sprint Pro
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/SprintPro/IMG_1169.jpg

And you get to do stuff like this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/SprintPro/IMG_1170.jpg

How big is the tripod?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/SprintPro/2006_1123SlikSprintPro0036.jpg

And you can use the Slik Sprint Pro as a off camera light stand with your Canon Speedlite stand (its got the 1/4 thread under it). It costs about $80 and its super light, pretty study and very versatile. I don't know why ppl think/spend so much about travel tripods, if its your secondary tripod used only for travel and hikes you dont need to spend a bomb on it. You need to make it as compatible with your primary tripod (which is the manfrotto 3021BPro for me).

[toothtango]

I found great help in purchasing a tripod and ballhead from Really Right Stuff. They were extremely helpful and had a nice selection.

[rparchen]

So it looks like I'm getting the 3047 3-way head locally for $50, that seems like a pretty good deal to me. I'll head into my local camera store and check out the 3021BN legs that are $150. The closed length is 24" which is too large to fit into a carry-on bag, but oh well. I will also take a look at the 3001 as it's about 21" when closed, I think that may fit in my bag.

[kram]

Just make sure you are ok with the weight of the whole setup - esp. for hiking etc. I had the 3001 which is a much lighter tripod and replaced it with a Benro CF tripod coz its much much lighter.

Of course, there arent too many cheap CF tripod options available.....but for your needs, that's what you will end up getting if you do it regularly.

[Cathan]

Is there an opinion between these two tripods.
Which is the better deal or value?

Manfrotto is 1/3 lb heavier, supports in 2lb range, though others say 4 or more lbs is possible/has been done no problem. Has bubble level, has a locking lever to make panorama possible. Somehow a lower level ground shots are even possible with some tripod adjusting.

Slik looks well designed, good finish, seems sturdier? Can support 4lb range. Very good close to ground shots. Is ball head easily swappable with pan?, believe so, though at an additional cost. If this is the sturdier tripod with swappable ball heads, possibly a better deal? A more versatile tripod?

Both could get job done, though overall? If you could choose one.

[Cathan]

this is Manfrotto 785B or Slik Sprint Pro II Ball head

[gjman]

........... Slik looks well designed, good finish, seems sturdier? Can support 4lb range. Very good close to ground shots. Is ball head easily swappable with pan?, believe so, though at an additional cost. If this is the sturdier tripod with swappable ball heads, possibly a better deal? A more versatile tripod? ........

Wow this thread is back after almost 2.5 years.:)

My tripod is Slik Sprint Pro GM, I guess they don't make it anymore. Now you get the slightly fancier Slik Sprint Pro II GM with a ball head that has a QR.

Foam covered upper leg sections ease handling in extreme weather conditions

Like I said, this is my secondary-travel tripod. My main tripod is still the Manfrotto 3021BPro with a 308 ProBall (I guess its called 486RC2 now). You can by a panning ball head like the 488RC2 (or anything you fancy from Arca/Kirk/Markins/RRS/eBay knock offs) and still use it on the Slik Sprint Pro (II) legs by getting the 1/4 to 3/8 bushing. You want to have two legs (travel and regular) but still use only one head.

Again....there is NO SUCH THING as light, sturdy and cheap tripod. The Slik Sprint Pro II will be light and cheap but it's not as sturdy as heavy aluminum Manfrotto. If want light and sturdy it will NOT be cheap, you need to go CF.

[DANATTHEROCK]

Look at the Manfrotto 190 series. Their basic model (legs) is just $98 and weighs under 3.5 lbs. Very lightweight. More money, look at the 190 XPRO series. The XPROB has the horizontal are adjustment if you are into macro (or will be at some point). I had one and just got the Manfrotto 055XPROB. It weighs alot more than the 190 series, but is much sturdier. Well, heavier I should say, but it should be more sturdy. Lightweight tripod? Look at the 190 series. B&H has all the models...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=bogen+190&ci=8159&N=4294204162&Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0

[Cathan]

how much difference does a tripod's weight add to sharpness/stability on your pics? could you somehow hang a bag on tripod's center column post on a 2lb tripod (such as 785B or Slik Sprint Pro) in getting it heavier/stabler, will that make much difference?

how would you rate differences/benefits between 2lb vs Bogen 3021 5lb tripod?

[Cathan]

most times, such as calm days, or night long exposures, with conjunction self release timer, 2lb is fine.
if you were to use a longer focal telephoto lens, then do you like an upgrade Bogen 190's or 3021 from 785B or Slik Sprint Pro?

[gjman]

how much difference does a tripod's weight add to sharpness/stability on your pics? could you somehow hang a bag on tripod's center column ..... how would you rate differences/benefits between 2lb vs Bogen 3021 5lb tripod?...if you were to use a longer focal telephoto lens, then do you like an upgrade Bogen 190's or 3021 from 785B or Slik Sprint Pro?

See that's the trick. The weight of the camera body (+ lens + battery grip + batteries + ballhead) pushes down on the tripod legs so I have never felt the urge to attach any extra weight (there is no hook, you have drill a hole if you want to have one). It's pretty solid.

The difference only comes in when you ask yourself, "would carrying a "Lighter" leg be as good as taking the heavier leg?" So if it's windy...I have no choice but to lug the heavy legs. If its indoors in the evening then why bother the lighter legs would do fine...as long there aren't too many kids around to kick it. If I am driving to some place and dont have to lug anything around I would reach for my 3021. So the answer is it totally depends.

Also my longest lens is 70-200 f/2.8 + 2x TC and so far I have only used that on a monopod or 3021. If I could afford a 300mm/400mm/500mm/800mm/1200mm/5600mm there is no way in hell I would not buy a CF leg first.:) Well the 5600mm needs its own truck. But the 70-200 f/2.8 by itself is pretty secure on the Slik with my Manfrotto 308 head.

[JohnJ80]

how much difference does a tripod's weight add to sharpness/stability on your pics? could you somehow hang a bag on tripod's center column post on a 2lb tripod (such as 785B or Slik Sprint Pro) in getting it heavier/stabler, will that make much difference?

how would you rate differences/benefits between 2lb vs Bogen 3021 5lb tripod?

I actually did some testing of this using two Gitzo tripods I own. On these, there is very little, if any, measurable difference using weight or not using weight. Mass only really helps for vibration in the vertical axis (up through the feet). Torsional vibration - the most difficult kind to deal with and the most prevalent - adding mass doesn't help.

That is all dependent on the actual tripod. Gitzo has good carbon fiber lay ups that do a decent job in dampening. Others, with different construction, will be different.

That said, it's less likely to get serious vibration up from the feet (at least in my experience) than it is to experience torsional vibration - air movement etc... I'd look first for a tripod that torsionally stiff. That is something you are just not going to find in a cheap tripod because stiff legs and good castings cost money.

J.