Short and Strong Tripod?

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went to Toronto for the weekend with the gf and brought along a little cheap tripod I used for my P&S and kept it in my backpack. I could only extend the legs the first 2 sections because after that they were way to flimsy to support the camera.

Does a tripod except that is built fairly strong but meant to be small and portable? I am not expecting this to be a full tripod that can extend to normal heights. Just want the camera to be able to stand freely so I can put it anywhere and take photos that include me or require more then just a steady hand. Not sure if this is possible or not, but if the legs have the ability to lock at any length would be a huge benefit as well.

My backpack is the Tamrac Adventure7 (seen here --> http://www.tamrac.com/frame_adv.htm) so its not a FULL backpack, the tripod would be put into the top portion of the bag

thanks for any ideas :)

[JohnJ80]

You can spend the money and get a light and stable tripod that is full height - but it won't be cheap. Look at the Gitzo 1540 or 0540.

Tripods have three important characteristics - light, stable and cheap. Pick two - you can't have all three.

J

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i dont care if its light, size (so it can go and a backpack) and stable is important

[Glenn NK]

You can spend the money and get a light and stable tripod that is full height - but it won't be cheap. Look at the Gitzo 1540 or 0540.

Tripods have three important characteristics - light, stable and cheap. Pick two - you can't have all three.

J

I read your comments on the other tripod thread - you were right on. People spend thousands on high quality lenses and cameras, then buy a useless tripod.

The only comment I would add is that stable and cheap don't come together.

[JohnJ80]

I read your comments on the other tripod thread - you were right on. People spend thousands on high quality lenses and cameras, then buy a useless tripod.

The only comment I would add is that stable and cheap don't come together.

Right. You sort of have to get to a minimum ante to get anything useful.

Question for the OP -

When you say short - what do you mean? Do you mean like a tabletop tripod? If so, Bogen/Manfrotto makes a decent one and Leica makes a nice one too.

J.

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well the cheap tripod I was carrying with this this weekend, the legs were 8.75" retracted, and 22" extended (well the 2 sections extended, the strongest ones) it doesn't HAVE to be that small but somewhere around that. If it came with a case, I could always put it under my bag (the bag has 2 loop holes underneath designed to carry a tripod bag)

[JohnJ80]

Here's sort of top end:

Gitzo
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410252-REG/Gitzo_G0057_G0057_Table_Top_6X.html

Another excellent choice - Berlebach ($129)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/302827-REG/Berlebach_BE50031_50031_Wood_Tabletop_Tripod.html

The classic Leica Tabletop $109
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/30592-REG/Leica_14100_Table_Tripod.html

Bogen Tabletop $33
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/283757-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_709B_709_Tabletop_Tripod_with.html

The Bogen and the Leica are probably pushing it for a DSLR and are probably not going to give you particularly sharp images for long exposures.

the Pod can be pretty useful too.

http://www.thepod.ca/

Basically, though I 'd consider getting a compact travel tripod (real one) and a ballhead to go with it.

read these:

http://bythom.com/support.htm
http://markins.com/charlie/report4e6.pdf

J.

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some excellent info there, thanks a ton for a quality post! :D

[Ultimate CC]

check out feisol...

[Choderboy]

I have an old Manfrotto 190 that I was not using so I removed the internal legs leaving just the 3 mains. Put some rubber caps on the ends of the legs. Now I have a short strong tripod! I can always put the legs back on if I needed to. Reasonable weight saving , I think the fastening clips weigh more than the legs.

[squiress]

Really Right Stuff now sells a Ground Pod that is quite stout (both in structure and price) that you might consider. Specs:

Part #: TP-243
Price: $375
Material: Aluminum
Center Column: none
# of leg sections: 2
Max Height: 16.9" / 430mm
Min Height: 1.9" / 48mm
Closed Length: 12.4" / 315mm
Max Load: 50lb / 23kg
Weight: 2.6lb / 1.2kg

Built primarily for those using heavy, far reaching glass, while prone or couched, this has to be the epitome of table top tripod.

Stew

[CMarks]

JohnJ80 has a great suggestion in the Bogen table top tpod. Except, just get the legs and use a bit bigger ballhead and it is really good. You only get about 8" of ground clearance, but it is stable, small and light. You can get the legs for about $12. I have a set and use an old Bogen ballhead that I modified with a Kirk QR clamp and it is great for those times you dont think you need to take a tripod but still want one.

BTW- I think an idea travel tripod would fold to 12" or so. Stand at 30-36" and have adjustable leg angles. Just a leg set you could put a small ballhead on and you would be set. I think the Gitzo 026 (?) was close to this but I am not sure if there is anything currently made. Anyone know one like that?