looking for a lightweight tripod........

[ed rader]

i have a bogen manfrotto tripod and it's great but it's heavy. i want something that i can take to africa but is sturdy enough to use regularly for landscape work.

i want a light, sturdy tripod and CF is fine. i like fliplocks because they are fast but i am open to twist locks. i think three- section would be preferable.

i'm willing to spend around $400-ish for the legs.

any suggestions :D?

thanx!

ed rader

[nutsnbolts]

Amvona AT-A101T or Amvona AT-A105T which is a great value. I know that it isn't a manfrotto or Gitzo or anything that expensive but it's lightweight.

[RichNY]

Ed- If you end up buying a Gitzo with their new leg locking mechanism I would recommend going with the 4 section legs. It will fold up much smaller and the old issue of stability isn't a big issue as it was with traditional tripod leg sections where a 3 section was significantly better.

[ed rader]

Ed- If you end up buying a Gitzo with their new leg locking mechanism I would recommend going with the 4 section legs. It will fold up much smaller and the old issue of stability isn't a big issue as it was with traditional tripod leg sections where a 3 section was significantly better.


rich -- i guess i need to research how the locks work. do you have any models to recommend?

thanx,

ed rader

[ed rader]

Amvona AT-A101T or Amvona AT-A105T which is a great value. I know that it isn't a manfrotto or Gitzo or anything that expensive but it's lightweight.


thanx -- i'll take a look at them :D.

ed rader

[Jim G]

I have been looking for a small, light travel tripod (<20" folded) and came across a few from Gitzo which had good reviews but also some from Feisol which seemed interesting.. haven't made up my mind yet but you may want to check them out.

[ed rader]

I have been looking for a small, light travel tripod (<20" folded) and came across a few from Gitzo which had good reviews but also some from Feisol which seemed interesting.. haven't made up my mind yet but you may want to check them out.


i wonder which is faster to set-up?

thanx,

ed rader

[kevin_c]

What Manfrotto do you have? - if its the 055 (or whatever the Bogen is) how about getting the 190, they do this in Carbon Fibre. - 190MF3 (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2272?livid=68|69&idx=71)

[pmk]

i wonder which is faster to set-up?

thanx,

ed rader

It takes me about 15 secs. to set up the Gitzo Mountaineer GT2540. I opted for the "2" series instead of the super small traveler because it sets up taller and has a higher weight limit. At 22" it still can fit under an airline seat and be carried on.

http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/pid/4765/cache/bypass?gitzoView=flatView&curLevel=1CAT&curFamilyId=NONE&curMarketId=MARKET%3AMKT1&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT%3AAAA1%3A2CAT%3ABB59%3A 3CAT%3ACC49%3A4CAT%3AD208&productContainer_windowsize=10&ctnscroll_productContainer=&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&detailPid=5270

pmk

[jhom]

I recently added a lightweight legset to my arsenal. Depending on your gear, I would highly recommend the Gitzo 2 series. It is more than your budget but it is well worth it. I bought a Gitzo 2530 which weighs 3.1 lbs. It is 4oz. less without the center column. The 2540 will be the same. The 2 series easily handles All my gear including my 300 f2.8L IS. I topped the legset with a Markins Q3. The whole setup is less than 4 lbs. It is rock solid.

I'm also a Manfrotto flip lock fan. I've been using a 055MF3 for several years and like the ease and speed of the flip locks. However, the new Gitzo twist locks are greatly improved. They are easy and fast to setup. I can setup the Gitzo in less thsan 15 seconds, just a few seconds longer than the Manfrotto.

[ed rader]

What Manfrotto do you have? - if its the 055 (or whatever the Bogen is) how about getting the 190, they do this in Carbon Fibre. - 190MF3 (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2272?livid=68|69&idx=71)


yeah i have the popular manfrotto, the discontinued version. it's a great tripood and it sets up fast. i usually use it out of my truck so weight isn't an issue until i travel.....it never goes with me and i ALWAYS regret it.

i'm tempted by the CF manfrotto but if i'm going to upgrade i'd rather pay more get get a lighter unit.

edit: actually the 4-section version looks interesting but it seems like it doesn't carry much weight (8.8 lbs) for its weight and i wonder how sturdy it is? anyone using this pod?

ed rader

[ed rader]

this gitzo is 1.6 lbs? is it too light? anyone using it?


Gitzo | GT-0530 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs | GT0530 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475917-REG/Gitzo_GT0530_GT_0530_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html)

ed rader

[ed rader]

I recently added a lightweight legset to my arsenal. Depending on your gear, I would highly recommend the Gitzo 2 series. It is more than your budget but it is well worth it. I bought a Gitzo 2530 which weighs 3.1 lbs. It is 4oz. less without the center column. The 2540 will be the same. The 2 series easily handles All my gear including my 300 f2.8L IS. I topped the legset with a Markins Q3. The whole setup is less than 4 lbs. It is rock solid.

I'm also a Manfrotto flip lock fan. I've been using a 055MF3 for several years and like the ease and speed of the flip locks. However, the new Gitzo twist locks are greatly improved. They are easy and fast to setup. I can setup the Gitzo in less thsan 15 seconds, just a few seconds longer than the Manfrotto.


i think this may be the way to go. i was thinking about a lighter tripod but really i just need one that is smaller and is sturdy enough for every day use.

do the gitzos set up fast than the competition? i know me....if a tripod is a PITA to set up i will use it less.

ed rader

[Denny G]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuzyView http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3884938#post3884938)
I pretty much decided I will not ever take my tripod (which is new can I paid a lot for it) on another flight again. The last one I had, which was okay, not very expensive, broke into 2 pieces in my check in luggage even though I had it packed pretty tight. So sad. And the salesman said the Airport Security is just under the requirement for carry on and is quite big. I think I can put everything I need in the smaller bag and take my backpack with the laptop in it. I just won't bring a purse or put the purse inside the backpack. Good plan?


buy a cheap tripod when you get to your destination and "donate" it before returning home. that's what i'd do.

ed rader
__________________
San Diego Zoo 2007.......




Can you get a good one in Africa?

[jhom]

Believe me, I've avoided Gitzos until recently. With the new anti-rotation legs and g-lock system, the new Gitzos are a pleasure to set up. As I stated, I've been using Manfrottos for many years including the 3001, 3021, and 055MF3. I like the flip locks. However, with the new Gitzo twist locks, you will not see a difference once you use them. A 1/4-1/2 turn opens the twist lock. With the legs in the "folded" position, you can simply twist open two locks at a time, like the Manfrotto flip locks. Then you can extend the legs and twist close. Obviously, that is for a 3 section legset. With a 4 section, whether Gitzo or Manfrotto, you have 50% more open/close/extension.

It took me maybe five tries at the Gitzo to become fully familiar with them and slightly change my setup routine from the Manfrotto.

I highly recommend the Gitzo. On the other hand, for a pound more weight, the Manfrotto 055MF3 is an excellent alternative. But, if you don't use all the features of the 055, then I would go with the Gitzo 25xx.

[RichNY]

i think this may be the way to go. i was thinking about a lighter tripod but really i just need one that is smaller and is sturdy enough for every day use.

do the gitzos set up fast than the competition? i know me....if a tripod is a PITA to set up i will use it less.

ed rader

Ed, the Gitzos do set up quickly but that is less of a concern than how stable they are. I'm glad you are thinking more along the lines of a heavier duty tripod that will be an every day tool when making this type of an investment. In my opinion the two sets of legs to compare are the 3540 and 2540 and I would make the choice based on the longest focal lengths that I was planning on shooting with the tripod. This is more of an issue than the weight that tripod manufacturers state their legs will support.

With these new legs the 4 section will allow you to pack your tripod in a suitcase and get much more use when traveling without having to give up lots of stability.

[ed rader]

Ed, the Gitzos do set up quickly but that is less of a concern than how stable they are. I'm glad you are thinking more along the lines of a heavier duty tripod that will be an every day tool when making this type of an investment. In my opinion the two sets of legs to compare are the 3540 and 2540 and I would make the choice based on the longest focal lengths that I was planning on shooting with the tripod. This is more of an issue than the weight that tripod manufacturers state their legs will support.

With these new legs the 4 section will allow you to pack your tripod in a suitcase and get much more use when traveling without having to give up lots of stability.

i normally use the 17-40L or 24-70L with tripod but of course that can change. i'm taking a crash course here but i'm learning :D.

thanx everyone for your help :D.

ed rader

[jhom]

I agree wholeheartedly with RichNY. The rated load capacity of the tripod is very misleading. Most tripods will easily hold more than the stated capacity. Stability and vibration factors are the most important. Gitzo rates each legset according to focal angle and torsion angle. Their ratings appear to be quite accurate. I would use their product statements regarding maximum focal length as a basis for buying one of their specific tripods.