Travel Tripod for beginner

[night_day]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to pick up an affordable but compact and light tripod. I don't know if such a thing actually exists, but I definately can't afford Gitzo's or anything like that. I'm only working with an xti with kit lens, any suggestions? Thanks!

[jgrussell]

I'm looking to pick up an affordable but compact and light tripod. I don't know if such a thing actually exists, but I definately can't afford Gitzo's or anything like that. I'm only working with an xti with kit lens, any suggestions? Thanks!Velbon makes some very nice lightweight aluminum tripods. Take a look at this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/251825-REG/Velbon_MAXI347GB_MAXi_347GB_Trunnion_Shaft.html) from B&H, that weighs in at a little more than 2.5 pounds and costs about $90. The folded length is less than 17".

[bmwm3csl]

Take a look at the Feisol CT-3441S

Lightweight, Compact, Sturdy and half the price of the Gitzo. I own this one and take it with me on vacations where size and weight are the most important issues.

http://www.feisol.net/feisol-ct3441s-with-center-column-tripod-p-38.html

[RPCrowe]

I use a Slik Pro 330DX as my boonie tromping tripod. I don't use anything heavier than my 30D with a 70-200mm f/4L IS lens and the tripod and head support this just fine.

It weighs 3.5 pounds and collapses down to 23.5". Manufacturer's specs have it supporting 6.3 pounds. The 30D + 70-200mm total weight is only 3.22 pounds. I would not recommend this tripod for a heavier package. I like to keep my camera/lens package weight around 50% of the manufacturer's recommendations.

The tripod is not as tall as I would like it to be so I have to stoop a bit to use it. However, that is the price you have to pay to get a reasonably light - reasonably sturdy tripod at a reasonable price.

The Amazon.com price is around $78.

[DANATTHEROCK]

Bogen 190 with the 322 grip style head. I love it. Very lightweight and sturdy. You can look on B&H and see tons of options for heads. I like the RC2 adapter plate. Very convenient. Below is one such set up at B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496256-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_190XDB_F_484RC2_190XDB_Tripod_Legs _Black_.html

[night_day]

Velbon makes some very nice lightweight aluminum tripods. Take a look at this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/251825-REG/Velbon_MAXI347GB_MAXi_347GB_Trunnion_Shaft.html) from B&H, that weighs in at a little more than 2.5 pounds and costs about $90. The folded length is less than 17".

I can't tell the difference between this velbon and the Maxi L/M/S ones, do you know the difference?

This is more in my price range than the other suggestions, but thanks!

[TKDbilly]

for almost half the price of the Bogan/Manfrotto 190 (check out Bestbuy) look into the Manfrotto 725B; lighter weight but I've used it now on my 40D with the 28-135 with little problems particularly hiking and traveling; amazon had it discounted recently